|
Laser
tattoo removal involves a highly focused beam of
laser light passing harmlessly through the outer
layer of skin and absorbed primarily by the tattoo
ink. As the light is absorbed, it is quickly converted
to heat. The sudden rise in temperature within the
treatment target fractures the ink or pigment into
tiny particles. The tattoo ink fragments are carried
away by the lymphatic system. The world-class Q-Switched laser technology used by Dr. Schusterman allows
the tattoo to be treated with minimal scarring or
skin pigment changes, and with less discomfort than
other laser treatments.
 |
 |
Before |
After |
Types
of Tattoos Treated by Laser
A tattoo’s color, depth and the chemical composition
of the ink all affect how a tattoo responds to a laser
light. The laser effectively treats
red and dark ink tattoos including black, dark blue,
brown and purple, and can even treat some of today’s
more popular colors such as sky blue and green. Though
some tattoos may require more treatments than other,
in general, most tattoos can be successfully treated.
Does
Laser Tattoo Removal Hurt?
With
laser tattoo removal, the laser light selectively targets
the undesired ink, leaving other tissues largely unaffected.
Most patients report little discomfort. Many people
compare the sensation to the pulses entering the skin
to the snap of a rubber band. If such "snaps"
are too uncomfortable, you may opt for local anesthesia,
but this is usually not necessary.
How
Long Does Laser Tattoo Removal Take?
Depending
on the size and location of the tattoo or lesion, each
laser tattoo removal treatment usually takes about 10
to 30 minutes. Some faint tattoos will fade completely
after only one treatment, though most may require five
treatments or more. Treatments are spaced six to eight
weeks apart to give your body sufficient times to fully
eliminate loosened particles of ink.
After
Laser Tattoo Removal Treatment
Immediately
after laser exposure, the treated area may become whitish-colored
and swell slightly. This whiteness subsides in about
30 minutes. The swelling may last longer, but can be
reduced by cooling the skin with an ice pack. The tattoo
will fade in the next few weeks. Side effects are rare.
When side effects do occur, they are usually mild and
confined to the treatment target.
Alternate
Treatments to Laser Tattoo Removal
There
are alternatives for laser tattoo removal, but laser
treatment is the only effective method that is unlikely
to cause scarring. The alternative to laser tattoo removal
include surgical excision, salabrasion, (using salt
to burn away layers of skin), and chemical peels (using
acid to burn away layers of skin). These methods not
only cause scars, but can be painful. Laser treatment
yields excellent results without the perils and disadvantages
of other procedures.
To
schedule an appointment for Laser Tattoo Removal,
contact Dr. Schusterman's office at 713-794-0368
or email info@alwaysyouthful.com. |
