Tattoo Removal
Tattoos can be removed with a series of laser treatments at Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology of Issaquah. Before you choose a dermabrasion or surgical excision procedure for tattoo removal, consider laser tattoo removal. It's one of the safest and most effective ways to remove an unwanted tatoo.
Is Tattoo Removal Right for you?
Men and women of all ages can be considered for laser tattoo removal. There are many reasons that people choose to do so, including:
- Difficulty getting a job
- Regret about the meaning of the tattoo
- Distortion or fading of the tattoo and skin
- Unskilled tattoo artistry or permanent cosmetics
Whatever your reasons are for removing a tattoo, Dr. Michalak has options for safe tattoo removal in the Seattle area.
How Tattoo Removal Works
Laser tattoo removal works by targeting the pigment in a tattoo. The energy breaks up pigment into tiny fragments, causing it to eventually fade. A series of laser treatments are typically required to remove any tattoo, but the exact number of treatments will depend on factors like tattoo size, location, age, depth and color.
The easiest tattoos to remove are black or dark blue, fresh or significantly faded. Tattoos performed by amateurs are often easier to remove as well, because the ink does not penetrate as deeply.
The most difficult tattoos to remove are those with multiple pigments or ink colors. In such cases, different laser treatments may be required to address each color in the tattoo.
Types of Lasers Used in Tattoo Removal
Dr. Michalak will choose the appropriate laser for your tattoo removal procedure. If you have a black or dark blue tattoo, he may choose the q-switched Alexandrite or Nd:Yag laser. If the tattoo contains red, orange, pink, yellow or green ink, the procedure may require a CO2 laser or many treatments with the q-switched Ruby or Nd: Yag laser.
There are special considerations for tattoo removal patients with dark or ethnic skin tones. Although it is rare, these patients have a higher risk of side effects like hypopigmentation or scarring. To reduce this risk, Dr. Michalak may perform tattoo removal on a small test area of the skin.
After Your Tattoo Removal Procedure
After tattoo removal, your skin will exhibit a pink color for a few days. Minor bleeding, blistering and scabbing can occur during this time as well. The aftercare experience varies with each patient, depending on how aggressive the procedure is and the size of the tattoo. Most patients can resume their normal activities right away.
Remember to follow Dr. Michalak's aftercare instructions after each tattoo removal treatment. Do not pick at the treated area. Use sun protection to reduce the risk of skin discoloration.
Do you have questions about tattoo removal in the Seattle area? Contact Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology of Issaquah to learn more about this procedure or any of our state-of-the-art laser therapies for our patients in the Issaquah, Seattle, Bellevue and surrounding areas. Please dial 425-391-2500 extension 7 for Genie, our cosmetic patient coordinator.
