Decorative tattoos have a history dating back at least 5000 years. The desire to remove them has probably existed just as long. Early attempts to remove tattoos have had less than desirable results. The use of dermabrasion, salabrasion and Argon or CO2 lasers have left scars in place of the tattoo. The advent of the Yag laser can significantly lighten or remove many tattoo inks, but particularly advanced with the blue and black inks. The laser removes tattoo ink with the energy of light. Just as natural sunlight is made up of wavelengths of many colors, a laser is a device which is designed to produce one or more specific wavelengths of light. These wavelengths are wither absorbed, reflected or simply passed through objects. Tattoo ink is removed by using a specific wavelength which passes through the skin but is absorbed by the ink. The rapid absorption of light energy causes tattoo ink to destruct, where it is then removed by the body's natural filtering systems. Medical research has taught us which wavelengths or light to use and specifically how to deliver the laser's output to best remove tattoo ink. The laser also delivers the light in very short, high intensity pulses for maximum ink destruction. The use of this specific combination of wavelength and rapidly pulsed light results in minimal damage to the skin while providing maximum ink removal.

Is the process painful?
The laser emits light in very short flashes called pulses. The impact of the energy from the powerful pulse of light is similar to the snap of a thin rubber band or specks of hot bacon grease. The large majority of all patients do not require anesthesia.

How many treatment sessions will it take to remove the tattoo?
On the average, professional tattoos require 6-8 treatments for multicolored tattoos, while amateur tattoos require 5-6 treatments, all spaced approximately one month apart. The number of treatments depend on the amount and type of ink used and the depth of the ink in the skin. Rarely, even more than ten treatments may be needed.

Do all colors of ink disappear equally as well?
No, dark colors like black, blue, purple, green respond the best. Orange, yellow and red are difficult to remove.

Will the tattoo completely disappear?
In many cases, yes. Greater than 95% fading of the tattoo may be accomplished. However, it is very important to know that over 100 tattoo inks are in use worldwide today, none of which are regulated by the FDA. Not knowing which tattoo ink, how deep or how much was used, makes it impossible for the physician to predict the degree of removal on any given tattoo.

What is the skin recovery time?
One to two weeks.

Alternatives to laser
Surgical excision, dermabrasion, or chemical peels.
All are painful, expensive, and high-risk for scarring or changing texture or pigmentation.