Laser Tattoo Removal
Lasers have a unique ability to target ink in the skin, allowing for safe and effective removal of unwanted tattoos. During treatment, the ink is broken down into smaller, more easily mobilized particles. After treatment, over a period of several weeks, these particles are gradually removed from the skin. With a series of laser treatments, the tattoo is gradually faded away. Below is a Baylor Dermatology patient who had a quicker than average result for her cosmetic eyebrow tattoo (1 treatment).
The number of sessions required to remove a tattoo is dependant on the color, density and depth of the ink. Amateur tattoos often need only 3-8 sessions. Professional tattoos have much more ink and average 6-15 sessions. Each laser treatment takes less than 20 minutes, and is scheduled in 1-3 month intervals. With enough sessions most treated tattoos will fade away gradually.
Despite our best efforts and the latest technology, not all tattoos can be completely removed. Below is a patient currently undergoing laser treatment for a very difficult professional tattoo (Before, after 4 treatments, after 10 treatments and after 14 treatments). Notice the dark richly multicolored tattoo is very faded, but a shadow still remains after 10 treatments. After 14 treatments the tattoo is almost all faded and patient is extremely satisfied.
The laser is the Medlite C6, one of the safest and fastest tattoo removal lasers. The C6 allows for targeting of tattoo ink with 4 different wavelengths resulting in the most flexibility in targeting multicolored tattoos. Certain colors are easier to remove than others. The best responses are seen with blue, black and red. Yellow is more difficult, but often is difficult to see once the rest of the tattoo is removed. Green is the hardest color to remove.
The procedure is well tolerated by patients. During the treatment there is some discomfort. This can be improved with a numbing cream applied 60-90 minutes prior to the appointment or injection of anesthetic immediately before treatment. We recommend over the counter 4 percent or 5 percent LMX cream. Afterward, there is a mild stinging sensation lasting several hours.
To minimize potential side effects, it is important to not have a tan (which interferes with the laser treatment). After the session, a crust forms and lasts for up to two weeks. For best possible results it is important to keep the treated area covered with a generous amount of Aquaphor Ointment or Vaseline Jelly until fully healed. Often, during treatment, the skin may temporarily lighten in color. Scarring is rare (less than 5 percent), but more likely when a scab is picked off.
The laser used in the treatment is located at the VA Dermatology clinic (Old Spanish Trail & Almeda - two miles southeast of the medical center). The VA hospital is modern, accessible and affiliated with Baylor. Parking is free, with available valet service. The average charge per session is $400 (a large part of the fee goes to the VA to support their programs for veterans). Multiple or large tattoos may be more expensive. Pre-payment and scheduling is coordinated by calling 713-798-6925.
Doctors who offer laser tattoo removal
Dr. Ramsey Markus
Dr. Ted Rosen