Laser Tattoo Removal
Tattoo Removal is a large part of what we do here. I got into tattoo removal back in 1997 after my own personal experience with getting some of my own tattoos removed by a doctor/dermatologist. Knowing that my experience with tattooing could and would ultimately give me an advantage over some others without this kind of experience, I wanted to offer excellent and honest results at reasonable and simple pricing using the newest, most advanced system to date. This is a process that takes some time, but we want to achieve optimal results in the fewest amount of treatments, just like you do.
Introducing the Revlite
Decorative tattoos have a history dating back at least 5000 years. The desire to remove them has probably existed just as long. Early attempts to remove tattoos have had less than desirable results. The use of dermabrasion, salabrasion and Argon or C02 lasers have left behind scars in place of the tattoo. The advent of the Q-Switched lasers has permitted the removal of most tattoo inks with very good results. The Revlite Q-Switched Nd:YAG laser is the newest system in this class of lasers. The Revlite can significantly lighten or remove many tattoo inks, and is particularly advanced in the removal of black and red inks.
How does it work?
The Revlite laser removes tattoo ink with the energy of light. Just as natural sunlight is made up of light wavelengths of many colors, a laser is a device which is designed to produce one or more specific wavelengths of light. These wavelengths are either absorbed, reflected or simply passed through objects. Tattoo ink is removed by using a specific wavelength which passes through the skin but is absorbed by the ink. The rapid absorption of light energy causes the tattoo ink to break down, where it is then removed by the body's natural filtering system.
Medical research has taught us which wavelengths of light to use and specifically how to deliver the laser's output to best remove tattoo ink. The Revlite uses a light wavelength which passes through skin, but is absorbed by most inks. The Revlite also delivers the light in very short, high intensity pulses for maximum ink response. The use of this specific combination of wavelength and rapidly pulsed light results in minimal damage to the skin while providing maximum tattoo ink removal.
Do all colors of ink disappear equally as well?
No, Black and Red inks fade the best. Oranges and Purples usually respond well. Blue, Green and Yellow and White inks are the most difficult to remove, and sometimes don't come out at all. Although additional treatments can sometimes produce significant fading.
Will the tattoo completely disappear?
In many cases, yes. Greater than 95% fading of the tattoo may be accomplished. However, it is very important to know that over 100 tattoo inks are in use worldwide today, none of which are regulated by the FDA. Not knowing which tattoo ink, how deep, what color or how much was used, makes it impossible for the laser operator to predict the degree of removal on any given tattoo.
How many treatment sessions will it take to remove the tattoo?
On the average, professional tattoos require 4-8 treatments, while amateur tattoos might only require 3-4 treatments, all spaced approximately 3-6 months apart. The number of treatments depends on the amount and type of ink used and the depth of the ink in the skin. Rarely, even more than ten treatments may be needed.
How long does the treatment take?
Most average tattoos only take about 5 min. Some larger areas could take up to an hour
Is the process painful?
The Revlite laser emits very short flashes of light called pulses. The impact of the energy from the powerful pulse of light is similar to the snap of a thin rubber band or specks of hot bacon grease on the skin. The large majority of all patients do not require anesthesia.
What will it look like after the treatment?
When the treatment is finished, the tattoo will have a white tint over it which will only last a few minutes. Sometimes blisters may appear on certain areas where there are particular colors. Using a cool compress will greatly reduce or eliminate blistering or swelling. A bandage for the first 3-4 days would be a good idea to protect the area from germs and bacteria. When the area first heals, you won't notice much difference, but after a few months the tattoo pigments will start to break up and fade away. The area will fade for up to a year with each session, so give it at least three months to have enough time to settle and fade some before re-treating the tattooed area.
What type of post-treatment care is necessary?
Aftercare is very easy. No ointments are necessary. Ice packs or a cold compress will help reduce or eliminate swelling or blistering. A shower, can be taken the next day, although the treated area should not be scrubbed. The area just needs to be kept clean until fully healed with basic showering with soap and water. A cool water rinse helps, too. Pat dry (don't drag a towel against the area) and the body will take care of the rest.
Will it scar?
Not likely. Most do not scar at all, although it is possible. Some skin types scar more easily than others. If you scar easily, you probably already know it and you'll be at a higher risk. However, at least 95% of people don't scar and have very successful removals. This is another good reason to give plenty of time between sessions to let the skin settle completely. Near the end of your sessions, when your tattoo is almost gone, sometimes there is what's called hypo-pigmentation of the skin. This is when not only the tattoo pigment is removed, but the actual skin pigment is removed as well. There is also hyper-pigmentation, which is when the body over compensates and generates and excess of natural pigments in the treated area. This is usually temporary. Normal skin tone will usually return within 12 months. It helps not to tan or spend too much time in the sun for the first year.
