Are you no longer in love with your tattoo? It may not be as permanent as you think. Specialized lasers now make it possible to remove unwanted tattoos safely.

How does laser tattoo removal work?
Lasers work by producing short pulses of light that are selectively absorbed by the tattoo pigment. This laser energy causes the tattoo ink to fragment into smaller particles that are gradually removed naturally by the body's immune system. This treatment can also be used to effectively remove pigmented lesions, such as freckles, sunspots and many brown-colored birthmarks.

What types of tattoos can be treated?
In general, most tattoos can be successfully treated. The color, depth and chemical composition of the ink all affect how a tattoo responds to laser light. Black, red, dark orange and dark blue tattoos usually respond quickly, while green, purple, brown, light orange and light blue colors may require more treatments.

Does it hurt?
The unfortunate thing about tattoos is that both getting them and having them taken off can be uncomfortable. The laser's pulse of light has been described as similar to a rubber band snapping against your skin.

Is it safe?
Yes. There are few risks and/or side effects with laser tattoo removal. As part of your free consultation, your aesthetic care provider will inform you about the potential risks of your specific condition prior to treatment.

How long will it take?
Your first procedure will take 10 minutes to an hour, depending upon the size of your tattoo(s).

Will I need more than one treatment?
The number of sessions depends on the amount and type of ink used and how deeply it was injected.

Are there side effects?
Side effects are generally few but may include hyperpigmentation (an abundance of color in the skin at the treatment site) and hypopigmentation (the treated area lacks normal skin color). Other possible side effects include infection of the site.

What should I expect after treatment?
Following treatment, the area may become whitish-colored and swell slightly. Your provider may apply an antibacterial ointment and dressing to the area. Your skin might feel slightly sunburned for a couple of days and the treated area may remain red for a few weeks. The site might also form a scab.

Are there alternate treatments?
Yes. Since the 1980s, lasers have become the standard treatment for tattoo removal. They offer a low risk, effective alternative with minimal side effects.