What is Laser Tattoo Removal?
Not too long ago, tattoos were thought of as permanent marks that you would have to live with for the rest of your life. Now, with medical advancements in laser technology, there is a safe, effective treatment option. Whether you want to get rid of a fad from the past or are heading into a new career that requires a clean slate, laser tattoo removal can help cure your buyer’s remorse.
Laser systems like the Alex TriVantage and Picoway are used to treat pigmented lesions and remove unwanted tattoos of all colors and can selectively treat tattoos while lessening the chance for damaging the surrounding skin. Another unique advantage of these new laser treatment options is that they have vastly improved the ability to treat multicolored tattoos in patients of any skin type, and can treat tattoos that were incompletely removed previously by a different treatment.
Who is a Candidate for Laser Tattoo Removal?
Tattoos are becoming more and more popular, but so are regrettable ones. Anyone who has a tattoo that they are unhappy with can benefit from laser tattoo removal to greatly reduce its appearance and in some cases, remove completely. With Alex TriVantage and Picoway laser systems, tattoos of all pigments can be successfully faded. Now, laser systems are safe and effective for all skin types too, using the appropriate laser system and settings.
What Happens During Laser Tattoo Removal?
During laser tattoo removal, the skin will be numbed with a topical anesthetic. The appropriate system and setting will then be selected. The handpiece will be passed over the treatment area, delivering quick bursts of laser energy to tackle the tattoo pigment, breaking it up to fade its appearance. You might feel a snapping sensation with each burst. The discomfort you feel will vary depending on the placement of your tattoo, however, a cooling system will minimize your discomfort and protect your skin.
We can never say for sure, but we estimate an average of 4-6 treatments for most tattoos. The total number of sessions you need will depend on the pigment of your tattoo and your skin color. Black pigment and light skin is the easiest to treat. Dr. Kayastha and our laser professionals will go over how many treatment sessions you can expect during your initial consultation.
What Results Can I Expect?
After your laser tattoo removal treatment, your skin will appear red and swollen, similar to a bad sunburn, and may blister in the following days. It’s important to keep the area clean, dry, and bandaged during the healing process. You should also avoid the sun while healing as your skin will be extra sensitive.
You can expect your tattoo to become more faded with each treatment session until optimal results are reached. Your sessions will be spaced out to give your skin enough time to heal.
To begin removing your unwanted tattoo, contact K Plastic Surgery today. We can schedule your consultation to determine how many treatments you’ll need and which laser system is best for you.
Dr. Kayastha is a board certified plastic surgeon who serves Albany, NY and the entire Capital Region. Dr. Kayastha completed his undergraduate studies at Cornell University and graduated with distinction in all subjects. He then attended medical school at SUNY Buffalo. During his time in Buffalo he also completed a fellowship in surgical pathology at Roswell Park. Following medical school Dr. Kayastha gained a much sought after position in the Michigan State-Grand Rapids integrated plastic surgery residency. After finishing residency training Dr. Kayastha completed a one year fellowship in hand and microsurgery at the Buncke Clinic in San Francisco. To round out his training before starting private practice Dr. Kayastha spent an additional 6 months learning from some of the best cosmetic surgeons in San Francisco. Dr. Kayastha is Board Certified in Plastic Surgery by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.