"Painless" Laser Tattoo Removal
Decorative tattoos have a history dating back at least 5000 years. The
desire to remove them has probably existed for just as long. There are
multiple reasons which can arouse the desire to remove a tattoo, whether
it is professional, amateur, cosmetic or ritual.
Today, Laser Center of Orlando is proud to offer PAINLESS laser tattoo
removal performed by experienced and licensed Advanced Registered Nurse
Practitioner. Each individual has a choice to completely
numb the area with local anesthesia prior to treatment, offering a
pleasant, pain-free experience! Using the MedLite C6 Tattoo Removal Laser,
the worldwide gold standard for tattoo removal, permits the removal of
most tattoo inks with a very low risk of scarring. MedLiteŽ lasers are
the most used Q-Switched lasers worldwide today. They have acquired a
solid reputation of reliability and efficacy.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
The MedLiteŽ C6 laser removes tattoo ink with the energy of light. Tattoo
ink is removed by using specific wavelengths of light which pass into
the skin, and is absorbed by the ink. A given wavelength targets only a
single color (or a group of nearby colors). For example, the red
wavelength removes the green ink and the green wavelength removes the
red ink. The rapid absorption of the light energy (shock wave) causes
the tattoo ink to break into tiny particles which can then be removed by
the body's natural filtering systems often referred to as the body's
lymphatic drainage system.
Tattoos clear up gradually between treatments. On the average,
professional tattoos require 6-10 sessions, while amateur tattoos
require only 3-5 sessions, all spaced 6-8 weeks apart. Old tattoos come
out more easily than recent tattoos. The number of treatments depends on
the size of the tattoo, the amount and type of ink used, and the depth
of the ink in the skin. The length of each treatment varies according
to the size of the tattoo and to the number of colors which composes it.
The MedLiteŽ C6 laser is typically 5 to 10 times faster than most other
Q-Switched lasers.
In many cases, if adequate wavelengths are used, greater than 95% fading
of the tattoo may be accomplished. Black and dark blue, as well as red
inks resolve the best. Oranges and purples usually fade as well. Green
and yellow inks are the most difficult to remove, and additional
treatments are needed to produce significant fading. However, it is
important to know that there are many different types of tattoo inks in
use worldwide today. Not knowing which tattoo ink was used, or how
deeply it was applied, makes it impossible to predict the degree of
removal.
Rather than covering a tattoo and unnecessarily accumulating ink in the
skin, it's recommended to remove the former tattoo first with the laser
and to recreate a new one 6 months after the last session.
An antibacterial ointment and a dressing will be applied to the area
immediately after the treatment. The treated area should be kept clean.
It is recommended to ice the area as often as possible in the next 8
hours. A shower can be taken the next day, although the treated area
should never be scrubbed. If a scab forms, it is vital not to scratch or
pick it. Also, it is advisable to avoid sun exposure on the treated site
for the duration of the treatment.
Tattoo removal, which is a purely aesthetic procedure, is not generally
reimbursed by health insurances. During the initial appointment with
your practitioner, an assessment is made and a price estimate is
established upon inquiry.