Lasers work by producing short pulses of intense light that pass harmlessly through the top layers of the skin to be selectively absorbed by the tattoo pigment. This laser energy causes the tattoo pigment to fragment into smaller particles that are then removed by the body's immune system. Researchers have determined which wavelengths of light to use and how to deliver the laser's output to best remove tattoo ink. (If you're wondering if the laser might also remove normal skin pigment, don't worry. The laser selectively targets the pigment of the tattoo without damaging the surrounding skin.)

More than one treatment, which actually only takes minutes, is usually needed to remove an entire tattoo -- the number of sessions depends on the amount and type of ink used and how deeply it was injected. Three-week intervals between sessions are required to allow pigment residue to be absorbed by the body.
Side effects of laser procedures are generally few but may include hyperpigmentation, or an abundance of color in the skin at the treatment site, and hypopigmentation, where the treated area lacks normal skin color. Other possible side effects include infection of the site, lack of complete pigment removal and a 5 percent chance of permanent scarring.

The tattoo removal laser treatment may create a superficial burn wound.  Some clients may experience bruising or swelling.  There is immediate whitening of the treated area, which usually lasts for several minutes.  Many clients then develop blisters, crusts, or scabs within 12-72 hours, which may last for 1-2 weeks or more.  The treated areas may be pink or pale after the scab separates.  Scarring, which can be hyper-trophic or even keloid can occur.  Loss of skin pigment in the treated area is common, and is usually temporary.  Healing is usually complete by 6-8 weeks.

1. Keep the treated area clean and dry while it is healing.  Clean the area gently with soap and water then gently pat the area dry.  You may apply a thin coating of antibiotic ointment up to three times a day while the area is healing if you keep the area covered with a sterile dressing.

2. You may apply cool compresses as necessary for 24 hours after the laser treatment to help reduce the discomfort and inflammation.  You may take Tylenol, but avoid aspirin (it can increase the risk of bruising and/or bleeding.)

3. Do not pick at the scab or allow the skin to become scraped, as this may result in infection and scarring.  Shaving should be avoided in the treated area until it is completely healed.

4. Do not wear makeup or any cream or medication unless recommended by our office for 48 hours.

5. Wear a sun block with an SPF of 25 or higher over the area for 3 months following the treatment.

6. If the area looks infected (honey colored crusting and oozing or spreading redness), if you experience an unusual discomfort or bleeding, if any other complications develop, or if you have any questions or concerns, contact the office immediately.

7. Of course, if you have any extreme reaction (such as moderate to severe facial swelling, moderate to severe rash, any difficulty breathing, or you are in any distress) call 911 and go to the emergency department.

We are very excited about the launch of our new website.  We hope to answer more questions and give examples of our success.  We have recently opened our third location in Colorado Springs.  Now with 3 locations across the Front Range we can better serve our clients!  Our Blog will showcase more pictures and success stories with our clients.

Methods of tattoo ink removal have been around nearly as long as tattoos themselves.  Previous removal modalities left patients with pain, discoloration, tissue texture changes, and residual pigment.  Our ability to remove tattoos, however, has advanced greatly in the last decade and previous modalities for tattoo removal have been replaced by highly selective laser techniques.  The use of Q-switched lasers has been able to help the vast majority of patients seeking tattoo removal by offering a low risk, highly effective therapy with minimal side effects.  Because they offer bloodless, low risk effective treatment, Q-switched lasers have replaced other methods and are now considered standard treatment for patients seeking tattoo removal.

Here is a picture of our Denver Clinic.