Tattoo Removal
Laser tattoo removal is a nonsurgical way to break down the pigment colors of an unwanted tattoo, making it less noticeable or removing it altogether. At Frontier Dermatology we have two different laser technologies to use depending on your specific tattoo. The PicoSure (great for greens/blues) and an Nd: YAG from Hoya ConBio (perfect for reds/black). Our specifically designed lasers target the ink within the tattoo and break up the pigment of the tattoo with a high-intensity light beam. The body then slowly breaks down and absorbs the pigment. Tattoos fade after each treatment as the laser breaks down the ink and the body’s lymphatic system removes the ink. Over the course of a series of sessions, the targeted tattoo will gradually fade.
The color used to create your tattoo also has an impact on how easy or difficult it will be to remove. A tattoo made with many different colors is usually more difficult to remove than a tattoo made with just one color. Some ink colors are more difficult to remove than others. Black, red, dark orange and dark blue tattoos are the easiest to remove. Green, purple, brown, light orange, light blue, yellow and green colors may require more visits.
We can also fade certain areas of your tattoo. Some may choose this option if they are not wanting to completely remove the tattoo but simply want to reduce the darkness in certain areas. If you are interested in getting another tattoo in the area where another tattoo exists, we can fade the entire area to help prepare for your new tattoo. Most tattoo artists don’t need the tattoo to be completely removed in order to apply new ink.
What You Should Know
We're committed to assisting you with any inquiries you may have. Should your questions extend beyond the information provided in our FAQ section, please don't hesitate to reach out to our office.
How many sessions are needed for tattoo removal?
The number of sessions required for tattoo removal depends on various factors such as the size, color, age, and location of the tattoo, as well as the individual's skin type and response to treatment. Multiple sessions are usually needed, spaced several weeks apart, to achieve satisfactory results. On average, it may take anywhere from 5 to 15 sessions or more to completely remove a tattoo.
Are there any risks or side effects associated with tattoo removal?
While tattoo removal is generally considered safe, there are some risks and potential side effects, including temporary skin irritation, redness, swelling, blistering, scabbing, or changes in skin pigmentation. In rare cases, more serious complications such as scarring, infection, or allergic reactions may occur. It's essential to consult with a qualified and experienced dermatologist or laser specialist to minimize the risk of complications.
Can all types of tattoos be removed?
Most tattoos can be partially or completely removed with tattoo removal techniques, but the effectiveness of the removal process can vary depending on factors such as the type of ink used, the depth of the tattoo, and the colors involved. Professional tattoos with dark ink and amateur tattoos with less ink density tend to respond better to removal treatments.
