Decorative tattoos have a history dating back at least 5000 years. The desire to remove them has probably existed for just as long. Luckily, a tattoo does not have to be permanent unless you want it to be.

Early attempts to remove tattoos have had less than desirable results. The use of dermabrasion, saltabrasion and Argon or CO₂ lasers have left behind scars in place of the tattoo.

The advent of Q-Switched lasers has permitted the removal of most tattoo inks with a very low risk of scarring. The MedLite Q-Switched Nd: YAG laser is the laser of choice in this class of laser. The MedLite can significantly lighten or remove a wide variety of tattoo inks.

The MedLite laser removes tattoo ink with the energy of light. A laser is a device which is designed to produce one or more specific wavelengths of light. Tattoo ink is removed by using this specifi c wavelength of light which passes into the skin, but is absorbed by the ink. The rapid absorption of light energy causes the tattoo ink to break into tiny particles which can then be removed by the body’s natural filtering systems. The MedLite laser provides maximum tattoo removal while leaving the surrounding skin unharmed.

The MedLite laser emits light in very short pulses. The impact of the energy from the powerful pulse of light is similar to the snap of a small rubber band on the skin. The majority of patients do not require anesthesia, depending on the size and location of the tattoo. Anesthesia creams are available if needed for pain relief.

The MedLite laser can remove professional, amateur (homemade), traumatic and surgical tattoos. On the average, professional tattoos require 6-8 treatments, while amateur tattoos require 4-5 treatments, all spaced approximately 6-8 weeks apart. The number of treatments depends on the amount and type of ink used, and the depth of the ink in the skin. The laser removes tattoos of all colors, though green and yellow inks are the most difficult to remove and may require additional treatments to produce significant fading.

Greater than 95% fading of the tattoo may be accomplished with MedLite lasers. However, it is important to know that there are many, many types of tattoo inks in use worldwide today, none of which are regulated by the FDA. Not knowing which tattoo ink was used, or how deeply it was applied, makes it impossible for the physician to predict the degree of removal on any given tattoo.

Call Coastal Skin Center now to set up an appointment 207.667.2422 or 888.379.5664