The Tattoo Removal Process and Options
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Tattoo Removal Decorative tattoos have a history dating back at least 5,000 years. The desire to remove them has probably existed just as long. Early attempts to remove tattoos included sanding, cutting, and burning of the skin, which left scarring. These removal techniques were replaced by dermabrasions, salabrasions, and C02 lasers, which still left scarring and could not differentiate tattoo colors. The advent of Q-switched lasers in the early 1990's permitted the removal of darker tattoo inks with very low risk of scarring. The latest generation of Q-switched lasers, developed in the late 1990's, is capable of removing multiple tattoo inks. The laser uses an intense beam of light to remove and lighten the tattoo, without harming the surrounding healthy skin cells. The light energy may be delivered as a continuous wave of light or in pulses. When the ink particles of the tattoo absorb the light from the laser, they are broken up into tiny fragments. These fragments are then absorbed through the body's natural cleansing mechanism, fading and removing the tattoo. This cleansing process generally takes several weeks. Tattoo Removal Options We offer complete removal, lightening, or partial removal of tattoos. An example of partial tattoo removal is removing a name inside of a tattoo banner, skillfully removing the name without disturbing the surrounding tattoo. (See picture on our photos page). We encourage patients to consider lightening existing tattoos before applying a professional cover-up. Existing tattoos are often visible underneath a cover-up. Lightening your existing tattoo creates the opportunity for a perfect cover-up from your artist. We welcome input from your tattoo artist to best determine the level of lightness required for the best look of your body art. » View before and after photos of tattoo removal (All photos are of actual Tattoo Removal Laser Clinic® clients)
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This is a professional black ink tribal tattoo. It covers the upper back, wraps around the client's shoulders and ends at his elbows (half sleeve). The first picture shows before any laser treatment. The second picture shows the left side after 2 laser treatments. The right side after 1 laser treatment. Because of its large size, only half of the tattoo can be treated at one time. As the tattoo is reduced in size, and fades more, both sides will be done at the same time. Special considerations are being taken for this client due to the large size of his design and his darker skin tone (Hispanic). |
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A professional pink flesh toned tattoo with possible white ink. This was a challenging laser removal. You will notice after 2 laser treatments there a some spots of ink that actually turned darker. This can happen with flesh tones and white inks with a metallic base that can oxidize and turn dark. A more difficult removal when this happens. Fortunately with our expertise and use of 4 different lasers the ink did respond well. The last remnants of ink will fade without any further laser treatment over the course of a year. |
