Denver Tattoo Removal FAQ'S
What Type of Laser do you use for Tattoo removal?
At VITAHL we use the RevLight SI, a Q-Switched ND: Yag laser that is designed specifically for removal and lightening of the ink that comprises a tattoo. When doing tattoo removal it is important to use a laser that is designed to remove tattoos. Many lasers ARE NOT intended for tattoo removal and will damage the skin.
Why do you recommend lasers for tattoo removal?
Although a tattoo looks like a simple painting on the skin, it’s actually a series of ink deposits placed deep into the skin – designed to last forever. The reality is that thousands of people decide to remove their tattoos each year because the designs are no longer relevant to their lifestyle. Lasers are the safest and most effect way to remove tattoos. The MedLite C6 by Conbio lasers has been considered the gold standard in laser tattoo removal for 20 years. Recently Conbio has designed the RevLight SI, a more technolgially advanced version of the MedLight. These lasers use up to four different wavelengths to remove multiple colors of tattoo ink.
How does the laser work when treating a tattoo?
RevLite uses PhotoAcoustic energy to safely penetrate the skin and target the tattoo at its core. The laser energy is directed at the pigment of the tattoo and short pulses of energy pass harmlessly through the outer layers of the skin to treat the tattoo. Each pass of the laser vibrates and gently shatters the tattoo ink into into very small particles. At the same time that is does this, it induces an inflammatory response in the skin. This inflammation helps carry away the tattoo pigment from the skin.Laser tattoo removal requires multiple sessions. Because the laser delivers the energy in a very precise ‘beam,’ physicians can trace the design without damaging the surrounding skin. Q-switched laser, such as the RevLight SI, are some of the most effective ways to remove tattoos. Earlier methods in tattoo removal involved the use of dermabrasion, surgery and CO2 lasers, but these procedures left behind scars or lighter skin in place of the tattoo. The RevLight SI is the most effective laser for breaking down considerable amounts of ink when used by a physician or under physician supervision by a highly-trained laser specialist.
How many treatment sessions will it take to remove my tattoo?
All laser tattoo removal requires multiple sessions. The number of treatments depends on the amount, type of ink used, and the depth of the ink in the skin, as well as the location of the tattoo, and individual health considerations. During your initial consultation we will evaluate your tattoo characteristics and discuss how many treatments we expect your tattoo may require. We will also monitor your tattoo at each treatment session. Black tattoos are easier to remove than multi-colored designs, but all tattoos must be treated with the proper laser. Most “amateur or home-made” tattoos will generally require about 5-7 laser treatments. “Professional” tattoos and those done with harder inks, tend to be more variable in response, and average about 8-15 laser treatments. Some stubborn tattoo inks may require even more treatments. There are no guarantees on how many treatments you will need or how much lightening you will see with each treatment, but you can expect to see some lightening with each treatment.
How often should my tattoo be treated?
Treatments are spaced 4-8 weeks apart.
What can I expect during my tattoo removal treatment?
Patients say the experience feels similar to the tattoo application itself – a snap of a rubber band followed by a feeling of warmth. That said, it takes much longer to remove a tattoo than to get a tattoo – about six to 15 sessions (or more), depending on the amount of colors, the size of the design and the type of ink.
Will my tattoo completely disappear?
In most cases, over time, the tattoo fades and the skin returns to normal color; however, there are many different types of tattoo inks and some colors are difficult to treat so we cannot guarantee that all tattoos will disappear completely. We recommend a consultation so we can evaluate your tattoo and give you a better estimation on the number of treatments you may need.
