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Tattoo Removal - Chicago Plastic Surgery
Considering tattoo removal?
With the proliferation of tattoos in recent years, Chicago plastic surgeons have seen an increase in the number
of people requesting tattoo removal. The reasons for this vary: the tattoos may be poorly placed or executed,
the site may have become infected, or the person may simply have outgrown whatever impulse led to the tattoo
Search Chicago plastic surgeons performing tattoo removal.
Because tattoos are placed fairly deeply under the skin, previous removal methods (including excision, dermabrasion,
chemical removal, and the earliest lasers) caused unacceptable levels of scarring. Today, newer lasers are more
gentle, more effective, and less likely to lead to scarring, making this the treatment of choice for removing tattoos.
How is laser tattoo removal performed in Chicago?
The Chicago surgeon, or an assistant, will cleanse the area on and around the tattoo to remove oils on the skin.
During the procedure you'll feel intense emissions of light penetrate the tattooed area. You'll hear noise as the
laser does its work, both from the machine itself and from the fans that operate continuously to reduce heat in
the room and clean the air.
How long does the laser tattoo removal procedure take?
On average, each laser treatment takes from ten to twenty minutes. Several treatments are needed to achieve the
desired results -- the number will vary depending on the depth and color of the tattoo, but eight to twelve
treatments for one tattoo are not uncommon. You must allow at least a month between treatments, so be prepared
to commit a substantial amount of time to the process.
Laser treatment is usually performed in a doctor's office, and a hospital stay is not necessary.
Benefits of laser tattoo removal surgery in Chicago
The laser is used to selectively target and destroy the tattoo without damaging the surrounding tissue, which
greatly decreases scarring. Lasers have differing wavelengths and pulse durations, and different laser beams are
absorbed by specific colors, allowing physicians to choose the precise combination of lasers for the depth and color
of a particular tattoo as well as for multi-colored tattoos. After treatment the skin is more uniform and natural in
appearance, although some changes in skin texture and color are unavoidable.
The initial consulation visit for laser tattoo removal in Chicago
During the consultation, your Chicago plastic surgeon will advise you on what to expect from laser treatment. He/she
will explain the different options available to you, the procedure itself, and its risks and limitations.
Your doctor will begin with a complete medical history and an examination of your tattoo and your overall skin tone
and quality. The size, style, color and location of the tattoo, as well as the color and texture of your skin, will
determine the type of laser treatment recommended. Your doctor will also want to know when, where, and by whom your
tattoo was applied, as these factors too can affect the method of treatment.
Take this opportunity to ask all the questions you have about the procedure, and ask to see photos of the doctor's
recent patients, before and after the procedure. Also ask for, and follow up on, patient references. Learning
everything you can about your options, risks and benefits is the key to making an informed decision.
The ideal candidate for Chicago laser tattoo removal
In general, the best candidates for laser removal of tattoos:
- Are physically healthy
- Are psychologically stable
- Do not smoke
- Want to change their appearance
- Are willing to commit a substantial amount of time to the process
- Do not have fluorescent colors in their tattoo
- Do not have unusual scar formations, such as keloids, or scars in the tattooed area
- Do not have connective tissue disorders, such as lupus
- Are not taking Accutane, nor have taken it for the previous 18 months
- Have not had other cosmetic surgery in the tattooed area
- Are well informed about the procedure
- Hold realistic expectations about the outcome
Possible risks of laser tattoo removal in Chicago
With modern lasers, extensive scarring is quite rare, although some changes in skin texture and color are common.
The area treated by the laser may become hardened or rough, and the skin may become lighter or darker than the
surrounding skin.
Laser treatment can also cause the development of small superficial cysts in the skin. If necessary, these cysts
can easily be removed through minor surgery. Lasers can also cause burns or other injuries. To reduce the risks
involved in this procedure, carefully follow all of your Chicago doctor's instructions, both before and after
the procedure.
Other important information on Chicago laser tattoo removal
Several additional factors can affect the long-term outcome of your treatment. Older tattoos are easier to remove
than newer ones; tattoos applied by amateurs are easier to remove than those applied by professionals. Certain
pigments are easier to remove, with fluorescent colors being the least responsive to treatment. The type of ink
used may also affect the results, since some inks create a paradoxical reaction, causing the skin to become darker
instead of lighter. Your Chicago physician can advise you on what to expect based on your particular tattoo.
What to expect from laser tattoo removal treatment in Chciago
The area may be red, as if mildly sunburned, for several weeks. There may be some bruising, and with deeper tattoos
bleeding is not uncommon. The area may be treated with an antibiotic ointment and a bandage applied.
Recovery times depend on the extent of the treatment and the individual's capacity to heal. Redness and sensitivity
may continue for several weeks, and there may be discoloration and a change in skin texture in the area, which will
gradually improve. You should avoid exposing the treated area to the sun, as this may retard healing. You may not
notice significant results until several treatments have been completed.
Most people are satisfied with the pigment removal achieved through laser treatment. It is important to remember,
however, that your skin will never look as it did before you had the tattoo, even though the tattooed pigment has
been removed.
Reference: American Society of Plastic Surgeons
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