At The Center for Plastic Surgery, we are pleased to provide the state of the art laser to treat tattoo removal with the VersaPulse laser. It is the best laser available to allowed complete tattoo removal with minimal to no scarring.
The procedure is performed in the privacy of our accredited outpatient facility, The SurgiCenter either under local anesthesia or without anesthesia. Each session typically takes 15 minutes, however, the time may vary with each treatment. The laser sessions are spread apart by approximately 6 weeks.
Lasers work by directing energy toward ink in the skin with highly
concentrated colored light beams. These laser beams break up ink
particles into tiny fragments which are later cleared up by the body’s
scavenging cells. This process of fragmenting the ink particles requires
numerous sessions depending on the depth of the ink level. The
procedure is bloodless and no incisions are made. The laser selectively
targets the pigment of the tattoo without damaging the surrounding skin.
With deeper penetration of the skin and multiple sessions however, the
heat generated by the lasers may cause pain and blister formation. Even
though laser technology is refined, the chance of scarring is always
present with multiple treatments.
Who is a candidate for Laser Tattoo Removal?
Individuals with fair skin and
superficially placed tattoos on the arms, chest, buttocks or legs are
the best candidates. Tattoos on dark skinned individuals, or tattoos on
the ankles or fingers, areas where there is less body fat, are the most
difficult to treat and results are more variable. A thorough discussion
with Dr. Bouzaglou can better determine the potential
success rate of laser tattoo removal for any given tattoo and skin type.
What determines the success of Tattoo Removal?
Complete removal of a tattoo is based on
several things. The size, location, application, age, and color of the
tattoo all factor in, as well as the health of the patient and thus
their body’s ability to heal. Newer tattoos are generally more
difficult to remove.
Does Tattoo Removal hurt?
Unfortunately tattoos are painful when they
are placed on the skin and they are just as painful when they are
removed. The lasers generate rapid pulses which may feel different to
each patient, but are generally uncomfortable. Pain medications that thin blood and promote bruising are not
recommended. To further decrease the pain, Dr. Bouzaglou may apply a
local anesthetic ointment on the tattoo a few hours before the
procedure. In some cases, Dr. Bouzaglou, may inject a local anesthetic
into the tattoo before the procedure.
What is the cost of Laser Tattoo Removal?
Tattoo removal is considered a cosmetic
procedure and is usually not covered by any medical insurance plans.
Tattoo removal is much more expensive than tattoo placement. Laser
tattoo removal can range from several hundred dollars to thousands of
dollars depending upon the size, type, and location of the tattoo and
the number of visits required. Prior to treatment, discussing the costs
of the procedure from start to finish is a great way to clarify the
expense of the procedure up front. We have package plans of 5 laser treatment sessions starting at $1500.00. Cost will depend on the size of the tattoo and how much time it takes during each treatment session.
How many treatment sessions are required?
Most simple tattoos are removed in 2-4
treatments scheduled about 4-8 weeks apart. Removing complex tattoos
often requires a series of treatments spaced approximately 8 or more
weeks apart. Professional tattoos usually require 6-10 treatments for
complete clearing. A large, professional color tattoo can cost thousands
of dollars to remove, and the success of the procedure may not be
guaranteed.
Tattoo removal can be performed in the safety and privacy of our accredited outpatient facility, The SurgiCenter.
Call the office to schedule your laser tattoo removal at (859)263-8083 or request an appointment