Guilford Tattoo Removal doctors
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Robert C. Langdon, MD
Guilford Dermatologic Surgeon
5 Durham Road, Guilford |
4 answers | |
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Christina Anne Herrick
Guilford Dermatologist
Guilford |
Recent Answers
I just had my first laser tattoo removal session 2 days ago and I'm not experiencing any of the blistering and scabbing I was warned about. There is some minor inflammation but other than that, the treated area looks/feels fine. I also don't see much of a difference with the tattoo (I realize it will take 6+ sessions but I was expecting better results after the first session). Does it take a few days/weeks for the body to absorb the ink or should I assume the treatment wasn't very effective?
It is not necessary to get an obvious "healing reaction" after laser tattoo removal treatments. As explained in my book Understanding Cosmetic Laser Surgery, specialized Q-switched lasers have a specific effect on the tattoo ink particles (breaking them up) and when used properly do not cause damage to the surrounding skin. This type of non-surgical treatment is very different from traditional surgery such as dermabrasion, in which the skin containing the tattoo is sanded off. After dermabrasion there is a prolonged healing process that will result in a scar. Q-switched laser treatments are capable of removing the tattoo ink while causing no damage to the skin.
There is a slight orangy outline left over from touch up over faded brown eyebrows. Will laser tattoo removal work, or can IPL (light therapy) fade the tattoo away, without down time? Would love to hear what your thoughts are. Thanks so much!
Most cosmetic tattoos, such as those used to enhance the eyebrows, are composed of iron oxide pigments. As with all tattoos the best and safest method of removal is with a Q-switched laser. IPL treatment can overheat the skin and cause side effects.
Q-switched laser treatment of an orange color iron oxide tattoo will usually cause an immediate color conversion to a dark or black color (this is the result of a chemical alteration of the iron oxide material). Although the medical literature includes reports of such tattoos being difficult to remove, in my experience these tattoos are very responsive to Q-switched laser treatment and will fade satisfactorily after a few treatments.
I have this tattoo on my nape, I’m so desperate to remove it… does anyone know a numbing cream to use during tattoo removal? I want to have a laser tattoo removal but I heard it hurts to much… I need a numbing cream to ease the pain.. I hope you can suggest one! Thank you so much…:D
Unfortunately, numbing creams (topical anesthetics) don't work very well for laser tattoo removal treatments. This is because the anesthetic drug must be absorbed through the skin and usually penetrates only a short distance. Tattoo ink particles are located in the dermis, mostly at levels deeper than the anesthetic can penetrate.
Small tattoos can be totally anesthetized with injected local anesthetic (e.g. lidocaine), so that the laser treatment is painless.