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 The following information has been written to answer questions about treatment of your tatoo with the Q-switched Nd:YAG laser.
How are tattoos removed?
The Q-switched Nd:YAG laser uses an intense beam of light to significantly lighten or completely remove your tattoo. When the ink particles of your tattoo absorb he light from the laser, they are broken up into tiny fragments. These fragments are then absorbed through your body's natural cleansing mechanism. This cleansing process generally takes a few weeks.
Tattoo removal with the Q-switched Nd:YAG laser uses this intense light to penetrate the top skin layer and target the tattoo ink. The treated area scabs over. After several days, the scab falls off, taking some of the ink with it.
How many treatment sessions will it take to remove the tattoo?
Multiple treatments may be required to obtain your desired result. Presently, there is no standard method of applying tattoos. The inks are not standardized. Multiple colors are utilized. Different particle sizes, depth of application, and concentration of the ink make it extremely difficult to exactly determine the number of sessions. There are also regional differences in the body in the thickness of the skin as well as individual natural skin pigmentation variability. On average, professional tattoos require more treatments than amateur tattoos. Amateur tattoos may require between 3 and 5 treatments to achieve maximum response. Professional tattoos rarely clear in less than 5 treatments and may require 10 or more treatments. However, visible lightening should be achieved after 1 or 2 sessions. Treatment sessions are usually spaced 8 weeks apart for tattoos.
Does the process hurt?
The Q-switched Nd:YAG laser emits extremely short high energy pulses of light. These high energy pulses create a shock wave when they hit the skin and the energy is absorbed by the pigment. The shock wave feels like a rubber band snapping the skin. Over the counter topical anesthetic creams can make the treatment more comfortable. LMX 4 is the brand most commonly used. It should be thickly applied to the tattoo one hour prior to treatment and covered with plastic wrap.
 Do all colors of ink disappear equally as well?
No. Dark inks including blue, black, and red fade the best. Oranges and purples respond well. Green and yellow inks are the most difficult to remove with this laser.
Will the tattoo completely disappear?
Frequently, tattoos can be removed completely. Since there is no standard regulation of tattoo application and tattoo inks (there are over 100 tattoo inks currently in use), there is no way to guarantee that all of the ink will be completely removed.
Are there side effects?
Occasionally, hypopigmentation, or a whitening of the skin, may occur. But, normal skin tone should return within 6-12 months following your last treatment session. Occasionally the hypopigmentation is permanent. Since the ink used in tattooing is not regulated, some patients have only partial clearing even after several laser sessions. Scarring is not a common side effect of laser treatment, but has been occurred and is an uncommon risk of the procedure.
What type of post-treatment care is necessary?
The treated area may develop small blisters or bruising, depending on the color of light used to treat the area. It is important to clean the treated area with lukewarm water followed by the application of antibiotic (such as Polysporin) ointment. The object of cleaning the wound is to keep the treated lesion moist, which aids in the healing process. The area should be covered with Telfa gauze cut to the size of the wound and secured in place with non-allergic paper tape. If swelling occurs, ice packs or cold compresses may be used. The area should be covered as long as blistering or crusting is present.
May I be exposed to the sun following the procedure?
Direct exposure of the sunlight should be avoided following laser therapy. If there is no crusting or blistering, sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher should be applied to the treated area for 2 months following the treatment to avoid sun damage.
How long must I wait before I am allowed to use makeup over the treated area?
Makeup, creams, lotions or sunscreens should not be used over the area treated until it has completely healed.
How often can I have the treatments?
Treatments should be spaced no more frequently than every 8 weeks, for maximum healing and ink removal to occur.
How much will the treatment cost?
The total cost of the laser treatment will depend on the number of treatments required and the size of the area treated. There is a charge for each laser treatment. The cost of laser treatment is $200-500 per session. Payment is expected at the time of the visit by credit card, cash, or personal check.
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TATTOO REMOVAL
