The history of decorative tattooing dates back thousands of years. The desire to remove them has probably existed just as long. Early attempts to remove tattoos have had less than desirable results, often resulting in partial removal or scars in place of the tattoo. Techniques like dermabrasion, salabrasion, excision and Argon or CO2 lasers have left behind scars and pigment alterations in place of tattoo. The advent of Q-Switched lasers has permitted safe and efficient tattoo removal with low risk of scarring. The Q-Switched 1064nm Nd:YAG laser is especially suited to remove dark tattoos.

The laser delivers high intensity light in pulses of a few billionths of a second. The tattoo inks selectively absorb the light without damaging the normal surrounding skin tissue. The tattoo is broken into smaller ink particles that are then harmlessly removed by the body in the weeks following treatment.

All skin types can be treated; however there are several conditions that may contraindicate treatment.

Removing a professionally applied tattoo is usually a fading process that requires a series of treatments spaced at least 6 weeks apart, Professional tattoos usually require 5-10 treatment sessions. The depth, color and amount of ink, as well as the location of the tattoo on the body are all determining factors in how quickly a tattoo can be removed. Most amateur, “street tattoos” and traumatic tattoos are removed in fewer treatments.

In most cases, tattoos can be completely removed. Though there are many factors involved in completely removing unwanted tattoos. The depth, density and colors present are the biggest determining factors. With each treatment the laser will fragment a little bit more ink and penetrate a little deeper into the skin. Blistering and scabbing often follows for a week or two after treatment. Some tattoos disappear within 2-3 treatments; some may require 8-10 or more treatments for complete removal.

The number of treatments required varies for each individual. On average most people require four to six treatments. Less or more treatments may be required depending on your skin and hair type. The treatments are performed every 4-6 weeks for areas on the face and every 9-12 weeks for areas on the rest of the body.

Most patient’s say that the laser treatment feels like being snapped by a rubber band and that the discomfort is tolerable. If desired, a topical numbing cream can be applied prior to treatment to make the treatment more comfortable. The vast majority of patients are able to resume their normal activities immediately following treatment.

Many tattoo artists encourage customers to receive a minimum number of laser treatments to lighten and existing tattoo before covering it with the new one. This will dramatically reduce any chance of the old tattoo appearing through the new one. In most cases, a minimum of 2-4 treatments is all that is required to lighten an existing tattoo.

Dr. Arora may prescribe medications that are used in conjunction with other treatments to maximize the patient results.

During consultation Dr. Arora will assess each patient and recommend a personalized treatment option including the cost of treatments.