The commitment one makes when deciding on a tattoo is not one to take lightly. On many occasions, individuals make this serious decision on a simple whim and completely disregard the fact they will ultimately be stuck with this piece of “artwork” for life. After the scabs have healed, a week, month, or year later is when it hits you; WHAT DID I DO!? The thought of removing this once loved piece of artwork on your body seems daunting. The costs, the pain, the hassle all associated doesn’t seem to make it worthwhile. What if we told you it could be removed from your life all together with a series of painless non-invasive treatments?
At Dr. Jhonny Salomon Plastic Surgery and Med Spa, we have always been committed to bringing our patients the most innovative technologies and we pride ourselves in living up to this promise. Until now, many lasers were not effective in removing dark tattoos and the best way to remove tattoos completely was through invasive surgery. Throughout the years, there have been extensive advancements in laser technologies and we are happy to provide a non-invasive option for tattoo removal with the Medlite Laser by Cynosure.
At our practice, we use lasers to remove tattoo ink through energy generated by light. A laser is a device designed to produce one or more specific wavelengths of light. Tattoo ink is removed by using this specific wavelength of light, which passes into the skin, but is absorbed by the ink. The rapid absorption of light energy causes the tattoo ink to break into tiny particles. These particles are then eliminated by the body’s natural filtering systems. This advanced laser technology provides maximum tattoo removal, while leaving the surrounding skin unharmed.
Lasers can remove professional, amateur (homemade), traumatic and surgical tattoos. On the average, professional tattoos require 6-10 treatments, while amateur tattoos require 5-7 treatments. These treatments must be spaced approximately 5-8 weeks apart for maximum results. The number of treatments required is dependent on the amount and type of ink used, and the depth of the ink in the skin. Often times, additional treatments may be needed to produce significant fading. Patients can expect to see more than 95% removal through laser removal. Blue, black, and red ink have proven the best response while green, yellow, and neon inks are the most difficult to remove. Although additional treatments will produce significant fading, on occasion these difficult colors will not respond at all.
What to Expect
Prior to the treatment, the area is numbed to minimize discomfort. The laser emits light in very short pulses on the treatment area and patients generally feel a light pulse, similar to the snap of a small rubber band. After each treatment, patients have expressed minor discomfort similar to that of a mild sunburn.
Your laser technician will provide you with detailed instructions on post treatment care. On occasion, pinpoint bleeding associated with the treatment can occur and an antibacterial ointment with a dressing will be applied to the area. This dressing will need to be changed regularly and any ointments provided will need to be reapplied. Showering will be permitted the following day, although it is important that you not scrub the treated area. Also, it is important that the treatment area not be exposed to any sunlight for at least two weeks prior to the procedure. In between treatments, you will also need to use at least a 30 SPF Sun block with Zinc Oxide on the treated area. The area should ideally be kept out of the sun during the healing process and in between treatments.
The cost for this treatment does vary and is dependent on the size of the area being treated as well as the number of treatments needed. Schedule your complimentary consultation to see if you’re the right candidate for laser tattoo removal.
Dr. Jhonny Salomon has vast experience in different procedures such as Rhinoplasty, Breast Augmentation, Liposuction, Tummy Tuck, Facelift and Eyelid Surgery. He has been featured on Major Television Networks such as The Discovery Health Channel, Telemundo and NBC. You could not be in better hands!
