iEnhance Home iEnhance Newsletter
  Home Our Community Newsroom
Plastic Surgery
Facial Plastic Surgery
Dermatology
Cosmetic Dentistry
Vision
 
Locate a Specialist
Photo Gallery
Procedures
 
Doctor's Lounge
Patient Financing
Message Board
Video Room

Tattoo Removal
 
With the proliferation of tattoos in recent years, doctors have seen an increase in the number of people requesting tattoo removal. The reasons for this vary: the tattoos may be poorly placed or executed, the site may have become infected, or the person may simply have outgrown whatever impulse led to the tattoo.

Because tattoos are placed fairly deeply under the skin, previous removal methods (including excision, dermabrasion, chemical removal, and the earliest lasers) caused unacceptable levels of scarring. Today, newer lasers are more gentle, more effective, and less likely to lead to scarring, making this the treatment of choice for removing tattoos.

If you're considering laser removal of a tattoo, the following information will provide you with a good introduction to the procedure. For more detailed information about how this procedure may help you, we recommend that you consult a plastic surgeon with experience in tattoo removal.
Tattoo Removal Photo Gallery
Tattoo Removal Video Gallery
 
Printer Friendly Pages Email This To Friend
 

What are some of the most common benefits of this surgery?
The laser is used to selectively target and destroy the tattoo without damaging the surrounding tissue, which greatly decreases scarring. Lasers have differing wavelengths and pulse durations, and different laser beams are absorbed by specific colors, allowing physicians to choose the precise combination of lasers for the depth and color of a particular tattoo as well as for multi-colored tattoos. After treatment the skin is more uniform and natural in appearance, although some changes in skin texture and color are unavoidable.
Go to TOP
 

What will happen at the initial consultation?
During the consultation, your doctor will advise you on what to expect from laser treatment. He/she will explain the different options available to you, the procedure itself, and its risks and limitations.

Your doctor will begin with a complete medical history and an examination of your tattoo and your overall skin tone and quality. The size, style, color and location of the tattoo, as well as the color and texture of your skin, will determine the type of laser treatment recommended. Your doctor will also want to know when, where, and by whom your tattoo was applied, as these factors too can affect the method of treatment.

Take this opportunity to ask all the questions you have about the procedure, and ask to see photos of the doctor’s recent patients, before and after the procedure. Also ask for, and follow up on, patient references. Learning everything you can about your options, risks and benefits is the key to making an informed decision. See Questions to ask your doctor below.
Go to TOP
 

How is laser removal performed?
The doctor, or an assistant, will cleanse the area on and around the tattoo to remove oils on the skin. During the procedure you’ll feel intense emissions of light penetrate the tattooed area. You’ll hear noise as the laser does its work, both from the machine itself and from the fans that operate continuously to reduce heat in the room and clean the air.
Go to TOP
 

How long does the procedure take?
On average, each laser treatment takes from ten to twenty minutes. Several treatments are needed to achieve the desired results -- the number will vary depending on the depth and color of the tattoo, but eight to twelve treatments for one tattoo are not uncommon. You must allow at least a month between treatments, so be prepared to commit a substantial amount of time to the process.
Go to TOP
 

Where will the procedure be performed?
Laser treatment is usually performed in a doctor’s office, and a hospital stay is not necessary.
Go to TOP
 

How much pain is there?
You should expect some pain during the treatment. This is most often described as a burning or stinging sensation. A numbing cream applied to the skin or a local anesthetic injected under the skin can be used to minimize pain.
Go to TOP
 

What can I expect after the procedure?
The area may be red, as if mildly sunburned, for several weeks. There may be some bruising, and with deeper tattoos bleeding is not uncommon. The area may be treated with an antibiotic ointment and a bandage applied.

Recovery times depend on the extent of the treatment and the individual’s capacity to heal. Redness and sensitivity may continue for several weeks, and there may be discoloration and a change in skin texture in the area, which will gradually improve. You should avoid exposing the treated area to the sun, as this may retard healing. You may not notice significant results until several treatments have been completed.

Most people are satisfied with the pigment removal achieved through laser treatment. It is important to remember, however, that your skin will never look as it did before you had the tattoo, even though the tattooed pigment has been removed.
Go to TOP
 

Ideal candidate:
In general, the best candidates for laser removal of tattoos:
  • Are physically healthy
  • Are psychologically stable
  • Do not smoke
  • Want to change their appearance
  • Are willing to commit a substantial amount of time to the process
  • Do not have fluorescent colors in their tattoo
  • Do not have unusual scar formations, such as keloids, or scars in the tattooed area
  • Do not have connective tissue disorders, such as lupus
  • Are not taking Accutane, nor have taken it for the previous 18 months
  • Have not had other cosmetic surgery in the tattooed area
  • Are well informed about the procedure
  • Hold realistic expectations about the outcome
The above is only a partial list of the criteria that your doctor will consider in determining whether or not this procedure is appropriate for you.
Go to TOP
 

Other important information:
Several additional factors can affect the long-term outcome of your treatment. Older tattoos are easier to remove than newer ones; tattoos applied by amateurs are easier to remove than those applied by professionals. Certain pigments are easier to remove, with fluorescent colors being the least responsive to treatment. The type of ink used may also affect the results, since some inks create a paradoxical reaction, causing the skin to become darker instead of lighter. Your physician can advise you on what to expect based on your particular tattoo.
Go to TOP
 

Risks and Limitations:
With modern lasers, extensive scarring is quite rare, although some changes in skin texture and color are common. The area treated by the laser may become hardened or rough, and the skin may become lighter or darker than the surrounding skin.

Laser treatment can also cause the development of small superficial cysts in the skin. If necessary, these cysts can easily be removed through minor surgery. Lasers can also cause burns or other injuries. To reduce the risks involved in this procedure, carefully follow all of your doctor’s instructions, both before and after the procedure.
Go to TOP
 

Costs:
The national average of 2007 doctor fees for laser tattoo removal was $2,484 (Source: American Society of Plastic Surgeons). Regional averages: New England states: $2,378 Middle Atlantic states: $2,250 North Central states: $2,500 South Central states: $2,250 and Mountain/Pacific states: $2,875. These are physician fees only, and do not include related expenses.
Go to TOP
 

Choosing a doctor:
We strongly recommend that you consider choosing a doctor who is board certified by the American Board of Medical Specialties. See our Physician Locator feature to find a doctor in your area, including detailed profile information for many of the listed doctors. Also read How to Select a Plastic Surgeon for a more detailed discussion.
Go to TOP
 

Questions to ask your doctor:
The following questions should help you to select your doctor, and better understand the procedure.
  1. Are the desired results I described realistic?
  2. How should I prepare my skin for the treatment?
  3. Where is the procedure performed? How long will the procedure take?
  4. Are there other procedures that I should consider to enhance the affects of laser removal?
  5. How much does the procedure cost?
  6. What is your experience in performing this procedure? (How long has he/she performed this procedure, and how many he/she has performed in the past year?)
  7. What percentages of patients have had significant complications? (The physician should disclose this information to you.)
  8. Will you repeat or correct procedures if it does not meet agreed upon goals? And if the procedure must be repeated / corrected, will I be charged again? (The physician should provide you with his/her policy on this issue.)
  9. May I see "before and after" photos of recent patients? The physician should provide many photos of recent patients.
  10. May I have the names and contact information for several recent laser treatment patients? (Follow up to get first-hand information on the procedure and the doctor.)
  11. Could I observe the exact procedure I am considering before I decide to have the procedure performed? (Either on videotape or live.)
  12. What should I expect post-operatively, in terms of soreness, what to watch for, medication, bathing, and level of activity? Ask if your doctor has a list of activities that you should avoid.
  13. Who will be assisting during the procedure? What are their qualifications? (Does the doctor perform the entire procedure?)
  14. Have you ever had your malpractice insurance coverage denied, revoked, suspended?
  15. Do you have privileges to perform laser treatment at an accredited hospital?
  16. Do you offer patient financing?
Go to TOP
 

Be sure to:
  • Tell your doctor about any allergies you have (to foods, drugs, environmental elements).
  • Tell your doctor if you have been exposed to significant amounts of radiation, have a history of unusual or poor scarring, or cold sores– like herpes or shingles.
  • Let your doctor know if you have taken Accutane any time during the year and half before the procedure. This medication can affect your skin’s ability to heal after laser treatment.
  • Tell your doctor if you have any serious medical conditions.
  • Tell your doctor about all medications you are taking (both prescription and non-prescription).
  • Carefully follow any instructions your doctor gives you regarding eating and drinking, smoking, and vitamins.
  • Avoid aspirin and aspirin-containing medicines for two weeks prior to the procedure.
  • Tell your doctor if you have had previous facial surgery.
  • Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure.
The information on this web site is only intended as an introduction to this procedure and should not be used to determine whether you will have the procedure performed nor as a guarantee of the result. The best method of determining your options is to consult qualified doctors who are able to answer specific questions related to your situation.
Go to TOP
 

How do I finance this procedure?
Did you know that 29% of all Americans have considered having an elective procedure? Of those, 60% would schedule a procedure immediately if financing was available. With iEnchance's patient financing options, money no longer has to be the barrier between you and your new image. By filling out our on-line application you can qualify for a loan in as little as 30 seconds.
Go to TOP
 

Related Articles
Please review the following articles for more information on this procedure.
Go to TOP
Home | Our Community | Newsroom
Locate a Specialist | All Doctors | Photo Gallery | Procedures | Doctor's Lounge
Extreme Makeover | The Swan | Dr. 90210 | About Us | Disclaimer
Business Development | Contact Us | Site Map

Find a plastic surgeon, cosmetic surgeon, dermatologist,
vision specialist, cosmetic dentist or other specialist.

At iEnhance, find information on top plastic surgery procedures such as breast augmentation, liposuction, facelift, tummy tuck, BOTOX ® Cosmetic, eyelid surgery, thermage, rhinoplasty; as well as teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, and other cosmetic dentistry procedures. Locate a plastic surgeon, cosmetic surgeon, cosmetic dentist, or specialist today!
Copyright©2000 - 2009 iEnhance.com All rights reserved. Image at current page Image at current page
Announcements:
 
Articles:
“Dr. 90210” Star Takes Lingerie Line Overseas
Facts:

*Top 5 Surgical Cosmetic Procedures in 2008:

1. Breast Augmentation: 356,000
2. Liposuction: 341,000
3. Blepharoplasty: 195,000
4. Rhinoplasty: 152,000
5. Abdominoplasty: 147,000

*Top 5 Non-Surgical Cosmetic Procedures in 2008:

1. Botox: 2,464,000
2. Laser Hair Removal: 1,281,000
3. Juvederm/Restylane: 1,263,000
4. Chemical Peel: 592,000
5. Laser Skin Resurfacing: 571,000

* Data collected from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
Featured Doctors:
  Plastic Surgery
  Ben Johnson III, M.D.
  Dermatology
  Dermatology Associates of Atlanta, PC
  Cosmetic Dentistry
  Aesthetic Smile Studio
  Vision
  Majid Moshirfar, MD
  Facial Plastic Surgery
  Jan Karlin,
Plastic & Cosmetic Sugeon, MD
Polls:
How far are you willing to travel for a top-notch cosmetic surgeon?

Within my city’s limits
To a neighboring town/county
Out of state
Out of the country