There are several ways to remove tattoos
including laser removal, excision of the tattoo (if it
is small enough) and dermabrasion. The most common way
these days is the use of the laser. This technique allows
the removal of complex and large tattoos with minimal
or no scarring. Tattoo removal requires several different
kinds of lasers depending on the colors of the tattoo.
A blue-black tattoo is typically the easiest one to remove.
The tattoos with more exotic colors tend to be more difficult
to remove and therefore take more time. One can expect
that it will take up to 12 treatments or more to erase
the tattoo, and even then there may be a shadow of the
tattoo left. The procedure is done in the office and does
not require the use of an anesthetic. If the tattoo is
small enough and in an area that is hidden, it is often
less expensive and less time consuming to simply surgically
remove the tattoo. Surgery can remove the area in one
or two surgeries but will leave a scar at the site of
the excision. Dr. Barber will be happy to evaluate any
tattoo and give you an idea of what will be involved with
its removal.
