No one knows when the practice of tattooing the skin began, but Egyptian mummies dating back to 1300 BC have shown evidence of blue tattoo marks. Tattooing is accomplished by forcing colored pigment into the skin with a needle.

Tattoo marks or designs are permanent. For various personal reasons, some people turn to physicians to have tattoos removed. There are several methods for tattoo removal that have proven successful. While some methods of tattoo removal can leave blemishes or scars, Dr. Galoob's goal is to remove the tattoo as completely as possible and not leave a scar or a mark. The laser helps to accomplish this goal.

Ease of laser tattoo removal depends upon several factors including size, location, the individual's healing process, how the tattoo was applied, and length of time it has been on the skin. A tattoo performed by a more experienced tattoo artist, for example, may be easier to remove since the pigment is evenly needled into the same level of the skin.

Laser Removal of Tattoos (most desirable and most effective without scarring)

In recent times, many physicians consider laser surgery one of the best methods of tattoo removal. Laser removal of tattoos works because the laser light (a focused, pure, specific color) passes through the surface of the skin to the tattoo pigment where it is absorbed causing heat (just like the heat you feel when you are in the sun). It is this heat which causes damage to the tattoo pigment without damaging the skin surface. After treatment, the body's scavenger cells remove the pigment particles causing the tattoo to fade and eventually disappear.

Prior to the procedure

Dr. Galoob will consult with you and discuss the procedure. The areas for treatment will be verified. If necessary, a cream to numb the skin can be applied prior to the treatment. Cold air blows onto the skin during the laser treatment. Some patients request injection of local anesthetic into the area prior to treatment.

Treatment

Special precautions are taken to protect your eyes and personnel who will be in the room. Everyone wears special glasses or eye shields. (Our practice meets the standards of the AAAHC (www.aaahc.org) for laser safety). Lasers are maintained and calibrated on a regular basis and a technician is available at all times during the procedure.

The procedure will either be performed by Dr. Galoob or one of his experienced staff. Initial laser settings are verified by Dr. Galoob prior to each treatment. It is common for him to apply a test pulse to himself as a last safety check before treatment. The laser is pulsed in multiple spots over the area for complete coverage (like turning a flashlight off and on each time). Each pulse feels like being snapped with a rubber band. Cold air is applied to the skin during the treatment to provide comfort and to protect the skin from heat produced when the laser light contacts the tattoo pigment. Afterwards, the skin may be slightly red. Occasionally irritation and blistering may occur. A soothing cream will be placed on the skin after treatment. Irritation may last for several days.

After treatment

The tattoo and surrounding skin is irritated and swollen. Some crusting and scabbing may occur (rarely, a few patients develop local allergic response to the pigment and may have prolonged healing). Fading of the tattoo may not occur until after several treatments. In fact, the tattoo may appear more visible in the first few treatments as the pigment comes closer to the skin surface.

Other Methods Of Tattoo Removal

Excision removal of Tattoos

Small tattoos may be surgically removed. The advantage of this method is that the entire tattoo can be removed. With larger tattoos, it may be necessary to excise in stages, initially removing the center and, at a later date, the sides. Excision involves an injection of a local anesthetic to numb the area after which the tattoo is removed surgically. The edges are then brought together and sutured. In some cases involving large tattoos, a skin graft taken from another part of the body may be necessary. The major disadvantage of this technique is the poor quality of the scar which may occur in spite of the best efforts of the surgeon.

Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion (skin sanding) has been used for tattoo removal. A small portion of the tattoo is sprayed with a solution that freezes the area. The tattoo is then "sanded" with a rotary abrasive wheel removing upper skin layers. This leaves the area raw and it takes several days to heal. The process may have to be repeated. Scarring and undesirable skin appearance is common after this procedure and is not recommended.

Salabrasion

Salabrasion (abrasion using salt) is a procedure that is centuries old. It is a method sometimes used today to remove tattoos. As with the other methods, a local anesthetic is used on and around the tattooed area after which a solution of ordinary tap water, petroleum jelly and lemon juice dipped in table salt is applied. An abrading apparatus such as the one used with Dermabrasion, or an even simpler device such as a wooden block wrapped in gauze, is used to vigorously abrade the area. When the area becomes deep red in color, a dressing is applied. This method is painful and requires multiple treatments. Scar formation and quality is unpredictable.

Questions

How many treatments will it take?

The number of treatments will depend on the depth of the pigment, the type of ink and the colors. Multicolored tattoos usually take more treatments. Black homemade tattoos can often be removed in 4-6 treatments.

Does the treatment hurt?

Each laser pulse causes heat when it contacts the tattoo pigment. This discomfort can range from a mild snapping sensation to more discomfort. Some patients tolerate treatments without any topical or local anesthesia. Dr. Galoob can provide either topical or injectible anesthetic (like the dentist) to make you comfortable during treatment. Constant cold air is applied to the skin during treatment to make you more comfortable.

Will any of the tattoo pigment remain after treatment?

With enough treatments, the pigment can be completely removed. Some patients are satisfied with fading and partial removal. Some want complete removal. Overaggressive treatments can cause scarring and undesirable result, so the goal is to be careful, gradually fade the pigment and avoid a scar if possible.

How often are treatments performed?

Treatments are performed at approximate one month intervals. The pigment continues to fade in between each treatment. This interval allows skin healing and fading to maximize before the next treatment.

If you are interested in learning more about Laser removal of Tattoos contact our office and we will be happy to answer your questions.