Patients in Huntington, NY ask, “Is laser tattoo removal worth it?”

Many people have tattoos that they would like to see eliminated for varying reasons. Some wonder, “Is tattoo removal worth it?” There is a safe effective option: laser tattoo removal. While having a tattoo removed is not as easy as having it placed, it can be done. At the Dermatology & Cosmetic Laser Center in Huntington, NY our skilled team will help you get rid of unwanted ink.

Dr. Koreen and his team have helped lighten and remove thousands of tattoos for patients. Thanks to advancements in laser technology, laser tattoo removal has virtually replaced all previous tattoo methods. Let’s take a look at how it works.

How laser tattoo removal works

Simply put, laser tattoo removal works by breaking up the ink of your tattoo and allowing your body to naturally eliminate it. The high intensity laser delivers short pulses of light to the skin tissue where the tattoo is located. Only the pigment absorbs the light and healthy skin is left undisturbed. Over time, the laser energy will cause the tattoo pigment to fade. The actual number of sessions required for full tattoo removal depends on several factors including:

• The age of the tattoo
• Where the tattoo is located on the body
• The colors used in the tattoo
• The size of the tattoo
• The patient’s health including regular medications taken

Laser tattoo removal can frequently take anywhere from 5 – 10 sessions scheduled about six weeks apart. There is typically no downtime with laser tattoo removal and patients can feel free to resume normal activities after a session.

Why you should choose laser tattoo removal from an experienced dermatologist

A word of warning about spas or other non-medical facilities in your area offering laser tattoo removal. It’s important to choose a dermatologist when it comes to safely removing your tattoo. Dermatologists understand how to keep the skin healthy and how to perform laser treatment without damaging healthy skin. At the Dermatology & Cosmetic Laser Center we use the PicoSure laser from Cynosure.

PicoSure is one of the most advanced lasers available and offers patients fewer treatments and unparalleled results. In fact, many patients who have tattoos that were previously treated unsuccessfully may benefit from PicoSure. The Pico Sure laser is especially effective at the most challenging pigments like green and blue.

What to expect with laser tattoo removal

What to expect with laser tattoo removaltattoo. To minimize any pain or discomfort, patients may be given a numbing cream prior to the session.

During the laser treatment your skin may appear white, which is the result of the skin releasing carbon dioxide after being penetrated by the laser. After treatment, the skin will begin to peel and potentially blister for a period of time usually a few days but it can last up to two weeks. This side effect is expected and completely normal as the body sheds damaged skin and works to repair itself.

Possible side effects of laser tattoo removal

When performed by a dermatologist, some patients may notice light or dark spots appear on the skin several months following treatment. Scarring is a rare occurrence and more common when the tattoo removal is not done by a dermatologist. Getting plenty of hydration, sleep, and quitting smoking can all improve the healing process and minimize the risk of side effects.

After tattoo removal

While some people opt to enjoy their clear skin, others may want new body art to replace the one they eliminated. After you have completed laser tattoo removal, it is safe to get a new tattoo. As always, make sure you do your research and choose a reputable, experienced professional for tattoo removal. Remember that getting a tattoo removed is a sometimes-arduous process that can potentially be avoided with a little research and preparation.

If you are in the Huntington, NY area and would like to schedule a consultation to see if laser tattoo removal is right for you, please call us today at (631) 417-3300

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