I recently had the opportunity to speak with well-known laser tattoo removal expert, Dr. Will Kirby. Dr. Kirby is a board certified dermatologist and aesthetic surgeon, and is medical director of the Los Angeles-based “Dr TATTOFF” laser tattoo removal practice and medical spa. He also happens to be one of the stars of the E! network's hit series, Dr. 90210. Here I pick Dr. Kirby’s brain for answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about laser tattoo removal.
Will laser tattoo removal remove my tattoo completely?
There are some tattoos you probably want all the way gone, right? After all, the goal is to have no traces left behind of that ex-girlfriend's name.So, is it possible to completely eradicate that old ink, relegating (what was her name again?) to a distant memory? Possible, yes. Guaranteed, no.
Read more about complete tattoo removal.
How many sessions will it take to remove my tattoo?
Lest you begin to think of a laser as the magic wand of tattoo removal, you need to be aware that it's not a "one and done" proposition. Almost all tattoos require multiple sessions for removal. How many times will you need to go under the laser? The answer is not that simple. It all depends on...Read more about how long it takes to remove a tattoo.
How long should I wait between laser tattoo removal sessions?
So you want to get this over with as quickly as possible, right? Your doctor said it would take approximately 6 sessions, and you're thinking, "Great! Just a couple of months and I can say goodbye to this bad ink." Think again.
You may be surprised to hear that it is not the laser that actually removes the ink. The laser breaks up the ink into tiny fragments which are then able to be removed by your own immune system. This process takes time, so be patient.
Read more about how long to wait between laser tattoo removal sessions.
What kinds of tattoos are hardest to remove?
The variables that determine the answer to this question are much like the variables that determine how many sessions are required to remove the tattoo in question. They include the age of the tattoo, the color(s) of the tattoo, the location of the tattoo on the body, and the skin color and type of the patient.Read more about which tattoos are hardest to remove.
Are there some ink colors that can’t be removed?
The short answer is maybe. Some of the newer, ultra-vibrant inks are troublesome and may not be able to be removed. But they aren't the only ones that pose a problem.Read more about which ink colors cannot be removed with laser tattoo removal.
Can permanent makeup be removed?
Removing permanent makeup, also known as cosmetic tattooing or micropigmentation, is tricky. Because of the colors used and these tattoos' placement on the face, increased risk and liability may cause many doctors to shy away from attempting removal. But it can be done.Read more about permanent makeup removal.
I am dark-skinned. Will laser tattoo removal work on me?
Advances in laser technology have made it possible for darker-skinned people to have their unwanted tattoos removed this way. However, there are some challenges.Read more about laser tattoo removal for people of color.
Is laser tattoo removal painful?
It depends on your personal tolerance for pain and whether or not you opt for some form of anesthesia. In general, most patients report experiencing little more than mild discomfort.Read more about pain and laser tattoo removal.
How do other methods of tattoo removal differ from laser tattoo removal?
Laser tattoo removal has all but replaced all other methods, due to its record on safety and effectiveness. However, there are still some other methods in use.Read more about tattoo removal methods.
How can I learn more about laser tattoo removal?
To learn more about laser tattoo removal, including costs, risks and complications, and what happens during a tattoo removal session, check out this article that will tell you what you need to know about laser tattoo removal.Source:
Interview with Will Kirby, DO, FACOS - Los Angeles, CA - conducted on November 19, 2008
