Tattoo Removal
by Erin Owoc, Dermatology Nurse Practitioner

I have been performing tattoo removal over the past 7 years and would like to share with you my experiences by answering questions my patients commonly ask:


Does is work and how many times do I need the procedure done?
Again, like above assuming you have the correct laser built specifically for Tattoo removal, the results are very good. How many treatments you will need depends on the size of the tattoo, the quality of the tattoo (amateur versus professional), age of the tattoo, and the number of colors in the tattoo.

What colors are most difficult and will I scar?
Black ink is the easiest to remove while green and yellow are the hardest. There is a risk of the skin being hypopigmented (lighter color) in that area. How you will heal has many factors. Everyone heals different. It depends on the area treated, how many treatments you need, and your skin’s own pigmentation.

Erin can be reached at 954 680-8330 or Erin@HaveAgelessSkin.com.

Ageless Tattoo Removal

Come in for a free consultation on how we can permanently remove your tattoo using state of the art CANDELA lasers designed for exactly the removal of tattoos. All tattoo removal procedures are performed by Erin Owoc, Dermatology ARNP-C, who has been performing tattoo removal procedures for over 7 years. Some common questions on the tattoo removal procedure:

What are some of the most common benefits of laser tattoo removal?
During laser tattoo removal, the laser is used to selectively target and destroy the tattoo without damaging the surrounding tissue, which greatly decreases scarring. Lasers have differing wavelengths and pulse durations, and different laser beams are absorbed by specific colors, allowing physicians to choose the precise combination of lasers for the depth and color of a particular tattoo as well as for multi-colored tattoos. After treatment the skin is more uniform and natural in appearance, although some changes in skin texture and color are unavoidable.


What will happen at the initial consultation?
During the consultation, your medical practitioner will advise you on what to expect from laser treatment. He/she will explain the different options available to you, the procedure itself, and its risks and limitations.Your mediacl practitioner will begin with a complete medical history and an examination of your tattoo and your overall skin tone and quality. The size, style, color and location of the tattoo, as well as the color and texture of your skin, will determine the type of laser treatment recommended. He/she will also want to know when, where, and by whom your tattoo was applied, as these factors too can affect the method of treatment.

How is laser tattoo removal performed?
The medical practitioner will cleanse the area on and around the tattoo to remove oils on the skin. During the procedure you’ll feel intense emissions of light penetrate the tattooed area. You’ll hear noise as the laser does its work, both from the machine itself and from the fans that operate continuously to reduce heat in the room and clean the air.


How long does the procedure take?
On average, each laser treatment takes from ten to twenty minutes. Several treatments are needed to achieve the desired results -- the number will vary depending on the depth and color of the tattoo, but five to twelve treatments for one tattoo are not uncommon. You must allow at least a month between treatments, so be prepared to commit a substantial amount of time to the process.


How much pain is there?
You should expect some pain during the treatment. This is most often described as a burning or stinging sensation. A numbing cream applied to the skin or a local anesthetic injected under the skin can be used to minimize pain.


What can I expect after tattoo removal?
The area may be red, as if mildly sunburned, for several weeks. There may be some bruising, and with deeper tattoos bleeding is not uncommon. The area may be treated with an antibiotic ointment and a bandage applied.

Recovery times depend on the extent of the treatment and the individual’s capacity to heal. Redness and sensitivity may continue for several weeks, and there may be discoloration and a change in skin texture in the area, which will gradually improve. You should avoid exposing the treated area to the sun, as this may retard healing. You may not notice significant results until several treatments have been completed.

Most people are satisfied with the pigment removal achieved through laser treatment. It is important to remember, however, that your skin will never look as perfect as it did before you had the tattoo, even though the tattooed pigment has been removed.


Other important information:
Several additional factors can affect the long-term outcome of your treatment. Older tattoos are easier to remove than newer ones; tattoos applied by amateurs are easier to remove than those applied by professionals. Certain pigments are easier to remove, with fluorescent colors being the least responsive to treatment. The type of ink used may also affect the results, since some inks create a paradoxical reaction, causing the skin to become darker instead of lighter. Your physician can advise you on what to expect based on your particular tattoo.


Risks and limitations:
With modern lasers, extensive scarring is quite rare, although some changes in skin texture and color are common. The area treated by the laser may become hardened or rough, and the skin may become lighter or darker than the surrounding skin.

TATTOO REMOVAL PROCEDURE VIDEO