Tattoos aren’t new, but this body art, once the domain of sailors and pirates, is definitely mainstream now. Still, we change our hairstyles and our tastes. We change partners and jobs.
And it’s funny how a new girlfriend or boyfriend doesn’t appreciate the name of your ex on your body.
That’s when you can come see us at Dr. Esta Kronberg’s practice. Dr. Kronberg puts our fast-pulse, Q-switched lasers to work getting rid of that unwanted body ink.
How does laser tattoo removal work?
Before today’s lasers, the only way to get rid of a tattoo was either through dermabrasion, which basically involves abrading the top few layers of the skin, or surgical removal. Unfortunately, both of those methods left extensive scarring and were quite painful.
But lasers have changed all that. Dr. Kronberg sets the Q-switched laser wavelength to match the melanin in the individual tattoo color that we want to target with a pass. Then the laser delivers quick pulses of light energy that is absorbed by the color. The energy breaks the pigment into particles small enough that the body’s lymphatic system can then remove them naturally.
Why does it take multiple treatments?
There are various factors involved in laser tattoo removal. The effectiveness of each session depends on the color, depth it was placed, age of the tattoo, chemical composition of the inks, and other factors. Black, red, dark orange, and dark blue respond very quickly to laser treatment. Unfortunately, green, purple, brown, light orange, and light blue are more stubborn.
That adds up to multiple treatments to break down the inks. Most tattoos require a number of treatments at 6- to 8-week intervals. Depending on the colors and depths of those colors, tattoos take a span of 3-13 sessions to fully clear.
Is it painful? What happens afterwards?
Most of Dr. Kronberg’s patients say the laser energy creates a feeling of a rubber band snapping at the target areas. If you want, we can apply numbing cream to the tattoo 30-45 minutes prior to your treatment. After each session, the treated area is iced for about 30 minutes.
After your session, your tattoo may become whitish and swollen. A red halo may surround the tattoo. These issues will subside with some icing.
Tired of the tattoo? Call Dr. Kronberg at (713) 771-8941 and let’s get to work removing it.
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