Laser Treatment Tattoo Removal

The MedLite laser - the choice for tattoo removal..... Decorative tattoos have a history dating back at least 5000 years. The desire to remove them has probably existed for just as long. Early attempts to remove tattoos have had less than desirable results. The use of dermabrasion, saltabrasion and Argon or CO2 lasers have left behind scars in place of the tattoo.

The advent of Q-Switched lasers has permitted the removal of most tattoo inks with a very low risk of scarring. The MedLite Q-Switched Nd: YAG laser is the laser of choice in this class of laser. The MedLite can significantly lighten or remove a wide variety of tattoo inks.

Glenoaks Laser Center - Laser Tattoo Removal FAQ's

How does the MedLite laser remove the tattoo?
The MedLite laser removes tattoo ink with the energy of light. A laser is a device which is designed to produce one or more specific wavelengths of light. Tattoo ink is removed by using this specific wavelength of light which passes into the skin, but is absorbed by the ink. The rapid absorption of light energy causes the tattoo ink to break into tiny particles which can then be removed by the body’s natural filtering systems. The MedLite laser provides maximum tattoo removal while leaving the surrounding skin unharmed.

What type of tattoos can be removed?
The MedLite laser can remove professional, amateur (homemade), traumatic and surgical tattoos.

How many treatments will it take to remove a tattoo?
On the average, professional tattoos require 4 - 12 treatments, while amateur tattoos require 2 - 5 treatments, all spaced approximately 4 - 6 weeks apart. There are several different factors involved in determining how many treatments your particular tattoo will require such as the amount and type of ink used, and the depth of the ink in the skin, but between 4 and 12 treatments is average.

How Much Does Tattoo Removal Cost?
The cost of tattoo removal at Glenoaks Laser Center is $50 per square inch per visit but pre-pay for 5 treatments, and get one treatment free.

Below are examples of tattoos and the cost to completely remove them.

Can I buy just one treatment at a time?
Yes, you can buy one treatment at a time but we offer our patients a package discount: pre-pay for 5 treatments and get one free.

Should I have to pay for a Laser Tattoo Removal consultation?
No, our consultation is free. Call us at (818) 551 0030 and schedule a FREE tattoo removal consultation.

Does the laser remove colored tattoos?
Dark (blue, black) and red inks will resolve the best. Oranges and purples usually fade as well. Green and yellow inks are the most difficult to remove, and additional treatments are needed to produce significant fading.

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

Is the process painful?
The MedLite laser emits light in very short pulses. The impact of the energy from the powerful pulse of light is similar to the snap of a small rubber band on the skin.The majority of patients do not require anesthesia, depending on the size and location of the tattoo. Anesthesia creams are available if needed.

Will I see a change after each treatment?
Everyone responds at a different rate. Some people see a difference with every treatment, while others will not see any change for a few treatments in a row.

Can I come back sooner than four weeks?
Laser experts recommend a minimum of 4-6 weeks between treatments to give you the best result. Healing is not the reason for the spacing of your treatments. The laser does not expel the ink; it breaks it up so your body's immune system can take it away. If you treat your tattoo too frequently, the laser is simply targeting the ink that it has already been fragmented but that your body hasn't had enough time to remove completely.

Can I have permanent makeup removed?
We do not treat these types of tattoos. Some cosmetic inks have metallic bases. When the laser comes in contact with these inks, it can turn black. Be cautious of anyone who says they can effectively remove cosmetic ink. Once this darkening occurs, it cannot be removed by any laser. You may end up with permanent black lip liner. Tattooed eyeliner cannot be removed due to the danger of the laser near the eye, and the ink in permanent eyebrows could migrate up the forehead causing a shadow effect.

What should I do before my treatment?

• Shave the area to be treated if necessary.
• Apply topical anesthetic 30 minutes prior to treatment.
• Avoid Aspirin, Aleve, Motrin, or ibuprofen products.

What type of post-treatment care is necessary?
An antibacterial ointment and a dressing will be applied to the area immediately after treatment. Occasionally, there will be pinpoint bleeding associated with the treatment. The treated area should be kept clean. Follow post operative instructions exactly as to what to do during the days following the procedure. A shower can be taken the next day, although the treated area should never be scrubbed. If a scab forms it is vital that you do not pick it or scratch it.

What do I need to do after I am treated?

First 24 hours:

• Apply ice compress periodically.
• Rest and elevate the treated area.
• Limit activities, exercising, steam rooms, saunas or swimming.

After 24 hours and until healed:

• Use Aloe-Cort cream twice daily to moisturize.
• You may resume all activities except swimming (unless fully healed).
• DO NOT POP BLISTERS or pick scabs or you may risk infection and scarring.
• Avoid sun exposure and tanning beds during healing process.
• Wait 4-6 weeks between treatments.

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