Tattoo Removal

How does the Medlite Q-Switched Yag Laser Remove Tattoos?

The Yag laser emits short pulses of intense red light, which passes harmlessly through normal skin where it is selectively absorbed by the tattoo ink. The laser energy breaks the tattoo ink into minute particles that are easily removed by your body's immune system.

Any large particles of ink that are not completely fragmented may require additional treatments, and the tattoo gradually fades.  Decorative tattoos on the body and cosmetic eyebrow and lip tattoos can be removed. Normal skin is not harmed by the treatment. Our Fountain Valley office has the Yag laser available for tattoo removal and convenient appointments may be scheduled for the same day or next day.

Does It Hurt?

To begin the fading process, laser light is traced over the tattoo. The laser does not burn or cut your skin in any way. Each laser pulse may feel like a rubber band snapping against your skin and covers an area approximately the size of a pencil eraser. If your tattoo is very large, you may choose to have a topical anesthetic ordered for you, but this is usually unnecessary.

What To Expect After Treatment

Immediately after laser exposure, the treated area turns white and swells slightly. This whiteness usually fades within 20-60 minutes. Over the next several days a scab or thin crust may form. The area usually returns to normal in seven to ten days.

Will The Tattoo Be Removed Completely?

In many cases, greater than 95% fading of the tattoo may be accomplished. However, it is very important to know that over 100 tattoo inks are in use worldwide today, none of which are regulated by the FDA. Not knowing which tattoo ink, how deep or how much was used, makes it impossible for the physician to predict the degree of removal on any given tattoo. Dark (black and blue) inks and red inks fade the best. Green and yellow inks are the most difficult to remove, although multiple treatments can produce significant fading. On the average, while amateur tattoos require 2 to 4 treatments, all spaced approximately 4 to 6 weeks apart, professional tattoos could require 5 or more treatments.