Annette has recently become a Certified Laser Specialist and purchased a laser for the purpose of tattoo removal! Sessions start at $150! Call for appointments, consultations or additional questions!
This information is provided so that one may make an informed choice on whether to have tattoo laser treatment. Although laser treatment is effective in most cases, no guarantees can be made that you will benefit from treatment. Several treatment sessions will be needed to obtain the desired level of improvement. Tattoo treatment will be done in stages, with repeat treatments at intervals of 4 weeks or more. Sometimes, a tattoo will not completely clear but will become lighter, rarely, a tattoo may even worsen after laser treatment.
The most common side effects and complications of this laser treatment are as follows:
1. Pain. The snapping and burning sensation of each laser pulse may produce a minimal to moderate amount of discomfort. An anesthetic cream may be used to block the pain if desired. There are several OTC options. Please ask.
2. Bruising. Immediately after the laser treatment, the area will appear gray or blue-black. The discoloration will fade during the next 7 to 10 days.
3. Swelling. Areas most likely to swell are the hands and feet. The swelling subsides within 3 to 5 days with regular ice application.
4. Blisters or scabs. These usually develop within the first 2 days of treatment and resolve in 1 to 2 weeks.
5. Infection. Swelling, crusting, pain, and fever could indicate an infection, despite the use of good local wound care. Please keep us informed of your status.
6. Skin darkening (hyperpigmentation). “Tanning” of the skin can occur in the treated areas and will fade within 2 to 6 months. This reaction is more common in patients with olive or dark skin tones and can worsen if the laser-treated area is exposed to the sun.
7. Skin lightening (hypopigmentation) Light spots can occur in all area of skin that has already received several treatments. The pale areas usually darken or repigment in 3 to 6 months but can be permanent in rare cases.
8. Allergic reaction. Rarely, an allergic reaction to the release of tattoo pigment in the skin after laser treatment can occur. An allergy to the topical antibiotic ointment or sunscreen may also be possible.
9. Scarring. This is extremely rare but may occur on disruption of the skin’s surface. Strict adherence to all advised postoperative instructions would reduce the possibility of this occurrence.
10. Tattoo persistence or worsening. Some tattoos may not go away completely or may worsen despite the best efforts made by the technician. Tattoos that have flesh-toned (or tan, brown, peach) inks arc susceptible to darkening after laser irradiation, especially cosmetic tattoos (eyeliner, lipliner).
Before you get a laser treatment: If you have any medical conditions, such as heart problems, Anemia, Skin Allergies, Diabetes, or any other condition that may affect your immune system, be sure to check with your doctor!