Most professionally applied tattoos take from 5 to 15 treatments to remove completely. Homemade tattoos usually take less. If you just want your tattoo lightened for a cover-up, then it will take significantly less treatments (2 to 5 usually). The number of treatments depends on the age of the tattoo, the density of the ink, the type and amount of ink used, color of the ink, the depth of the ink in the skin, the location of the tattoo, and your skin type.

All amateur, professional and multiple tattoo inks are treatable. The effectiveness of the laser is dependent upon the age, location, depth, and type of tattoo, as well as on the density of the pigments.Patients with previously treated tattoos may be candidates for the Candela systems. Tattoos that have not been effectively removed by other treatments may respond well to Candela laser therapy, providing prior treatment did not cause excessive scarring or skin damage.

• Professional tattoos
• Homemade tattoos
• Partial removals
• Cover-up tattoos
• Fades for cover-up preps

The Candela laser is safer than traditional methods because of its unique ability to electively treat the tattoo. It will eliminate the tattoo or pigment while leaving the surrounding skin undamaged. The treated area will turn red immediately after the procedure.

There can also be mild swelling or tenderness, crusting, and itching. Statistically, less than one patient in a thousand is at risk for pin-point scarring as a result of this treatment. Lightening (hypopigmentation) or darkening(Hyperpigmentation), of the area are also rare and should resolve in a few months if either occurs.

Tattoo removal is performed by a trained, certified professional. First, the tattoo is cleansed and photographed. The skin’s reaction to the laser is tested during the first visit to determine the most effective treatment. The laser settings are customized for your specific tattoo and maximum effectiveness. The patient is asked to wear eye protection. We guide the laser over the surface of the tattoo, breaking apart the underlying ink.

Laser treatment usually does not take more than a few minutes, depending on the complexity, size and color(s) of the tattoo. With our Q-Switch Laser, a tattoo the size of a quarter takes approximately 1-2 minutes to treat (this could take significantly longer with less advanced laser technology). The degree of discomfort varies with each person, many patients tolerate the removal procedure without topical anesthetic and report the treatment as feeling similar to numerous rubber band snaps. After each laser treatment the skin is cooled, and the area is covered with ointment and a protective dressing.

Prior to your laser tattoo removal treatments, avoid sun-exposure in the treatment area for a minimum of 3-4 weeks prior to treatment. Do not use sunless tanning creams for 7 days prior to treatment, avoid use of tattoo fading creams for 4-6 weeks prior to laser treatment.