Laser Tattoo and Scar Removal

Lately, getting a tattoo has become more popular than ever and so has removing them! Many people have tattoos and now they feel that having a tattoo does not fit their image. If you are remorseful about your tattoo, please consider consulting with Dr. Howard L. Brooks to determine if the removal of your tattoo is possible. With today's advanced laser technology, your tattoo can be removed safely and quickly and in most cases, without leaving a scar.

How does laser tattoo removal treatments work?

Our cosmetic medical lasers are designed to eradicate tattoos range from a single wavelength of light to a broad spectrum of light, all of which are intended to remove the ink in the tattoo without damaging the skin. Certain colors of light are absorbed by specific colors of the tattoo ink. The light energy vaporizes or fragments the ink particles. Your body then absorbs these ink fragments naturally and the color fades over the next couple of weeks. This treatment is similar to treatment that has been done for years to treat birthmarks.

Laser tattoo removal is the safest, quickest and the most likely to leave your skin intact following treatment. Other treatment options are surgical excision, chemical peel and traditional dermabrasion.

What are treatments like?

First, the tattoo is cleansed and sometimes photographed. Emitting laser or pulsed light, the laser hand piece glides over the surface of the tattoo. The size and color of the tattoo determine the length of treatment time. A tattoo the size of a quarter would take approximately 3-5 minutes to treat. Some patients request a topical anesthetic cream that when applied one hour prior to treatment, can minimize the stinging effect of the laser. Many patients tolerate treatment without topical anesthetic and report the treatment as feeling similar to numerous rubber band snaps. An ointment is applied following treatment to keep the area moist and then it is covered with a protective dressing.

How many treatments are required?

Size, color, location and the age of the tattoo determine the number of treatments necessary to effectively remove the tattoo. During the consultation, your treatment regimen will be reviewed and any questions you have will be answered. Be sure to contact Dr. Brooks if you experience side effects not described during your consultation.

The results and appearance of the tattoo vary from patient to patient. After each treatment session you will see the tattoo become lighter. Due to the various types of inks used in tattooing, the results and the number of treatments may vary. Typically, multiple treatments (anywhere from 2 to 15) will be required and are scheduled 4 to 7 weeks apart.

Scar Removal Laser Treatments (conditions such as acne, surgery, keloids, injury / accidents)

Scar removal, scar revision and scar reduction options by laser are becoming more popular. Laser acne scar removal is highly effective. Unsightly scars and stretch marks have presented problems for men and women for centuries. Many people generally consider scars and stretch marks unsightly, disfiguring and unacceptable.

WHAT CAUSES SCARS AND STRETCH MARKS?

Scars form as part of the skin's healing process whenever multiple layers of skin are injured. The injury may be the result of an accident, surgery, a burn or even severe acne.

While the exact cause of stretch marks is unknown, it is thought that they are the result of your skin's collagen and elastin breaking down under stress. Pregnancy, bodybuilding and weight loss are the leading causes of stretch marks. Stretch marks occur most frequently in areas of mechanical stress such as the breasts, abdomen, thighs, groin or buttocks. In the beginning, stretch marks are red. They turn white as part of the healing process.

NEW LASER TECHNOLOGY

Today, several new laser techniques are available to treat a wide variety of scars and stretch marks.The laser's energy stimulates the skin under the scar and causes the fibroblasts in the skin to begin to divide again. It also stimulates the production of collagen. This thickens the skin under the scar until it closely resembles the surrounding normal skin.

DO LASER TREATMENTS WORK?

Our current laser technology has been shown to improve red or raised scars. Recent studies have demonstrated that laser treatments stimulate the production of collagen and improve the appearance of stretch marks.

Additional studies show that the appearance of stretch marks continues to improve over a period of time ranging from 3 to 6 months after the laser treatment was given. Even those treatments that showed little if any initial improvement showed as much as a 50% improvement at their 6-month checkup.

WHO ARE THE BEST CANDIDATES FOR LASER SCAR AND STRETCH MARK REMOVAL?

The patients that respond the best to laser treatment for scars and stretch marks are those with a fair complexion and light pigmentation as well as those with shallow scars or stretch marks.

Note: If you have a history of Vitiligo, pigmentation disorders, dark tans or dark pigmentation may require an initial skin test for evaluation prior to treatment.

If you would like to enhance your appearance or if you simply have questions, please contact us. Dr. Howard L. Brooks is Washington DC's Top Cosmetic Dermatologists' and a leading expert in complexion blending, facial correction and dermatology ( click here to see our before and after pictures). You can turn back the hands of time with facial transformation: Botox, Juvederm, Radiesse, Dysport, Perlane, Restylane, Latisse , please call us today for your complimentary consultation. We would like to provide you with the most current information on skincare and help you achieve the best results.