Tattoo Removal in Mountain View
Getting a tattoo is growing to be more and more popular in today’s society, which makes the individual’s desire to remove it, very popular too. Now, with new technology available for laser tattoo removal, San Jose area patients can remove their tattoos safely, quickly and in most cases without leaving a scar. No matter the size, color, location or age of the tattoo, our lasers get the ink out without damaging the skin. For the best results, a series of laser treatments is required for full tattoo removal. San Jose area patients can now come to our cosmetic surgery center, get their tattoos removed safely and easily.
Here, we are proud to feature the ConBio™ Medlite™ Q-Switched Nd:YAG laser for tattoo removal. For treatment of darker skin, the ConBio™ Medlite™ Q-Switched Nd:YAG laser does not cause lightening of the skin or an outline of the removed tattoo. During your consultation, Dr. Robert Lowen can determine which option is best for you.
-
How does the tattoo removal process work?
In the unique processes of laser tattoo removal, 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 for that ink, 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. In order to provide maximum results while leaving the surrounding skin unharmed, we utilize specialized Q-switched lasers for tattoo removal.
-
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.
-
How many tattoo removal treatments will I need?
Typically, patients require ten or more 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. Older or lighter black or red tattoos may come out more rapidly.
-
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. 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 Conbio Medlite-6 Q-switched YAG laser to treat all colors. The Medlite-6 treats black, red, sky blue, purple and green and has four wavelengths to use on these various colors.
-
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. 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 and the options of tattoo removal, please contact our plastic surgery practice today to schedule a consultation with our medical team.