For as long as humankind has performed tattoos, there has been a need for removing them. People choose to decorate the skin with permanent tattoos for several reasons but may find that over time the color of these tattoos may "bleed" and lose their detail due to aging of the skin and may not be as aesthetic as they once were. Some get tired of the tattoo design and just want it removed.  In the past the use of dermabrasion, salabrasion and Argon or CO2 lasers for tattoo removal have left behind scars in exchange of the tattoo. Besides being very painful, these methods were only partially effective and caused considerable scarring.

The use of lasers in medical science has improved significantly over the past few years. Laser technology has become an important factor in the removal of skin tattoos. the Clinical Center for Cosmetic Laser Treatment offers patients one of the premier tattoo removal lasers. To find out how lasers work to remove tattoos and other questions, please read the "Frequently Asked Questions" link below.
 
  

What is laser tattoo removal and what does it accomplish?

Nd:YAG laser is the newest laser for tattoo removal. This laser can significantly lighten or remove many tattoo inks, and is particularly advanced in the removal of blue, black and red inks. Just as natural sunlight is made up of light wavelengths of many colors, a laser is a device that is designed to produce one or more specific wavelengths of light. A laser tattoo, such as the Nd:YAG, works to remove tattoo ink using specific wavelengths of light. These wavelengths are either absorbed, reflected or pass through the skin and break up the particles of tattoo pigment. The rapid absorption of light energy causes the tattoo ink to destruct, where it is then removed by the body's natural filtering systems. The laser helps the body by breaking up the pigment into small particles that can be removed more rapidly.

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Why do I need a consultation?

A consultation is necessary prior to scheduling your laser tattoo removal. The consultation allows our doctors to determine your skin type, the appropriate laser necessary for your treatment, and if this would be the best treatment for your particular tattoo. In rare cases, excisions or grafts are utilized for removal or cover-up strategies. The only way to determine if this is necessary is by having the initial consultation with one of our doctors. 

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How is the treatment performed?

Your laser tattoo removal will be performed at the Clinical Center for Cosmetic Laser Treatment at The Aston Center on the campus of UT Southwestern Medical Center.

You will need to discontinue use of aspirin-like products 10 days prior to your treatment. A topical anesthesia gel is provided and you should apply it to the tattoo and cover it with Saran wrap 30 minutes before treatment in order to anesthetize the skin. After the skin in anesthetized, your doctor passes the laser light over your tattoo. Most patients equate the pain of removal with the pain of getting the tattoo. As treatments progress, the pain decreases because there is less pigment to absorb the laser energy. Each procedure takes between 5 to 15 minutes depending on the size of the tattoo.

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How many treatment sessions will it take to remove the tattoo?

The number of treatments for clearance of a tattoo depends on the amount and type of ink used and the depth of the ink in the skin. Professional tattoos may require up to 6 to 12 treatments, while amateur tattoos require 3 to 6 treatments. In some cases, complete clearance can not be achieved. It is impossible for any doctor to determine exactly how many treatments it will take for complete removal because the variables are usually unknown, such as the type of ink and how much was used. During your initial consultation, your doctor will be able to estimate how many treatments may be necessary for the clearance of your tattoo.

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Do all colors of ink disappear equally as well?

Successful laser removal of tattoos is color related. Dark blue, black and red inks tend to respond best to laser treatment, while green and yellow are much more difficult to remove and may require additional treatments. Oranges and purples respond moderately well.

Greater than 95% clearance of the tattoo may be accomplished. It is important to know that over 100 tattoo inks are in use worldwide today, none of which are regulated by the FDA. Without knowing what pigments were used and exactly how deep they were injected, makes it impossible to predict the degree of removal on any given tattoo.

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What type of post-treatment care is necessary?

Occasionally there will be pinpoint bleeding associated with the treatment. After your treatment, the area will be covered with an antibiotic ointment and a dressing applied which you will periodically change. After it has stopped oozing, about 5 to 7 days, you may remove the dressing and moisturize the area daily as well as use sunscreen. You will be ready for your next treatment in 6 to 8 weeks.

After you have healed, you will need to continually protect your new skin. In the early weeks and months following the treatment, your skin will be very susceptible to sun damage. If at all possible, avoid prolonged exposure to the sun. If you must be in the sun for a short time, use sunscreen.

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How much do the treatments cost?

Laser tattoo removal involves the use of sophisticated expensive laser equipment in order to deliver precise and effective energy pulses. During your initial consultation the areas to be treated will be determined and a fee quote per treatment session will be given to you. This fee involves the cost of the procedure, topical anesthetic and postoperative visits. To be able for us to better assess your needs, we invite you to schedule for a consultation.  Please call (214) 648-8495.

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