Tattoo Removal
Q-switched Nd:YAG Laser
Tattooing has grown significantly in popularity over that last 10 years. And when that many people want one, there are a growing number that want them off.
Tattoos are created by injecting colored pigment into small deep holes made in the skin. Regardless of who injects the pigment - a tattoo artist or an untrained person the marks or designs are relatively permanent. For various reasons, people turn to physicians to have tattoos removed.
In recent times, most physicians now consider laser surgery one of the best methods of tattoo removal. And the Q-switched Nd:YAG is the most frequently used laser today for the removal of unwanted tattoos. Pulses of light from the laser are directed onto the tattoo breaking up the tattoo pigment. Over the next several weeks the body's macrophages remove the treated pigmented areas. More then one treatment is usually necessary to remove all of the tattoo.
The 1064-nm light emitted by the Q-switched Nd:YAG laser achieves the best results on dark tattoo inks, namely black (which accounts for more than half of all tattoos), blue and green.
How many treatments are required?
Laser treatment of tattoos consists of multiple treatments (7-9 for professional or 4-7 for amateur tattoos). Our success rate is very high and we can achieve 80-100% clearance of tattoo ink, in most circumstances.
What is a treatment like?
It is important that you not be tanned at the time of treatment. The procedure is performed as a simple office visit and usually takes under 30 minutes depending on the size and number of tattoos. To ensure minimal discomfort we may apply a numbing cream. You will be required to wear eye protection in the form of goggles during your treatment.
What should I expect after the treatment?
Immediately following treatment the tattoo will have a white surface and be swollen. The white colour turns to red within 10-30 minutes and then becomes crusted. There is usually some mild bleeding and blistering following treatment. The area will be covered with antibiotic ointment and a light dressing for a few days.
Over the next 2-3 days blisters are not uncommon and a thicker crust forms. The crust takes 7-10 days to heal and during that time an antibiotic ointment is applied twice a day. Fading of the tattoo is usually visible about 2 weeks after treatment, and the area can typically be re-treated as soon as one month later.
Fading of the tattoo pigment will continue to occur over the next 4 weeks. Sun avoidance is mandatory for 4-6 weeks following a treatment.
Site Map Website Copyright © 2007 First Glance Aesthetic Clinic