Our bodies are designed to remove foreign particles from the skin's surface, but the ink particles are too large for the skin to expel themselves from the body, making the image appear suspended in the skin. Laser tattoo removal breaks up the ink particles in a tattoo, making it easier for the body's immune system to get rid of the particles by dissolving naturally.
During laser tattoo removal, Dr. Schusterman uses a non-invasive laser that releases energy in a single, powerful pulse. The ink particles are broken up and fragmented into fine particles during treatment removal using high levels of concentrated light waves.
Other tattoo removal procedure options are more invasive and include:
Dermabrasion Dermabrasion is a surgical procedure that uses a medical grinding tool to grind off the skin's outer layers. This type of tattoo removal is painful and could lead to scarring.
Chemical peels Acid peels are applied to the tattoo area to remove the outer layers of the skin and ink. This treatment generally requires the need for a topical anesthetic and can be mildly painful. The length of recovery is based on how many peels you need to remove multiple tattoos at once or if repeated sessions are needed.
Surgical removal Direct surgical excision can be used to remove a tattoo. However, this procedure is not a practical solution for large tattoos or those tattoos in unique places on your body. Once the tattoo is cut out, the remaining skin is brought together and then sutured closed. A surgical scar is expected.
It's essential to have realistic expectations of your laser tattoo removal. If your tattoo has colorful and elaborate designs, you may require several sessions to remove it. You must be in overall good health and refrain from smoking before your laser tattoo removal treatment and after. Smoking restricts blood flow, and proper blood flow helps the healing process.
Laser tattoo removal is an outpatient procedure. Your skin is numbed with an injection of a local anesthetic. Then a powerful pulse of energy is applied to the tattoo to heat and shatter the tattoo ink. The length of your treatment will depend on if your multicolored tattoos need to be treated with various lasers and different wavelengths.
Laser Tattoo Removal Recovery
After your laser tattoo treatment, you may see some swelling or blistering on your skin. Once your tattoo is removed, it is permanent, and it will take about six weeks to heal fully. You are provided with specific post-treatment care. Your bandaged area must be cleaned properly.
Laser Tattoo Removal Results
Treatment will vary for each patient and be determined based on several factors:
Laser tattoo removal is typically performed in a series of sessions to provide the opportunity to heal each area and do not cause scarring. This helps us to ensure you experience the best possible laser tattoo removal Houston can offer. When you're ready to make a permanent change about an old tattoo, or you need help in rebranding your image by removing images that no longer reflect who you are, it's time to schedule your laser tattoo removal consultation with Dr. Schusterman.
Patients of laser tattoo removal say that the treatments feel like snapping rubber bands and less painful than getting a tattoo.
While complications are rare, some risks of laser tattoo removal may include:
Your laser tattoo removal cost is based on where your tattoo is located and how large the surface area is that needs to be removed. Keep in mind that several sessions may be required to remove your tattoo entirely.
Laser tattoo removal is considered a cosmetic treatment and is not covered by insurance. Dr. Schusterman does offer financing options to fit within your budget.
Contact us today to schedule your appointment with the renowned plastic surgeon and breast & body specialist Dr. Mark Schusterman. Take your first steps to a more beautiful you.
3355 W Alabama St Suite 450, Houston, TX 77098
Mon-Thu: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Fri: 9:00am – 3:00pm
