TATTOO REMOVAL

I use 2 different methods to remove tattoos. Each method is a process involving 2-6 (or possibly more) treatments over a period of months. Each method has its pros and cons. The cost per treatment is about the same. The decision as to which method is for you doesn’t need to be made until we discuss it in the office. The methods can even be combined when advantageous.

INFRARED METHOD:

I call this the "burn method" because small precise spots of heat are applied to the tattoo, which damages the skin and the tattoo ink. Tattoo color makes no difference. The body heals the wound, and with proper wound care (a fresh bandage is applied daily for about 3 weeks), a lot of the ink is gone and there is no unsightly scar. 2-4 treatments no sooner than 1 month apart takes care of most cases. Even if small amounts of ink are left behind, that ink has been broken into small particles which the body cells can gradually carry away.

LASER METHOD:

This method creates a very small scale burn which heals rapidly using only a surface oil or cream. No bandages except to protect clothing from oil. Tattoo color is important here because the laser has a hard time with pastels, yellows, light greens etc. 3-6 treatments at least 6 weeks apart are the usual, maybe more. The laser damages a "top layer" of the ink into particles that the body can clear away. The results are usually visible 4-6 weeks after treatment. LASER offers the best chance for normal final appearance.

Each method requires anesthesia by needle injections (occasionally a small tattoo needs no anesthesia with the LASER). The "burn" method is quicker overall (fewer treatments), and a possibility of scarring. The LASER method is slower (more treatments), but even less chance for scarring. Scars can be reversed by several methods (cortisone, silicone dressings etc.), particularly if caught early!

Price Quote

If you Email me the dimensions, colors, locations and whether filled in solid or mostly lines, I can give you a close estimate of cost.

Tattoo removal is vastly more costly, time consuming and expensive than that magic time when it was applied.