LASER TATTOO REMOVAL
Getting a tattoo may seem like a good idea at the time, but many people feel differently after a while. Thankfully, our tattoo removal service means you won’t have to live with your ‘good idea’ for the rest of your life.
ABOUT LASER TATTOO REMOVAL
Spider veins. Aren’t spiders alone bad enough? Visible veins are just another sign of aging, and one that can be easily dealt with if you know where to go.
In recent years, tattoos have become more prevalent and vastly more colorful than ever before. Simple two-tone tattoos have been replaced with professional, multi-hued tattoos. While tattoos are more popular than ever, a steadily increasing number of people want to remove these embellishments.
For some, tattoos represent an impulsive decision that now may affect the rest of their lives. For others, the tattoos from their youth are simply no longer relevant to their lives today. Or maybe you want to clean the palate for the a new piece of art. Laser tattoo removal can provide a solution.
Lutronic has developed an ingenious way to assist doctors in removing every color of tattoos. The Lutronic’s Dual-pulsed Q-switched Nd: YAG SPECTRA™ laser can reliably remove dark ink and red ink tattoos, as well as the increasingly common green and sky blue ink. The SPECTRA™ laser offer the correct wavelengths for full-color spectrum tattoo removal.
The Q-Switched Laser has become the gold standard treatment for across all colors of tattoo removal. By creating a very short high energy pulse, the tattoo ink is thermo-acoustically broken up into minute particles that the body can readily absorb. As the laser attacks the tattoo, a light grey "frosting" appears on the tattoo, a signal that the appropriate energy was applied and the removal process will begin.
As the industry grows, so do the number of devices on the market. Not all devices are created equal and successful outcome depends on a variety of factors. The Spectra with its high power output and variety of dye hand pieces from Lutronic has become a gold standard for removing tattoos.
BEFORE & AFTER TREATMENT
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Medical lasers use a beam of light to significantly lighten or completely remove your tattoo. When the ink particles absorb the light from the laser, they are broken up into fragments and then absorbed through your body’s immune system. This process generally takes a few weeks. The larger the tattoo, the more sessions it will take to break down the ink particles.*
Laser tattoo removal with q-switched laser is significantly less painful because the energy is delivered evenly and without hot spots that cause pain. We are able to target multiple colours in a single treatment, making for a faster procedure and thus a shorter window of discomfort.
The number of treatments required for optimal results depends on the size, location, depth and color of the tattoo. Treatments should be performed 4 - 8 weeks apart in order to allow your body to remove the tattoo ink fragments. As your body heals after each session you will notice your tattoo lightening; depending on the colors and inks used, many patients see a complete removal of the ink.
The ideal clinical endpoint for the tattoo treatment is an immediate slight whitening or “frosting” of the skin, however that will subside immediately after the treatment is complete. Other observable effects include mild swelling and redness. Your practitioner will direct you on how best to keep the area moist.
Laser tattoo removal with is very safe. The technology is specifically designed to avoid the bleeding and blistering of traditional tattoo removal and as a result does not pose a risk of scarring. SPECTRA is safe for all skin types and will not cause changes in skin colour.
The cost of laser tattoo removal depends on several factors, including the size of tattoo and the number of treatments it will require. Most insurance companies will not cover laser tattoo removal since it is considered an elective cosmetic procedure. After your consultation, your practitioner will provide you a price estimate for the treatment series.
PRE + POST CARE
- No sun exposure, tanning beds and sunless tanning cream for 4 weeks prior to treatment. Sun exposure decreases the effectiveness of the laser treatment and can increase the chance of posttreatment complications.
- Use a broad spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Apply to the treated area every 2 hours when exposed to the sun and it is recommended to make this a part of your skin care routine.
- Remove all makeup, creams or oils prior to treatment.
- Cleanse the treated area at least daily with water and mild soap, and then pat the area dry. Do not rub or scratch the treated area.
- If crusting/scabbing occurs, do not shave or pick area. Apply Aquaphor ointment (tattoo) or other moisturizer (face) to the area 2-3 times a day. Keep the area moist, and let the crusting/scabbing resolve on its own.
- Discomfort may be relieved by cold gel packs and/or an over the counter pain reliever, such as acetaminophen.
- Avoid contact sports or any other activity that could cause injury of the treated area.
- Avoid swimming, soaking or using hot tubs/whirlpools until the skin heals.
- Contact physician if there is any indication of infection (redness, tenderness or pus).
- After cleansing and while skin is still moist, apply a thin layer of Aquaphor® ointment to the treated tattoo.
- Apply a non-stick pad over the tattoo until it is healed.
- Avoid sun exposure to the treated area. Use a broad spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Apply to the treated area every 2 hours when exposed to the sun and it is recommended to make this a part of your skin care routine.
- Clean area daily with mild soap and water and pat dry.
- Do not rub or scratch the area.
- Discomfort may be relieved by using cool gel packs or acetaminophen.
- If blistering occurs, keep the area moist by applying Aquaphor 3 times per day or antibiotic ointment per recommendation of the physician. Do not enter swimming pools or hot tubs until treated areas are healed.
- No swimming or using hot tubs for 48 hours posttreatment.