Tattoo Removal
Tattoo Removal Chicago
At some point in your life, you may have felt it was a great idea to have a tattoo on some area of your body… but as you age, many seek out methods to remove the tattoo(s). Whether it is due to the shape changing, the colors fading, or that you just don’t like it anymore, tattoos can be minimized if not completely removed from the skin.
Before (left) and after (right) 5 Q-Switched Tattoo Removal treatments.
Photos Courtesy of Advanced Dermatology, LLC.
What is Tattoo Removal?
We use the Q-Switched laser (1064nm and 532nm) for the removal of the following conditions: black or blue tattoos and benign pigmented lesions. Laser treatments with the Q-Switched accomplish tattoo removal or can help reduce the components of sun-damaged skin such as “age-spots” (also called sun freckles, liver spots, and lentigines). Lasers are machines that produce a beam of light that has a specific biological target. Some lasers target blood vessels and are absorbed by these. Some lasers target pigment, so hair follicles, “age spots” or tattoos absorb these. The target that absorbs the light converts it to heat and is modified or removed.
Most people require on average one to three treatments for pigment reduction, and on average 3-10 treatments for tattoo reduction, performed every 4-8 weeks but occasionally more may be necessary. There are no set requirements for numbers of treatments, however, only recommendations. New lesions may appear over time; therefore, more treatments may be needed if reduction is desired.
Who is a candidate?
Anyone who has unwanted tattoos that could be expected to be improved with this treatment that understands the risks, costs and time necessary to achieve the full benefit of the procedure and who has realistic expectations of the ultimate outcome.
What is Tattoo Removal like?
Depending on the size of the tattoo that is to be removed, treatment may be very fast (less than five minutes) or quite lengthy. If the tattoo is small, we will normally inject local anesthetic to reduce discomfort associated with the laser during the procedure. If the tattoo is large, then we will topically numb the area with anesthetic instead. During the procedure we will also apply very cold air to the area to further reduce any discomfort. The laser otherwise feels like a very hot pulse that is fired at the skin in the pattern of the tattoo. Immediately following the treatment, you will feel some heat. We will apply topical ointment to the area and dress the tattoo with a bandage for proper healing.
Tattoo Removal takes multiple treatments. The treatment quantity varies upon patient satisfaction; average for most removals is 3-10, provided every 1-2 months.
How does Tattoo Removal work ?
The Q-Switched laser delivers short & high power pulses, effectively breaking apart darker colors that are able to be absorbed by the body’s immune system. Why is this important? This laser will leave the surrounding tissue intact unlike other methods of removal, allowing for better healing and blending to the surrounding tissue.
What type of equipment is used?
Successful tattoo removal is a result of “quality switched laser” also known as the Q-Switched laser. Q-switched lasers represent the gold standard for tattoo removal.
What desired results can be expected?
The color of the tattoo does matter. The tattoo could be completely removed from the skin or partially removed. Certain lasers remove certain colors. Also, keep in mind the lighter colors are more difficult to completely remove.
Are there any negatives?
Just as it was uncomfortable to receive the tattoo, there is also discomfort with the removal. To reduce discomfort, topical or local anesthetic is often used just before the procedure, in addition to very cold air blown on the area during treatments. Other side effects that can occur with tattoo removal include redness, welling and scabbing for up to two weeks post treatment. Proper skincare is needed post treatment to heal the treated area. Any laser treatment also has the risk of the following side effects although very uncommon: skin wound, infection, scarring, hypo or hyper-pigmentation, bruising and peeling.
What happens after Tattoo Removal?
Aftercare: Just as you had to care for your skin after receiving the tattoo, it is important to also use proper skincare as directed by your laser provider after each procedure to remove the tattoo for proper healing. Topical ointment such as EltaMD Laser Balm or Aquaphor is usually recommended post treatment for proper wound healing.
Is there another way to get the same effect?
Alternatives may include makeup, chemical peels, dermabrasion, photorejuvenation, laser peels or resurfacing, skin grafting, and other laser procedures. Q-Switched is the most tolerated and effective method that requires minimal downtime.
How is this different than other procedures?
Q-Switched is the preferred method of removal due to the quick results with minimal down-time or side effects in comparison to the alternative methods.
Can this be combined with other treatments?
Other treatments should not be done on the tattoo during the wound healing process.
What is the cost of Tattoo Removal?
Please call Advanced Dermatology at 847-459-6400 for a consultation and the Cosmetic Coordinator will develop a personalized treatment protocol with you.
