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(HealthNewsDigest.com) – Up to an estimated 50% of everyone in the US who has a tattoo will eventually decide to get rid of it at some point in their life. Most people get tattoos with the impression that their preferences or situations would not change significantly enough to regret the decision later in life. The most common method employed to remove a tattoo is by utilizing a laser. The use of lasers has revolutionized non-invasive surgical procedures from unwanted hyper pigmentation of the skin to scar removal.
However, utilizing a precise technology like laser surgery requires in-depth expertise as offered by board certified, Harvard and Princeton educated, Dr. Stuart Bentkover. From his Worcester and Stoneham based clinics in Boston, MA, he provides a range of consultation and procedures relating to facial plastic surgery and laser surgery.
How lasers remove tattoos
The application of lasers for removal of tattoos is based on the breakdown of the ink pigment under the skin. A high intensity laser pulse is emitted causing the pigment to absorb the energy generated and subsequently disintegrate the ink into a simpler and smaller molecular structure. These molecules are then absorbed by the body’s immune system.
The number of treatments required for the removal of a tattoo depends upon the ink used, the color of the skin, the depth of the ink, and the area of the skin where the tattoo is located.
How to prepare for the treatment
Since each tattoo removal procedure has to be tailored to the individual needs, it is essential to book a consultation to weigh your options and the scope of the treatment. A tattoo can never be completely removed, though the level of visibility can be greatly reduced by an experienced laser surgeon. The condition of the skin also plays an important role in determining the outcome of the procedure. For example, dark, tanned, or scarred skin fare worse when it comes to recovery.
Lasers are actively absorbed by pigments, therefore, even natural skin pigments would be disintegrated by the laser. This produces a hypo pigmentation or slight lightning of the area which has been treated. However, its visibility can be greatly reduced by the level of expertise of the surgeon.
Black tattoos are comparatively the easiest to remove as black pigments absorb all wavelengths of lasers. For colored tattoos, different wavelengths are employed, depending upon the color. To deal with a variety of tattoos, Dr. Bentkover uses Revilite SI® Q-Switched Laser; an advanced laser system that has the ability to uses different wavelengths to deal with colored tattoos.
The procedure
The complete course of treatment would last several months depending upon the tattoo. As the body has to get rid of the broken down pigment as well as heal before further treatment can carry on, it is a lengthy procedure. Each session takes a few minutes in which the skin is exposed to the laser, after which the treatment assessment is made and further appointments are arranged.
When the treatment finally concludes, the area of treatment should seem fairly close to normal, although it might be slightly lighter than the surrounding tissue.
Dr. Stuart Bentkover
Bentkover Facial Plastic Surgery and Laser Center
123 Summer Street, Suite 675 – Worcester, MA, 01608
Phone: 508-363-6500
92 Montvale Avenue, Suite 3000 – Stoneham, MA, 02180
Phone: 617-247-0033
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