Tattoo Removal (FAQ)
Tattoo removal is often prompted by a change in lifestyle, personal taste or career. In the past, tattoo removal has been performed using unsophisticated techniques, most of which left individuals with unpleasant results. However, with the recent advances in medical technology, laser therapy has become the “gold standard” for removal of tattoos. Sierra Laser Clinic and Dr. Amirhamzeh provide comprehensive removal of unwanted tattoos and lightening of current tattoos for new artwork. We strive for excellence and are dedicated to provide ongoing care for our patients. We provide comprehensive treatment for tattoo removal with “state-of-the-art” equipments that are designed to work on many of the various color ranges for complete tattoo removal.
At Sierra Laser Clinic, our goals are to help you remove unwanted tattoos or prepare and lighten up current tattoos for additional new artwork. This will occur through education of our patients on tattoo removal in order to set reasonable and obtainable expectations.
Our Principles of Care include:
- Comfort
- Education
- “State-of-the-Art” Laser Devices designed to be effective on many color spectra of tattoo artwork
- Medical Expertise
F.A.Q.
Am I a candidate for laser tattoo removal? Individuals with superficially placed tattoos on the arms, chest, back, buttocks or legs are the best candidates. Darker skinned individuals or tattoos on areas where there is less body fat are the more difficult to treat but still treatable. A consultation can better determine the success rate of your laser tattoo removal treatment.
How does laser tattoo removal work? A high-powered Q-Switched Nd:YAG or Ruby laser is used to remove unwanted tattoos and pigmented lesions (sunspots, freckles, etc.). Laser emits a highly focused beam of light which passes harmlessly through the outer layer of the skin and is absorbed primarily by the tattoo ink or the excess pigment within the lesion. As the laser light is absorbed, it is quickly converted to heat. The sudden rise in temperature within the treatment targets fractures the ink and pigment into tiny particles. Tattoo ink or pigment fragments are then carried away and cleared by your white blood cells and the lymphatic system.
Is the treatment painful? Each laser pulse feels like a brief sensation of heat or the feeling of a snapping rubber band, and is tolerated well by most patients. The discomfort associated with laser treatment is comparable with that of receiving a tattoo and anesthetic is usually not needed. The treated area may feel tender after but subsides within a short few days. All laser treatments are accompanied by a Zimmer Cryo cooling system which provides cold air to help ease any discomfort. The Zimmer Cryo cooling system is used during laser tattoo removal procedures to ensure that patients are comfortable before and during the procedure. The Zimmer Cryo cooling system minimizes pain and thermal injury during laser treatments. Unlike other cooling methods, the Zimmer Cryo system cools the epidermis before, during, and after non-invasive laser treatment. The system has many different airflow rates that allow the operator to customize the intensity of the cooling for different situations.
What can I expect during my consultation? During initial consultation, our medical staff will ask about your medical history, prior procedures, medications, allergies, and address your concerns for wanting to improve the quality of your skin. Following history and physical examination, you will be educated and informed about laser technology and will be provided with treatment options available based on your needs.
What can I expect after my treatment? Immediately following the treatment, the treated area may be a bit sore and tender to touch. Also, the skin may appear swollen, red or possibly bruised. This may be followed by crusting and scabbing which may persist 1-2 weeks. We recommend local icing as much as possible to decrease discomfort and swelling. The treated area will be more sensitive to sunlight. To minimize potential side effects of hyper- or hypo-pigmentation, we recommend that direct sun exposure is avoided and sunscreen (minimum 50 SPF) be worn throughout the treatment course. It is not uncommon to see no visible changes immediately after the first treatment and in some cases for the tattoo to appear darker. Lasers treat the deepest ink so the fading occurs gradually.
First 24 hours:
- Minimize strenuous activities
- Apply ice pack as often as reasonably possible
- Keep treated area protected and elevated when possible
After 24 hours and until treatment area is visibly healed:
- Use a moisturizing cream such as aloe
- Scarring is most often a result of poor wound maintenance which can also lead to infection. DO NOT PICK SCABS or POP BLISTERS.
- Pass up swimming as it will adversely affect the healing process
- Steer clear of sun exposure and tanning beds while you heal
- Allow sufficient healing time, usually 4-8 weeks, between treatments
Will my tattoo disappear? Results will vary depending upon the depth, age, and size of the tattoo as well as the quality of ink used. Multiple treatments are necessary to fade or remove your tattoo. Based on our experience, the average protocol is 10-12 laser treatments for complete removal. Each treatment session is scheduled at intervals of 4-8 weeks apart in order to give ample time for your white blood cells and lymphatic system to clear the tattoo in between treatment sessions. However, this interval can be longer depending on your individual response. In some instances, significant fading of the tattoo can continue for up to 6 months after laser treatment. On rare occasions and usually in darker skinned patients, there may be a lightening of the skin in the shape of the tattoo (ghosting). If this does occur, it usually is temporary.
What is the cost for tattoo removal treatments? Consultation fee is $100.00. Cost per treatment depends on size of tattoo. Treatments generally start at $100.00 per session. Packages are available as well and will be discussed in detail at time of consultation.
How often will I need to receive treatment to remove my tattoo? Treatments are done every 4-8 weeks.
What are the common side-effects or complications associated with the treatment? Most common side effects with tattoo removal are mild swelling, small blisters, and peeling. If a blister larger than the size of a pencil eraser forms, please come into the office for evaluation. The week following tattoo removal treatment is critical in the healing process. Proper care for the tattoo is crucial to avoid scarring or infection. You will be sent home with pre- and post-treatment instructions at time of consultation and at time of your treatment.
How can I prepare for the treatment? No tanned skin (artificial included) two weeks prior to the treated area. Tattoo must be at least 4-6 weeks old and completely healed prior to treating. The patient should have been off Accutane. On the day of treatment, no cream, lotion or makeup should be applied to the area treatment. Treatment area should be shaved. It is important to note that area will be devoid of hair (hair will not grow back) following laser treatment.
What is Accutane? Accutane (Isotretinoin) is a form of vitamin A. It belongs to a class of drugs known as retinoids and works by decreasing facial oil (sebum) production to reduce amount of oil released by oil glands in your skin. High amounts of sebum can lead to severe acne. Left untreated, severe acne may cause permanent scarring. Accutane is used to treat severe cystic acne (also known as nodular acne) after other medicines or antibiotics have been tried without successful treatment of symptoms.
Are there any medical conditions or medical history that can prevent me from being a candidate for treatment? You may not be a good candidate for laser tattoo removal treatments if anything in the list below applies to you:
- Pregnancy
- Breast feeding and nursing
- Taking Accutane (must be off of Accutane for 6 months)
- Other rare conditions
How long is the recovery time associated with my procedure? Recovery can take anywhere from 1-2 weeks after treatment is performed depending on the area being treated. The farther away from the heart (legs, ankles, feet), the longer it can take to heal due to less circulation.
What are the risks? Hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin), hypopigmentation (lightening of the skin) and scarring are possible complications of the procedure. Sun exposure as well as not adhering to post-treatment instructions provided may increase chances of complications.
Can I lighten an existing tattoo? Many tattoo artists encourage customers to lighten an existing tattoo before covering it with a new one. This dramatically reduces any chance of the old tattoo appearing through the new one. In most cases, a minimum of 4-6 treatments is probably required to lighten an existing tattoo in preparation of cover-up.
Can I come back earlier than scheduled for the treatments? No. The time between treatments is set up so your tattoo can heal properly and your body has had enough time to flush out and remove the tattoo ink naturally. Visible results after a treatment are not always immediate. The body breaks down the ink slowly and usually takes 4-8 weeks to see the full results after a treatment.
Can I have just part of my tattoo removed? Yes. We can remove any specific part of your tattoo you don't want. Our lasers are very accurate.
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