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WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT
TATTOO REMOVAL
Tattoos are removed by lasering the surface of the skin and allowing
a scab to form. The tattoo pigment soaks into the scab and is
shed when the scab falls off. Most tattoos are not completely
removed with one treatment, but several separate sessions are
usually needed for satisfaction. Treatments are usually scheduled
on a monthly basis. Lasers are most successful at removing black
tattoos. Green tattoos are the most difficult to remove. The patient
should understand that one or several of the following may occur:
• A SORE THAT NEEDS TO HEAL Each time the skin is removed,
a new scab needs to form in order to trap the tattoo pigment.
This causes a tender area that heals over two to four weeks.
• INCREASED BRIGHTNESS OF THE TATTOO PIGMENT During the first
one or two sessions of tattoo removal, the new skin may grow back
a bit thinner and the tattoo may appear more intense, darker,
or brighter than it was before removal. The tattoo fades over
several removal sessions.
• PARTIAL TATTOO REMOVAL Some of the tattoo pigment may remain,
even after the treatments. This is because some of the pigment
may be so deep under the skin that it will not come out completely,
without surgical excision.
POST-TREATMENT CARE
• You may want to place a bag of ice or frozen vegetables
covered in a wash cloth on the treated site for 20 minutes. You
may repeat this every 2-3 hours while awake.
• If you have continued irritation, you may purchase 1% hydrocortisone
cream from your local pharmacy and apply to the treated site once
per day.
• You may remove the bandage in 24 hours. You should put
on another bandage for the next 2 days.
• If you have any questions or concerns, please call the
Dermatology Clinic at 650.723.6316.
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Sculpting | Skin
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