While tattoos may seem like a good idea at the time, many people eventually choose to have their tattoos removed. Daniel Man, M.D., a Florida plastic surgeon, performs tattoo removal on people living in Boca Raton, FL and the surrounding communities who want to remove the tattoo they got earlier in their lives.

What is Tattoo Removal?

Tattoo removal is a non-invasive treatment that uses laser energy to remove the ink of tattoos. With tattoo removal, lasers transmit rapid pulses of light to the tattoo. As the light pulls in the ink, it absorbs the ink and breaks down the pigment. Once this happens, the area’s new skin begins to heal while the white blood cells erase the ink. Some tattoos take more treatments than others, but most take up to six treatments to be diminished or erased.

Benefits of Tattoo Removal

Laser tattoo removal offers people a way to remove a tattoo they no longer wish to have. About 25 percent of people who get tattoos eventually get them removed. Tattoo removal provides the following benefits:

  • Effective treatment for tattoos with darker colors
  • Less pain or discomfort than other traditional methods
  • Speedy recovery

Is Tattoo Removal Right for Me?

You may be interested in getting a tattoo removed for any of the following reasons:

  • You got tattoos when you were young and regret them now
  • You have tattoos that reference a relationship that ended
  • You are having trouble getting work or being taken seriously due to tattoos
  • Your tattoos cause you unhappiness or are a reminder of things best forgotten
  • Your tattoo was done improperly or unprofessionally
  • You want to work in a profession in which tattoos are frowned upon
  • You want to join the military but have visible tattoos

Tattoos are not a bad thing. However, many people find permanent body art to be problematic later in life when the art is in reference to things less permanent. Tattoos can often be reworked into new designs at the hands of a talented artist, but if you need a tattoo removed, it is possible.

What Options are Available for Tattoo Removal?

There are several different laser processes that can be used to safely remove your tattoo. Factors that will impact the choice include:

  • Where the tattoo is located
  • The age of the tattoo
  • The kind of ink and colors used in the tattoo
  • The skin quality around the tattoo

Vasculight Laser: This treatment is a YAG color-sensitive laser that targets the pigments most often used in tattoos without affecting surrounding tissues. This tattoo removal procedure utilizes modern technology and is safer than many other procedures.
TRIC (tattoo removal infrared coagulator): The TRIC technique can remove tattoos in fewer sessions than a laser, but is more invasive. Dr. Man can consult with you about your tattoos and the removal techniques available.

How Involved is Tattoo Removal?

The Vasculight laser tattoo removal process can take several months up to a year or two of carefully spaced visits to remove heavy or expansive tattoos. The laser uses a high-intensity light beam that targets disrupts, and fragments the ink particles, so they can be absorbed by the body and discarded as waste. This is a time-consuming process, which must be done in short sessions of roughly 30 minutes and should only be performed by a qualified plastic surgeon.

The TRIC process works by creating a superficial burn on the skin, which removes the pigment caused by the ink injections. This method allows tattoos to be removed in just a few sessions and is less expensive than laser therapy, however, it leaves a flat scar in the place where the tattoo used to be. It was developed in Texas and has been used to provide tattoo removal for former gang members and youth who had extensive tattooing done and need a fresh start. Again, only a trained plastic surgeon should perform this process.

The tattoo removal process chosen is subjective to the patient’s skin type and the tattoo itself. Water, melanin (pigment), and hemoglobin content all affect the impact of the laser on the tissue. Treatments last from 15 minutes to an hour depending on the area and the tattoo.

There is minimal discomfort with laser tattoo removal, although redness may appear and last for several days. With TRIC tattoo removal, the result is a slight burn that should be treated with antibiotic cream and covered lightly.

How is the Recovery from Tattoo Removal?

When the treatment is completed, petroleum jelly is applied to keep the area moist and provide a barrier between the environment and the new skin. Dressing is applied to protect the area as well. Patients must wait 24 hours to shower and must avoid swimming pools and hot tubs until the area has completely healed.

Typically, several treatment sessions are required for full tattoo removal. The number of sessions will depend on the type of treatment used, the size of the tattoo, location of the tattoo, and type of ink used.

How Much Does Tattoo Removal Cost?

The cost of tattoo removal is based on the extent of the tattoo, the colors, the type of treatment used to remove the tattoo and the number of sessions it takes to achieve the desired goal. During a consultation, Dr. Man can evaluate the tattoo and determine the process so that he can provide cost information. He also goes over payment options and financing.

What Do I Do Next?

If you have a tattoo that you regret getting or no longer want, we recommend you schedule a consultation with Dr. Man so that he can evaluate your ink and suggest which type of tattoo removal is best to remove your tattoo.

People living in Boca Raton, FL and the surrounding communities who want to have a tattoo removed can turn to Dr. Daniel Man, a Florida board-certified plastic surgeon. Please contact us to set up your consultation today.

*The information about tattoo removal was reviewed by Dr. Daniel Man. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us using our contact form below.