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Tattoos have been used since ancient times to beautify and individualize
the body. However, our concept of beauty and sense of identity can
change, and a tattoo may become a source of concern. Historically,
techniques such as dermabrasion and excision have been utilized
to remove unwanted tattoos. These techniques often cause undesirable
scars. Fortunately, recent advances in laser technology now allow
effective and safe tattoo removal with very little risk of scarring.
How do lasers remove tattoos?
Lasers can be tuned so that they only damage specific targets in
the skin. This principle is known as "selective photothermolysis."
For example, certain lasers are tuned to damage only red blood cells
and are thus useful for removing spider veins. Other lasers target
pigmentation and can be used to remove unwanted brown spots or tattoo
pigment. Multi-colored tattoos typically require several different
lasers for maximum removal of pigment. We utilize the Versapulse
laser – the most effective laser available for tattoo removal.
The Versapulse unit actually contains four different lasers, each
of which is useful for a different range of tattoo pigments.
How is the treatment performed?
The entire procedure takes approximately 10-20 minutes. For larger
tattoos, a topical anesthetic cream can be applied to lessen the
moderate discomfort associated with therapy. Protective eyewear
is worn, and the tattoo is "painted" with the laser light.
After treatment, a bandage is placed, and you are allowed to return
to work or social activities with minimal restrictions.
What can I expect after therapy?
Immediately following the procedure, the tattoo appears white due
to the formation of microscopic gas bubbles. This white appearance
fades after 30-60 minutes, and the entire tattoo appears lightly
scratched, with a small amount of scabbing. This scabbing is treated
with dilute vinegar soaks and petrolatum application 1-2 times each
day, and the area heals in 2-3 weeks. The tattoo then fades gradually
over 4-8 weeks. Treatment sessions are usually scheduled every 6-8
weeks, to allow adequate time for healing and fading.
What are the risks?
Laser tattoo removal is extremely safe, with almost no risk of serious
side effects. In the vast majority of patients, the tattoo is simply
erased and treated skin looks exactly like surrounding skin. A minority
of patients experience some textural or pigmentary changes. There
have been a few reports of allergic reactions to the treated tattoo
pigment, but this is extremely rare. Overall, the risk of complications
is less than 1%.
What are the limitations of laser
tattoo removal?
Effective treatment typically requires several laser sessions, usually
scheduled every 6-8 weeks. Amateur tattoos require an average of
4-6 treatment sessions, and professional tattoos usually need at
least 6-8 sessions. In some cases, the tattoo cannot be completely
erased, with approximately 5-15% of the tattoo remaining.
Certain tattoo colors, such as red and black, are easier to eliminate
than other pigments, such as green or flesh-colored. Recent research
suggests that tattoos containing titanium dioxide may be more difficult
to eliminate completely. Titanium dioxide is a white pigment often
used to brighten green, blue, yellow, and purple tattoos. Deeply
placed tattoo pigment is also more difficult to eliminate than thinly
placed pigment. There is tremendous variation in the inks used and
the depth of ink placement among different tattoo artists, so it
is impossible for us to know how many total sessions will be needed
to achieve an elegant result.
What is the cost of laser tattoo
removal?
Tattoo removal costs approximately ten times as much as tattoo application.
This is a result of the cost of the laser ($180,000) and the number
of sessions required for effective removal. Charges are based on
the size and colors of your tattoo, and range from about $300 to
$1,000 per treatment session depending on tattoo size and complexity.
Treatment is considered cosmetic and is not covered by insurance.
Payment for each treatment session is due at the time of scheduling.
Thank you for choosing Dermatology Associates of Kentucky for
your skin care needs. Established in 1951, we are one of the oldest,
largest, and most comprehensive dermatologic practices in the United
States. We look forward to caring for you.
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