Tattoos Getting the Boot With New Laser Therapies

By Annette Pinder

Are you one of those people for whom getting a tattoo seemed like a great idea years ago? Do you wish you had listened to your parents who warned that you might regret your decision someday? Are you apprehensive about going on an interview that may expose your arms or legs? Tattoos in the business world may sometimes be considered inappropriate, vulgar, or unprofessional, and it is not illegal to refuse a candidate’s employment as a consequence. 

The American Academy of Dermatology estimates that almost one quarter of Americans between the ages of 18 and 50 have a tattoo. And 50 percent of these people regret having ever gotten one. Research shows that the younger a person gets a tattoo, the more they want it removed. In the past, people who wanted a tattoo removed had to undergo invasive and painful surgery. Fortunately, times and technology has changed, making it possible to have tattoos removed with lasers.

Tattoos are created when ink is injected into your skin by an electrical device that resembles and sounds like a dental drill. The tattoo artist uses the machine to puncture the skin as a needle moves up and down between 50 and 3,000 times a minute. The needle goes in about 1 millimeter and deposits ink below the outer layer of skin. Cells below the outer layer of skin are not replaced or shed, as frequently as the cells of the outer layer of skin, so the ink becomes “permanent.”

Joseph B. Neiman, MD, FAAD, of Williamsville explains that tattoo removal can now be accomplished without damaging the surrounding tissue for aesthetically pleasing results with little or no scarring. During the procedure, highly concentrated beams of laser light are delivered to break up the tattoo ink and fade its color. Different colors of light are absorbed by specific ink colors, so treatment is customized for each patient. Prior to the procedure, ice is applied to the area to minimize discomfort. Most people experience a stinging sensation, and do not typically require anesthesia. Results are visible within two to three months, although larger and more colorful tattoos may require more treatments than smaller, or darker ones. This is because laser light is absorbed better by darker pigments.

Typically, multiple treatment sessions are required, and spaced out for maximum healing. Also, every color of ink absorbs different wavelengths of light. Some colors, such as yellow, orange, turquoise or those that are fluorescent are more difficult to treat. Dr. Neiman says, “While there is no ideal laser to remove all tattoo colors, new technologies are producing better results with fewer treatment sessions.”

Tattoo removal is a medical procedure that should only be performed under a doctor’s supervision and not in a salon type setting. To learn about the newest technology that Dr. Neiman is using for the tattoo removal process, call 716.688.0020 and visit www.neimandermatology.com.

WNY Resource
Neiman Dermatology is located in Williamsville, New York. Dr. Joseph B. Neiman is board certified in dermatology, specializes in the treatment of skin, hair and nails, and is a faculty member of SUNY Buffalo School of Medicine.