Tattoo Removal

Tattoo Removal Defined

Laser tattoo removal has been safely treating patients for nearly three decades. It was not until the 1990's that Q-switched laser, the gold standard in tattoo removal, became the laser of choice for this procedure. Laser tattoo removal became much more effective with the advent of q-switched lasers for treatment.

Tattoo removal uses precise lasers that lighten or remove your tattoo by focusing or pulsing light on the ink particles, which then convert the energy to heat and break up into tiny pieces that are absorbed harmlessly by the body. All this can be accomplished without damaging the surrounding tissue.

A Good Candidate For Tattoo Removal

Lasers produce pulses of light that pass through the top layers of the skin to be absorbed by the tattoo pigment. This energy causes this pigment to fragment into smaller particles that are then removed by the body's immune system. Laser tattoo removal is a safe, non-invasive method that targets only the ink and does not affect the tissue surrounding the tattoo.

If you have an unwanted tattoo you are a candidate for laser tattoo removal. The best candidates for tattoo removal will have fair-medium skin and black colored tattoos as the contrast between the skin color and the tattoo will mean fewer treatments are required to remove the tattoo.

Tattoo Removal Procedure

Laser tattoo removal works by breaking down the pigments of the tattoo to allow the bodies immune system to remove the remaining particles. Short beams of pulsating light are concentrated onto the tattoo and the light is absorbed by the tattoo splitting the color particles. The type of laser used will depend on the color of the tattoo.

Tattoo Removal Types

Multiple lasers specifically dedicated for tattoo removal, including the newest Alexandrite laser technology combined with the q-switched lasers. With this new technology, more stubborn colors such as green and blue are removed. With these lasers , Ritacca Laser & Cosmetic Surgery Center are able to treat tattoos of multiple colors including blue, black, green, red, yellow, and many others.

Risks Of Tattoo Removal

Tattoo Removal is safe. The likelihood of getting burned increases in relation to three items. The darker your skin type, the higher the possibility of getting burned. Darker skin types absorb more of the laser energy naturally than lighter skin types to the risk are higher.

The darker the tattoo, the higher the possibility of getting burned. Very dark colors absorb lots of energy, creating heat near the surface of the skin and increasing the likelihood of a burn. Tattoo removal that is just starting - first or second treatment - has a higher likelihood for burns because the pigment is very dense and the practitioner has less understanding of how your tissue will respond. By using the q-switched lasers, you will minimize most risks and concerns.

Tattoo Removal Results

The number of treatments depends upon the tattoo itself. Generally, results can be seen within a few weeks, although larger and darker tattoos may require more treatments than smaller, lighter ones. It will take more than one treatment to permanently remove tattoos using laser treatment.

Depending on the size and color of the tattoo two-ten treatment sessions may be required. The color of the tattoo will affect how many treatments are needed and each treatment will lighten the appearance of the tattoo.

Cost Of Tattoo Removal

The cost of laser tattoo removal is determined by the size and the number of treatments and the time for the treatment. Prices for tattoo removal generally vary from about $150 - $400 per treatment depending on the factors above.