Advanced Picosecond Laser Tattoo removal by Dr. BCK Patel MD, FRCS
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Laser Tattoo Removal IntroductionThere are a lot of reasons for wanting to remove a tattoo – it no longer holds sentimental value, it is keeping you from getting a job, you made an impulsive decision, etc. No matter what your reason is for wanting to get rid of your tattoo, laser tattoo removal is the most effective way to remove it.
With all of the advances in laser systems it is easier than ever to remove your unwanted tattoo. An experienced laser tattoo removal surgeon will be able to safely remove your unwanted body art with minimal side effects. |
"Well, the last time I had a picture taken I could hardly see my eyes because of the weight of heavy eyelid. Then I paid attention to how I was actually using my eyes and I really noticed when I was looking at anything especially the computer I was straining my forehead to see better. Since I have had it done I no longer have to lift the forehead and tilt my head to see. It is amazing! I love..." D. Rock 63 Yrs Old with Fat Droopy Eyes - Salt Lake City, UT
How does laser tattoo removal work?Lasers emit a pulse of light energy that passes through the top layers of the skin and is selectively absorbed by the tattoo ink. This energy quickly heats up and breaks down the tattoo ink into tiny fragments, which are then absorbed and cleared away by your immune system. Laser treatments safely and effectively remove the tattoo without damaging the surrounding skin.
The tattoo removal laser used will depend upon the color and location of the tattoo. Different types of lasers are able to target different colors. An experienced laser surgeon will know which laser for tattoo removal is best for your unique tattoo. For example, one laser will be able to target black and green tattoos, while another laser would treat red, yellow and blue tattoos. Typically, 5-10 tattoo laser removal treatments are required to remove a tattoo. The number of treatments you need depends on the size of the tattoo, the color, the location, what type of ink was used, your skin color and your skin’s ability to heal. Usually, treatments are needed every 4-6 weeks for optimal tattoo removal results. |
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What types of tattoos can be removed?
With all of the advances in laser technology, it is possible to remove any tattoo, regardless of the color and location. Different lasers are able to remove different colored tattoos safely and effectively. However, the larger tattoos and the ones with lighter colours (green, yellow, pink, etc) take many more treatments.
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Before & Afters
Multiple coloured tattoos take more treatments to give an improvement; also, some hypopigmentation is to be expected if there is natural colour in the person's skin
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Blue, green and red tattoos need more laser treatments then darker tattoos (dark blue or black). Also, because of this, a slight hypopigmentation is to be expected
Some slight skin colour change can occur with tattoo removal
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The natural colour of the skin will also show slight pigment loss with tattoo removal, especially as several laser treatments are needed
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"I had a excellent eye lift done by Dr. Patel. He knows what he is doing and is very pleasant. Dr.Patel was easy to get an appointment and he works with you. The office staff was very pleasant and made you feel calm." D. Gull Highly recommended for eye lift surgery - Salt Lake City, UT
Frequently Asked Questions
How many laser tattoo treatments will I need to completely remove my tattoo?
In most cases it takes 5 -10 treatment sessions to remove tattoo as much as possible. Generally, laser removal treatments will be scheduled 4-6 weeks apart. It is not guaranteed that your tattoo will be completely erased, but if you see an experienced laser surgeon, it will be possible to remove the majority of your tattoo. The number of treatments also depends on the color and location of your tattoo. For example, black or dark green tattoos are the easiest to remove and will require fewer sessions than a tattoo that is another color or a mixture of many colors.
Can I remove only part of my tattoo?
Yes. Lasers are very accurate and can treat small targeted areas so you may remove only a portion of your tattoo, if desired.
Are certain types of tattoos easier to remove than others?
Yes. Certain colors respond much better to laser treatments than others. Black and dark blue are the easiest and quickest to remove. Red and green are more resistant to treatment and will need more treatments. Purple, brown, light orange and light blue are more difficult to remove and will require more treatment sessions. These non-traditional ink colors may occasionally turn darker with laser treatment so a spot test treatment may be wise.
The depth of the tattoo and the type of ink used are additional factors that determine how easy or difficult it will be to remove your tattoo. Finally, your skin tone and healing characteristics play a role in your laser tattoo removal results. In general, it is easier to remove tattoos from patients with lighter skin tones.
The depth of the tattoo and the type of ink used are additional factors that determine how easy or difficult it will be to remove your tattoo. Finally, your skin tone and healing characteristics play a role in your laser tattoo removal results. In general, it is easier to remove tattoos from patients with lighter skin tones.
Does the length of time I have had my tattoo affect the results of removing it?
Yes. Older tattoos are easier to remove than new tattoos. The ink in older tattoos is generally easier for the laser energy to break apart than fresh ink.
Will I have scars from my laser tattoo removal?
If an expert laser surgeon treats you, you should not be left with any significant scars after your laser tattoo removal treatments. However, scarring is possible with any medical procedure. It is important to find an experienced laser doctor to decrease your risk of tattoo removal scars. Also, please remember that the lasers will also reduce the natural colour in your skin, so sometimes, there will be the appearance of a “negative tattoo” where the tattoo was removed.
Does laser tattoo removal hurt?
To minimize your discomfort during laser tattoo removal treatments, we will utilize a topical and/or injectable anesthetic. Patients should be completely numb in the treatment area during the laser session and not feel any pain. Many patients report mild irritation or itching after the removal of tattoo. This can last for 1-3 days following the laser treatment. We may prescribe an antibiotic and cortisone cream to relieve your discomfort.
What is recovery like after laser tattoo removal?
Laser tattoo removal recovery is minimal. You might experience some discomfort around the treatment site, but it should not inhibit you from going about your daily activities. If you are in the sun, you need to keep the treatment area covered to prevent sunburn so that the skin can heal properly. We will provide you with tattoo removal aftercare instructions.
Are there any laser tattoo removal side effects?
The side effects of tattoo removal by laser are minimal. You might experience some redness, swelling and minor blistering around the treated area. These side effects are temporary and your skin should heal completely within one to two weeks.
How much does laser tattoo removal cost?
The cost of tattoo removal varies from patient to patient and depends on the size, color and location of the tattoo. It is difficult to give a good estimate of the laser tattoo removal price because everyone’s tattoo is different. However, in general it will cost $200-$300 per treatment to remove a small, black tattoo, and up to $500 per treatment to remove a large, colorful tattoo.
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Dr. BCK Patel MD, FRCS 65 Mario Capecchi Drive Salt Lake City, Utah, US (801) 585-6641 Dr. BCK Patel MD, FRCS 617 E Riverside Dr Suite 101 Saint George, UT 84790 (435) 215-0014 |
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