Tattoo Removal at Our San Jose and South Bay Area Center

Our cosmetic surgery center is proud to feature both the Spectrum Q-switched Ruby Laser and the ConBio™ Medlite™ Q-Switched Nd:YAG laser for tattoo removal. The Spectrum Ruby Laser is the most powerful tattoo removal laser available, and the only one available in a private practice setting in the San Jose and South Bay areas. For treatment of darker skin, we use the ConBio™ Medlite™ Q-Switched Nd:YAG laser. During your consultation, Dr. Robert Lowen can determine which option is best for you.

 

 

How does the tattoo removal process work?

A laser is a device which is designed to produce one or more specific wavelengths of light. Tattoo ink is removed by using the specific wavelength of light which passes into the skin and 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 lasers utilized for tattoo removal at our San Jose and South Bay area center provide maximum results while leaving the surrounding skin unharmed.

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What type of tattoos can be removed?

The lasers can remove professional, amateur or homemade, traumatic, and surgical tattoos. Dark inks like black, blue, and red resolve the best. Orange and purple also fade well with laser tattoo removal procedures. Green and yellow inks are the most difficult to remove, and additional treatments are needed to produce significant fading.

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How many tattoo removal treatments will I need?

Typically, patients require between four and eight treatments. The specific number varies based on the type of tattoo, the amount and type of ink used, and the depth of the ink in the skin. All tattoo removal treatments are spaced approximately 4-6 weeks apart.

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Will the tattoo completely disappear?

In many cases, 95 percent or greater fading of the tattoo is possible. However, it is important to know that there are many types of tattoo inks in use 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 Dr. Lowen to predict the degree of removal possible on any given tattoo. However, we have the capability with our Specturm Q-switched ruby laser and our Conbio Medlite-6 Q-switched YAG laser to treat all colors. The ruby is unsurpassed for greens, black and aqua or light blue.  The Medlite-6 treats black, red, sky blue, purple and green and has four wavelengths to use on these various colors.

 

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Is the tattoo removal process painful?

The sensation produced by the laser’s powerful pulse of light is similar to the snap of a small rubber band on the skin. The majority of patients do require some form of anesthesia, and this option is available. We can use either anesthetic cream and ice, or administer local anesthetic for smaller tattoos. The Medlite-6 is so efficient and fast, that many patients require only icing and/or topical anesthetic cream. After tattoos have been lightened by several treatments, discomfort diminishes, and either no anesthetic, or only anesthetic cream and icing may be sufficient. After your tattoo removal procedure, an antibacterial ointment and a dressing will be applied to the treated area. Patients can shower the following day, although the treated area should never be scrubbed. If a scab forms it is vital that you do not pick it or scratch it. Icing of the treated areas for one to two hours afterwards helps to control swelling and speed healing.

 

For more information on tattoo removal options at our South Bay and San Jose area center, please contact our plastic surgery practice today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Robert Lowen.

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Schedule a tattoo removal consultation at our San Jose and South Bay area cosmetic surgery center today.