Permanent tattoos can be removed or lightened without involving cosmetic surgery by using the laser technique. Permanent tattoos of all sizes, shapes, and colors can be removed, but the results will vary from one patient to another depending on various factors.
Board certified and amazing plastic surgeon Dr. Daniel Lin provides laser tattoo removal procedure to patients in West Covina, Inland Empire, San Gabriel Valley, Chino, Rowland Heights, Baldwin Park, Whittier, Brea, Arcadia, Pasadena, Diamond Bar, and surrounding communities.
Overview
To perform permanent tattoo removal, the laser expert will deliver targeted laser energy into the affected area. The laser energy will penetrate through the skin and get absorbed by the dark tattoo ink, while leaved the surrounding healthy skin unharmed.
A mild numbing agent may be used to keep the patient comfortable through the laser tattoo removal process. Laser energy will disintegrate the tattoo ink into tiny particles. Over the next few weeks, the body will absorb the ink fragments. Multiple laser treatment sessions are usually required to successfully remove permanent tattoos.
How does Laser Work?
Laser treatments are often recommended where the patient wants to avoid cosmetic surgery. Laser light wavelengths will be absorbed to the maximum limit in case of black and other deep dark colored tattoos. On the other, for colored tattoos, the provider will make use of selective lasers.
Laser procedure will be customized to match with the depth, color and quality of ink used in the tattoo. The provider’s goal will be to minimize the laser treatment and achieve optimal results without leaving obvious scars.
Tattoo Removal Procedure
Laser tattoo removal will typically involve the following steps:
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The patient’s eyes are covered with a protective eye shield before the treatment begins.
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The laser expert will test the reaction of skin to determine the optimal laser intensity.
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Laser light will be activated once the hand piece is placed against the affected area.
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Fewer laser pulses will be required in case of small or light tattoos, while other tattoos will require more pulses.
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The treatment is repeated over multiple sessions, and the tattoo will become progressively lighter with each treatment.
The location of the tattoo, the extent of laser intensity, and the patient’s pain tolerance will be considered at the beginning to decide whether local anesthetic should be applied. Prolific and focused plastic surgeon Dr. Lin receives patients from West Covina, Inland Empire, San Gabriel Valley, Chino, Rowland Heights, Baldwin Park, Whittier, Brea, Arcadia, Pasadena, Diamond Bar, and other cities and neighborhoods in this part of The Golden State.
Recovery
Once the treatment session is over, the provider will place a patch or a bandage over the tattoo site. A topical antibiotic cream may be prescribed, and the patient will be instructed to use sun protection cream for several weeks. For a few hours or about one day, the treated area will have mild redness.
Patients can resume their normal activities immediately after the treatment in most cases. Five to 10 treatment sessions may be required to eliminate the tattoo pigment successfully, with each session spaced about 6-8 weeks apart.
Click here to learn more about all the plastic surgery procedures and treatments cosmetic plastic surgeon Dr. Daniel Lin performs for patients in and around Pasadena, Chino, Rowland Heights, Baldwin Park, Whittier, Brea, Arcadia, West Covina, Inland Empire, and San Gabriel Valley. Call today to schedule a consultation 626.810.6165 or click here.
