How’s That Dragon Tattoo Going to Look in 15 Years?in Albany, NY

Tattoos. What used to be the sole domain of sailors has become somewhat mainstream. Your waitress has a tattooed scene running from her shoulder blade down to her elbow. Your softball teammate has calves that depict the Angel of Death.

Every tattoo has a story behind it. Some of those stories may be a little cloudy due to the late hour or the number of cocktails beforehand. But, unfortunately, most of these stories aren’t fast-forwarded 20 years when the skin is loose and saggy.

And most don’t take into account changing circumstances. The name of that old flame? Not so welcome now by your husband or wife. That image of a phoenix rising from the ashes. It seemed like a good idea then, but not so appreciated by your new employer.

There used to be only three ways to get rid of a tattoo: surgery to remove the skin, acid bleaching, and dermabrasion (basically sandblasting of your skin).

Tattoo Removal Procedure Options

Tattoos are a form of body art created when a tattoo artist deposits tattoo ink beneath the skin. Because tattoos consist of numerous ink particles, successfully treating unwanted tattoos requires a method capable of targeting pigment below the skin’s surface.

Laser Removal

Dr. Kayastha uses the AlexTriVantage laser system to remove unwanted tattoos and treat pigmented lesions while minimizing damage to the surrounding skin. This advanced laser technology delivers a focused laser beam that targets the tattoo pigment within the tattooed skin.

During laser therapy, specific wavelengths of laser light are selected based on the tattoo’s ink colors and the patient’s skin color. The laser energy breaks the pigment into smaller particles that the body can gradually process. This is how laser tattoo removal works without physically cutting away the tattoo.

Although laser removal can significantly fade a tattoo, complete removal cannot be guaranteed. Whether it is possible to remove a tattoo completely depends on the tattoo’s size, depth, location, age, colors, and ink density. Most tattoos require more than one session, while professional or multicolored designs may need multiple treatments.

Surgical Removal

Surgical removal, also known as surgical excision, may be considered for certain small tattoos. During this form of dermatologic surgery, the tattooed portion of skin is removed, and the remaining skin is closed with sutures. This method may remove a tattoo in one procedure, but it leaves a scar and is not appropriate for every patient or tattoo location.

Unlike professionally performed treatments, tattoo removal creams and other methods performed at home have not been shown to safely or reliably eliminate ink placed within the deeper layers of the skin.

How Many Laser Tattoo Removal Treatments Are Necessary?

Patients frequently ask how many treatments they will need and whether tattoo removal hurts. The number of sessions needed for a tattoo removal procedure varies because each tattoo depends on factors such as its size, location, age, pigment density, and colors. The patient’s natural complexion, including darker skin, may also influence the laser settings and overall approach.

Tattoo removal commonly begins with approximately six sessions spaced several weeks apart, although the exact schedule varies. Each laser treatment session is incorporated into a personalized treatment plan based on how the treated area responds. Temporary redness, swelling, tenderness, or skin discoloration may occur after treatment. Dr. Kayastha will explain what to expect and determine whether additional sessions are necessary to achieve the desired level of removal.

Does it Hurt to Have Your Tattoos Removed?

The procedure has a little discomfort, but not much. We apply an anesthetic cream to the location before beginning the laser treatment. After each treatment, you will have three to four days of sensitivity at the site. You’ll also need to apply an over-the-counter antibiotic to the site and keep it covered.

Contact Us

Over that tattoo? Contact K Plastic Surgery to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kayastha, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon located in Albany, NY, and let’s talk about getting rid of that ink.