Tattoos are more popular than ever, and so is tattoo removal. Unfortunately, it is much easier to get a tattoo than it is to get one removed. However, you do have options if a cover-up isn’t what you desire. Your choices include:
- Laser removal
- Excision
Laser ablation uses tiny pulses of light to destroy the ink under the skin. Tattoo laser treatment may require 12-15 sessions over several months, depending on your skin, and the amount and color of the ink. Your skin will need recovery time between treatments.
The pain of laser removal is similar to the pain of getting the original tattoo.
Several factors determine how completely a tattoo can be eliminated using laser treatment. First, tattoos on different areas of the body respond differently to laser removal. Generally, the darker the skin, the harder it is to remove the ink, so the more treatments are required. Older tattoos are easier to remove, as are amateur tattoos that lie close to the skin surface. Finally, it is easier to reduce the appearance of dark ink colors like black than lighter colors such as red, yellow, blue and green.
After thoroughly reviewing your skin and tattoo, Dr. Niromaand may recommend testing a patch of skin to see how it responds to the laser before recommending full treatment. Read more about our laser treatments.
Excision, or cutting out the tattoo, is another option, depending on its size and location. This procedure can be handled in the office, and is a quicker, less expensive treatment alternative, but it may leave a scar.
You shouldn’t have to live with an unwanted tattoo. Call our office at 214-303-1102 or request an appointment with Dr. Niroomand to learn more about your treatment options.