What is Laser Tattoo Removal?
This procedure uses laser light to remove tattoo ink from the skin. A beam of light that is specifically absorbed by the ink is directed into the skin. Multiple pulses of light are used, each pulse lasting just billionths of a second.

Laser Tattoo Removal

Why is laser light used?
Different ink colors absorb distinctive wavelengths of light. Laser light is monochromatic, which means it consists of only one wavelength of one color. By using laser light, it is possible to select a narrow band of light that interacts with a specific ink color.

How many treatments are required?
Usually more than one treatment is required to lighten or eliminate a tattoo. This depends upon a number of factors including the ink colors within the tattoo, the quantity of ink used, and the age of the tattoo. Treatments are usually scheduled at intervals of six weeks.

How must I prepare for treatment?
Tanning or the use of a self-tanning lotion should be avoided prior to treatment. This only darkens the skin and reduces the effectiveness of treatment by diminishing the transmission of light through the skin into the tattoo. Prior to treatment, if on a hair-bearing site, the skin should be shaved. The skin should be clean and free of any cover-up makeup over the tattoo.

What will my skin look like after treatment?
Immediately after treatment the skin will be somewhat red and swollen. In addition, the outermost layer of skin may be removed causing crusting. This resolves in a few days to a couple of weeks. Lightening of the tattoo is seen at that time but usually continues weeks, or longer, after a treatment.

Are there any limitations after treatment?
You may resume all activities immediately after treatment, including swimming and aerobics. However, if you are in the sun, you should cover the treated area to prevent sunburn, until the skin has healed.

Is treatment permanent?
Once lightened or removed, the tattoo does not reappear.

Is treatment considered safe?
The VersaPulse™  laser is FDA approved for tattoo removal. The light produced by this laser includes visible and infrared wavelengths. These wavelengths are considered safe and are not associated with skin cancer and other undesirable changes of some forms of light, such as ultraviolet light and ionizing radiation. Pregnant women can be safely treated.

Is treatment painful?
It is usually less painful than the needles used to apply the tattoo! There is individual variation in discomfort associated with laser tattoo removal. For those finding it uncomfortable, a topical anesthetic cream can be applied a couple of hours prior to treatment. If desired, the skin can be completely anesthetized by injection, similar to dental anesthesia.

Can the tattoo be completely removed?
Although laser effectively lightens tattoos, sometimes very faint pigmentation remains due to residual ink in the skin. Often there is continued fading months after treatment. There can be mild textural changes of the skin. However, once treatment is completed, most people cannot discern the pre-existing tattoo.

Which type of laser does Dr. Green use?
The VersaPulse™, a FDA approved laser, is used. This laser incorporates different wavelengths of light to treat the commonly encountered tattoo colors including blue, black, green, red and yellow. Most other colors that are present in contemporary tattoos consist of combination of these inks and are also effectively treated with the VersaPulse™

Do you have a question? - Email: skincare@laserderm.net