How to Remove a Tattoo With Laser Surgery

Laser tattoo removal is an effective method for getting rid of those unwanted tattoos of your past. The Q-Switched laser is a fast-pulsing laser that heats up the ink of a tattoo with little damage to the skin. Once the ink is heated by the laser, your body's immune system steps in and removes the ink. The number of laser treatments will vary, depending on the size and color of the tattoo.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Choose a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon. Many tattoo parlors are getting into the tattoo removal business, but unfortunately, they are not equipped to handle medical issues that may arise.

2. Schedule a consultation with your doctor. Ask to see before and after pictures of tattoos he or she has removed to ensure experience in laser tattoo removals.

3. Prepare yourself for the cost of laser tattoo removal. The typical cost of one laser treatment is anywhere from $200 to $500 per session, and it may take up to 10 or more treatments, 6 to 8 weeks apart, to completely remove a professional tattoo.

4. Ensure that your doctor is using a Q-Switched laser for removal of tattoos. Your doctor will essentially trace your tattoo with this laser to heat up the ink.

5. Ask for general anesthesia if you are having a large tattoo removed. The laser treatment is bearable for a short period of time, but can become very uncomfortable during the removal of larger tattoos.

6. Wear loose-fitting clothing to your laser removal appointments if your tattoo is under clothing. Also, tattoos often bleed after treatments, so ask your doctor to cover the affected area with gauze to avoid staining your clothes.

7. Care for your tattoo after laser treatments with gentle cleaning and antibacterial ointment.

Tips & Warnings

• Fair-skinned people with black or brown tattoos are more likely to achieve positive results. The laser targets the ink, rather than the skin, which minimizes the chance of scarring.
• Most insurance companies do not cover the cost of tattoo removal, so be prepared to pay the entire cost.

Resources

• To determine if your plastic surgeon is certified with the American Board of Plastic Surgeons, go here.
• To determine if your dermatologist is certified with the American Board of Dermatology, go here.

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[staylor29a11]

on 5/3/2009 Thank you for telling others to get a board certified surgeon because there are many individuals that try with non-board qualified and they end up with a higher medical bill, thank you for verifying that for everyone! Great article

[CosmeticTattoo]

on 12/26/2008 Here is an alternative method of tattoo removal.

Rejuvi Tattoo Removal
http://www.CosmeticTattooist.com/tattooremoval.htm
Melbourne Australia

[glamorusgyrl]

on 9/3/2008 Get tips. I found an article that has even more information on laser tattoo removal here: http://laser-beauty.net/2008/09/03/how-laser-tattoo-removal-treatments-work/