Tattoo Removal

			At Lake Aesthetics Center, tattoo removal is achieved using the Candela V-beam pulsed dye laser and, when necessary, the Gentlelase alexandrite laser.  The variable light wavelengths target tattoo inks in the blue/black/green fields and the red/yellow/orange color spectrum.  In order to provide you with important information regarding tattoo removal, please consider the following FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS and the answers provided.

	HOW MANY TREATMENTS DOES IT TAKE TO REMOVE A TATTOO? The number of treatments necessary for tattoo removal is dependent upon a number of factors, including the size of the tattoo, the number of colors present in the tattoo and whether the tattoo is professionally executed or is an amateur effort.  Professional tattoos usually result in ink deposits that are at the same depth within the skin.  Amateur tattoos generally have ink lodged in skin layers that are at varying depths.  Multiple ink colors, especially when inks from different color spectra are present, will require at least two treatments, one with each of the laser instruments.  Larger tattoos will require more treatments than smaller ones, older tattoos will require more treatments than recent tattoos.
	SHOULD I EXPECT MY TATTOO TO BE REMOVED COMPLETELY AFTER THE SERIES OF LASER TREATMENTS? Many types of professionally applied tattoos can be removed completely with an appropriate series of laser treatments and post-laser product applications.  Amateur tattoos, because of the different pigment sources and variable skin depths, may not respond as favorably and may exhibit some residual ink deposits.
	IS LASER TATTOO REMOVAL PERMANENT? YES!
	WHAT IS USED AFTER THE LASER TREATMENT TO PROMOTE FURTHER INK REMOVAL? There are several products that may be used to treat the tattoo removal site following the laser treatment.  Some of these are enzyme ointments that will further degrade the ink and allow it to be flushed out of the skin.  If any such products are used, they are included in the price of the laser treatment.  For large tattoos, a series of special dressings and bandages are used to promote ink removal.
	CAN TATTOOS BE REMOVED FROM ANY AREA OF THE BODY?  NO.  Tattoos within body cavities, on mucous membranes and on eyelids cannot be addressed with our lasers.
	DOES THE TATTOO REMOVAL TREATMENT HURT? In order to minimize discomfort, we use a topical anaesthetic on the areas of the body that will be treated.  This is a cream that is applied 30-45 minutes before the laser treatment.  In addition, the laser instrument itself will deliver a short spray of cooling agent, or “cryogen” that further anesthetizes the treatment area just before each laser pulse.  We employ frequent applications of ice to the affected area during treatment, sometimes following each laser pulse.  Still, the high energy levels necessary to disrupt tattoo ink deep within the skin may be uncomfortable.  We will provide a single test pulse of laser energy at the start of each treatment in order to assess discomfort and will do all in our power to make the tattoo removal process as comfortable as possible.
	WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF LASER TATTOO REMOVAL? Side effects include blistering and/or scarring.  Risks of these side effects are minimized if treatment instructions are closely followed by the client.
	HOW LONG DOES A TREATMENT TAKE? Depending upon the size of the tattoo, colors involved and professional vs amateur application, the laser treatment may take as little as 5 minutes or as much as several hours.  The pre-treatment skin preparation, anaesthesia and documentation will require 30-45 minutes.
	HOW LONG MUST I WAIT BETWEEN TREATMENTS? Depending upon the individual, the treatment area, the treatment parameters used and any follow-up site care, it may take up to 4 months before another treatment can be safely performed.  However, there is no maximum time limit between treatments.  Waiting longer will have no effect on tattoo removal.  We will provide you with a follow-up surveillance schedule at the time of each laser treatment.