Tattoo Laser Removal

Dermatology Associates of Winchester Tattoo Removal Procedure

Consultation – Tattoo Laser Removal Consultation

Dermatology Associates offers a free consultation with our laser nurse to determine whether or not a patient’s tattoo is a good candidate for our laser tattoo treatment.  There is not one laser on the market that treats all tattoo colors well.  Some tattoo dyes, like white, can actually get worse with laser treatment. Dermatology Associates utilizes the Candela Picoway laser, which is very effective at removing the colors in the blue, black, and green spectrum of tattoos.  At the consultation, the nurse can evaluate your tattoo and recommend the best laser or lasers to treat your particular tattoo.  All your questions about the procedure can be answered, and the nurse can provide a quote for the procedure.  Often, the procedure can be performed the day of the consultation if all of the treatment precautions have been taken.

Procedure – Tattoo Laser Removal Procedure

Dermatology Associates of Winchester, Massachusetts, offers the Candela Picoway laser for the treatment of unwanted tattoos.  This laser is specifically designed to target the colored dye particles in the tattoo.   The tattoo can only be treated if the skin is not tanned in the area.  The patient will experience a “snapping rubber band” sensation during the procedure, however, a numbing cream can be prescribed to minimize this sensation.  Our laser nurse has over 20 years of experience performing this type of laser procedure.  Depending on the size of the tattoo, the treatment only requires 15-20 minutes to perform.  The nurse will apply ointment and a pressure dressing to the treated tattoo.

Recovery – Tattoo Laser Removal Recovery

Our nurse will provide detailed instructions on how to care for the treated area.  She is also available by phone every day to assist with any post treatment questions or problems.  The initial pressure dressing will be removed by the patient in 24 hours.  Since most patients experience blistering after this treatment, it is necessary to continue applying ointment and a bandage for at least one week.  Tattoo removal requires multiple sessions, depending on the type of tattoo and the colors involved.  Follow up treatments should be made 6-8 weeks apart.