Pigmented Lesions
Certain brown spots such as age spots, freckles and some types of birthmarks can be easily removed with the Nd: YAG laser. Dr. Wooming will identify your specific type of lesion and determine if laser removal is the appropriate treatment for your lesion.
Tattoo Removal
The advent of decorative tattoos dates back at least 5000 years. The desire to remove a tattoo has probably existed just as long. Early tattoo removal attempts have had less than desirable results and have left behind scars in place of the tattoo. Now, with the use of the Nd:YAG laser, most tattoo inks can be removed with a very low risk of scarring. The Nd: YAG can significantly lighten or remove many tattoo inks, and is particularly advanced in the removal of blue, black and red inks.
How does the Nd: YAG laser work?
The Nd: YAG laser removes tattoo ink with the energy of light. Just as natural sunlight is made up of light wavelengths of many colors, a laser is a device which is designed to produce one or more specific wavelengths of light. These wavelengths are absorbed, reflected or simply passed through objects. Tattoo ink is removed by using a specific wavelength which passes through the skin but is absorbed by the ink. The rapid absorption of light energy causes the tattoo ink to destruct, where it is then removed by the body’s natural filtering systems.
Medical research has taught us which wavelengths of light to use and specifically how to deliver the laser’s output to best remove tattoo ink. The Nd: YAG laser delivers light in very short, high intensity pulses for maximum ink destruction. The use of this specific combination of wavelength and rapidly pulsed light results in minimal damage to the skin while providing maximum tattoo ink removal.
Will my tattoo completely fade away?
Many people will have amazing results with greater than 95% of fading possible after a series of treatments. Although, you should know that over 100 tattoo inks are in use worldwide today, none of which are regulated by the FDA. Not knowing which tattoo ink, how deep it is or how much was used, makes it impossible for the physician to predict the degree of removal on any given tattoo. Dark (blue/black) inks and red inks fade the best. Oranges and purples usually respond well. Green and yellow inks are the most difficult to remove, although additional treatments can produce significant fading.
Is laser tattoo removal painful?
The Nd: YAG laser emits light in very short flashes of light called pulses. The pulse of the laser can feel like the snap of a rubber band on the skin, followed by the feeling of a sunburn. The large majority of patients do not require anesthesia. However, some patients feel more comfortable with a local numbing agent like ice, topical anesthetic cream or injected local anesthetic.
How many treatments will it take to remove my tattoo?
The number of treatments depends on the amount and type of ink used and the depth of the ink in the skin. On the average, professional tattoos require 5-6 treatments, while amateur tattoos require 3-4 treatments. Treatments are spaced approximately 6-8 weeks apart. You will continue to see a lightening of your tattoo after each treatment as your body disposes of the pigment cells.
What should I expect immediately after my treatment?
Occasionally there will be pinpoint bleeding after the treatment. An antibacterial ointment and a dressing will be applied to the area. The treated area should be kept clean with continued application of an ointment recommended to you by your physician. You may take a shower the next day, although the treated area should not be scrubbed.
Questions regarding Nd: YAG laser treatments for tattoos, birthmarks, age spots and freckles?
If you're considering Nd: YAG laser treatments and have questions, LipoSculpture & Laser Center of Dallas can help. Contact the LipoSculpture & Laser Center of Dallas by calling (972) 661-5476 to arrange a private Nd: YAG laser consultation. We can address your questions and help you determine if Nd: YAG laser treatment is right for you based on your individual circumstances.
LipoSculpture & Laser Center offers two convenient Metroplex area locations serving patients living in Dallas, The Colony, Frisco, Plano, Farmers Branch, Carrollton, Irving, Coppell, Addison, Allen and Richardson.