Tattoo Removal

Decorative tattoos have a history dating back more than 5,000 years. The desire to remove them has existed for just as long. Early attempts to remove tattoos have had less than desirable effects. Dermabrasion, saltabrasion, Argon or CO2 lasers left behind scars in place of a tattoo.

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

The Medlite laser removes tattoo ink with the energy of light. 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.

On average, professional tattoos require 6-8 treatments, while homemade tattoos require 4-5 treatments. Treatments are spaced 6-8 weeks apart. The number of treatments is dependent upon the amount of ink used, and the depth of the ink in the skin. Blue, black, and red inks will resolve best. Oranges and purples usually fade as well. Green and yellow inks are the most difficult to remove, and require additional treatments.

The laser pulse feels like a small rubber band snapping on the skin. Most patients do not require anesthesia, depending on the size and location of the tattoo. Local anesthesia creams are available if needed. Antibacterial ointment and a dressing will be applied to the area after treatment. The treated area should be kept clean. A shower can be taken the next day.

Laser Treatment of Tattoos
Tattooing is an ancient art form dating back as far as the Stone Age (12,000 BC). Egyptian mummies from 4000 BC show evidence of attempts at tattoo removal.
Times changes, your tastes change, and your life changes. You change your clothes; you change your hairstyle -- so why shouldn't you be able to eliminate unwanted tattoos? Or fade them to prepare the area for a different tattoo.

As one patient said: "I loved my tattoo when I got it, but I'm at a point in my life now where I no longer care to have it. The Medlite laser was the solution for me."
There are three general types of tattoos:
1. Decorative tattoos are tattoos placed on the skin as a decoration. These are the most common type of tattoo. Some are homemade with needle and India ink; others are professionally applied with a tattoo gun using one or more colors of tattoo ink. Professional tattoos are deeper, contain more ink, and usually need extra treatments.
2. Cosmetic tattoos are also known as micro- pigmentation or permanent cosmetics. This type of tattoo is used as permanent eyeliner, lip liner, lipstick, and other permanent cosmetic purposes. This type of tattoo is also used to cover skin pigment disorders, scars and other blemishes.
3. Traumatic Tattoos are foreign substances, such as dirt, that are embedded in the skin through an accidental injury.