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The MedLite® laser - the
choice for tattoo removal... |
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Decorative tattoos have a
history dating back at least 5000 years. The desire to
remove them has probably existed for just as long. Early
attempts to remove tattoos have had less than desirable
results. The use of dermabrasion, saltabrasion and Argon or
CO2 lasers have left behind scars in place of the tattoo.
The advent of Q-Switched lasers has permitted the removal of
most tattoo inks with a very low risk of scarring. The
MedLite® Q-Switched Nd: YAG laser is the laser of choice in
this class of laser. The MedLite® can significantly lighten
or remove a wide variety of tattoo inks. |
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How does the MedLite® laser
remove the tattoo? |
The MedLite®
laser removes tattoo ink with the energy of light. A laser
is a device which is designed to produce one or more
specific wavelengths of light. Tattoo ink is removed by
using this specific wavelength of light which
passes into the skin, but is absorbed by the ink. The rapid
absorption of light energy causes the tattoo ink to break
into tiny particles which can then be removed by the body’s
natural filtering systems. The MedLite® laser provides
maximum tattoo removal while leaving the surrounding skin
unharmed. |
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What type of tattoos can be
removed? |
| The MedLite®
laser can remove professional, amateur (homemade), traumatic
and surgical tattoos. |
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How many treatments will it
take to remove a tattoo? |
| On the
average, professional tattoos require 6-8 treatments, while
amateur tattoos require 4-5 treatments, all spaced
approximately 6-8 weeks apart. The number of treatments
depends on the amount and type of ink used, and the depth of
the ink in the skin. |
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Does the laser remove colored
tattoos? |
| Dark (blue,
black) and red inks will resolve the best. Oranges and
purples usually fade as well. Green and yellow inks
are the most difficult to remove, and additional treatments
are needed to produce significant fading. |
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Will the tattoo completely
disappear? |
| In many
cases, yes. Greater than 95% fading of the tattoo may be
accomplished. However, it is important to know that there
are many, many types of tattoo inks in use worldwide today,
none of which are regulated by the FDA. Not knowing which
tattoo ink was used, or how deeply it was applied, makes it
impossible for the laser technician to predict the degree of
removal on any given tattoo. |
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Is the process painful? |
| The MedLite®
laser emits light in very short pulses. The impact of the
energy from the powerful pulse of light is similar to the
snap of a small rubber band on the skin. The majority
of patients do not require anesthesia, depending on the size
and location of the tattoo. Anesthesia creams are available
if needed. |
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What type of post-treatment
care is necessary? |
An
antibacterial ointment and a dressing will be applied to the
area immediately after treatment. Occasionally, there will
be pinpoint bleeding associated with the treatment. The
treated area should be kept clean. Follow your laser
technician’s instructions exactly as to what to do during
the days following the procedure. A shower can be
taken the next day, although the treated area should never
be scrubbed. If a scab forms it is vital that you do not
pick it or scratch it. |
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How do I get started? |
Your laser
technician will be happy to discuss this procedure with you.
Please feel free to make an appointment for a consultation
to discuss your specific needs.
“I loved my
tattoo when I got it, but I’m at a point in my life now
where I no
longer care to have it. The MedLite® laser was the solution
for me.”
-MedLite® Patient
THIS
SERVICE IS NOW AVAILABLE AT THE MEMORIAL
DRIVE GREENVILLE LOCATION OR BY APPOINTMENT
AT ANY OF OUR OTHER SKIN GRAFIX LOCATIONS
PLEASE CONTACT US FOR MORE DETAILS
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