I'm in Eugene Oregon, I'm looking for tattoo removal on my face and info on all types of lasers. Any suggestions? (Photos)

Question

Price is a concern. Black tattoo six months old, I need to find the best place to remove it as quick and as safe as possible with minimal to no scaring, hypopigmentation or hyperpigmentation, all places I called claim the same exact thing (we are the best), recommendations to specific businesses as far as Seattle north of me and as far as San Francisco. I may go to a doctor in Eugene, they use a picosure but they said they have only had it a year or so and have no pictures what so ever or before and after.

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question and photos. It is possible to fade or even remove the tattoo with patience and the right laser. Good job doing your research and here are my tips for successful tattoo removal. Good luck.Tattoo removal, if not done correctly, can result in either scarring or ghosting.  Here are some tips:
Find a reputable office with a Pico laser. It produces faster results with less scarring than a nano alone.  Tattoo removal shops are not as reputable as a Doctor. Many of these shops close as quickly as they open, leaving you out of luck on pre-paid packages.Stay out of the sun— sunlight can be harmful to healing in after any laser procedureAvoid infections- This means keep your tattoo area clean (i.e. don’t garden right after a tattoo removal on your arm, etc), don’t pick scabs or blisters if they occur.  Follow our post procedure instructions. Avoid swimming for 48 hours as water can infect the treated areas.Allow healing between treatment sessions- typically 4-8 weeks.Be healthy- while the tattoo laser breaks up the tattoo particles, your body will actually eliminate the particles. Being healthy will help achieve this process faster and allow for consistent healing. Drink lots of water, get adequate sleep, and eat vitamin enriched foods.In our practice we utilize the currently most powerful Pico laser on the market called the PiQo4 by Lumenis.  The main advantage of a stronger tattoo laser (combining nano and pico wavelengths at greater power) is faster breakup of the tattoo.  The science of tattoo removal is complex but essentially the greater power will photo acoustically break up tattoo particles in smaller pieces. 
Best,
Anil Shah MD

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Tattoos should be removed with q switched or pico lasers. We also use the pfd patch to help speed up the process. It will take a series of treatments, but it's difficult to determine how many sessions will be needed. Don't let distance dissuade you. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a laser tattoo removal expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Phuong Q. Tien, MD · Answer

Tattoos can be removed with either 1st generation (Q-Switched) or 2nd generation (Pico) laser technology. If tattoo is new, you'll want to wait until it's completely healed (around 2-3 months) before laser treatment. The number of treatment is depending on various factors (lighten for cover up vs complete removal, laser technology, physician's experience, tattoo size, ink saturation, colors, overall health, skin type, tattoo location, etc.. We have utilized both Nano/PICO technology, and PICO is costlier; but removes tattoo much more efficiency with less discomfort. We recommend seeking laser tattoo removal treatment from a reputable professional healthcare provider in your area who is specialized in tattoos removal with both Nano/Pico technology.

Laura Riehm, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question and posting pictures.  Based on your tattoo's location, you should only consider using a picosecond laser.  Nanosecond or Q-Switch have a much higher likelihood of complications.  Find the doctor's office close to you that has the most experience with it.  PicoSure, PicoWay, Enlighten... all will have their selling points that they try to make them better.  You need someone with experience and not just following the manufacturer's recommendations.  I hope this helps.

Mark A. Blair, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question and for including photos.  The way a laser rids the skin of unwanted ink is, it shatters the ink into tiny particles and your body absorbs those particles.  The latest technology in laser tattoo removal is the pico-second technology.  The PicoWay Laser (Candela/Syneron) uses photoacoustic
impact/pressure waves rather than photothermal/heat.  This process has less heat, therefore it is
more comfortable and the chances of hyperpigmentation are less.  The Pico-second pulse shatters the ink into
even smaller particles, allowing the body to more easily absorb the ink.  This type of device can usually remove unwanted ink in about half as many treatments as the traditional Q-switch devices.  Your tattoo is very dense in ink, the technician will need to start treatment using very conservative energy, gradually increasing energy as the ink lightens.  The fortunate thing about it is, there is ample blood flow on the face and your body should respond well to the clearing process.  We only treat once each 8 weeks, the body needs time to absorb the ink.  You will need to have patience, it will take over a year to remove a tattoo.You can click on the weblink below and put in your zip code to "find a provider" of this technology in your area.Good Luck!

I'm in Eugene Oregon, I'm looking for tattoo removal on my face and info on all types of lasers. Any suggestions? (Photos)

Answers (6)

Answer: Face Tattoo

Answer: Face Tattoo

Answer: What is the best laser for a tattoo on the face?

Answer: What is the best laser for a tattoo on the face?

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Everything you need to know about Tattoo Removal

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I'm in Eugene Oregon, I'm looking for tattoo removal on my face and info on all types of lasers. Any suggestions? (Photos)

Answers (6)

Answer: Face Tattoo

Answer: Face Tattoo

Answer: What is the best laser for a tattoo on the face?

Answer: What is the best laser for a tattoo on the face?

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tattoo Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.