Details: Laser Tattoo Removal

What is R20 tattoo removal?

R20 tattoo removal uses two passes of laser light to break up the ink in your tattoo, rather than the older 'one pass' method. There is no additional downtime or adverse side effects with R20 tattoo removal.  Recent studies have shown that two passes, separated by at least 20 minutes, remove significantly more ink than one pass.  More than two passes does not seem to benefit.

Before	In Progress

Who can have tattoo removal?

If you have a tattoo that you don't love anymore, choose us to remove it with our lasers.  Or if you prefer to cover your tattoo with new ink, we can use our lasers to lighten the old tattoo first.

How do the lasers work?
The laser emits an intense beam of light which is absorbed by the tattoo ink. The laser energy breaks the ink particles into small fragments.  After treatment is when your body does the hard work.  Scavenger cells activate to collect the ink particles and absorb them. 

How long will my treatment take?
The physician or nurse pulses the entire tattoo using the laser hand piece. The time to treat a tattoo depends on the size of the tattoo and the number of colors. A small (one inch) single color tattoo takes less than five minutes. A large multi-color tattoo takes up to 30 minutes.  If you choose R20 tattoo removal, you'll be here for at least 45 minutes.

We'll make sure to give you an estimate for the length of your treatments at your initial consultation.

Does the laser hurt?
You will experience discomfort with each pulse similar to the discomfort you felt when you received the tattoo. We'll give you a prescription for a numbing cream at your initial consultation, which will make your visit easier.

You should apply the cream in a thick layer and cover the entire area with plastic wrap two hours prior to the procedure. We'll remove the cream once you arrive for your appointment, and our nurse will inject the area with Lidocaine so that you're even more comfortable.

How will my tattoo look after treatment?
After a single treatment, your tattoo will whiten immediately. In a few minutes, the white color from the laser dissipates and the tattoo will be swollen, red, and sometimes crusty (like a fresh tattoo). Your tattoo will be back to normal in a few days or a week.

Several treatments are necessary before the colors start to fade. As your tattoo fades with additional treatments, its colors may become uneven or spotty.

Before	After

How frequently will I have to come in for treatments?
We prefer to wait four to six weeks between the visits to allow your body to absorb the fragmented tattoo particles. Waiting longer than six weeks between treatments will not impact overall success.

How many treatments are necessary for most people?
It is not possible to accurately predict the total number of treatments needed. On average, amateur tattoos take six to eight treatments. Professional tattoos can require eight to 12 treatments. Tattoos over tattoos can require more than 12 treatments.  R20 tattoo removal reduces the total number of visits required to remove the tattoo.

Patients who pre-pay for 5 tattoo removal sessions will get the 6th treatment for free.  Treatments

range from $200 to $500, depending on the size of

your tattoo.

What are my risks?
Depending on the natural pigment of your skin, you may notice temporary darkening or lightening of the skin that's been treated. Permanent texture changes such as firmness or lumpiness are possible. Certain colors (historically, those used in cosmetic tattoos) can turn black when treated. This black discoloration might not respond to further laser treatments.

Some tattoos do not fully respond to laser treatment and residual spotty pigment is possible. Rarely, a tattoo will not respond at all. It is not possible to identify which tattoos will not completely respond or the rare tattoo that will not respond at all. We will discontinue treatments if no response is visible by the fourth session.

There are reports of allergic skin reactions forming in the tattoo or on the entire body after laser treatment. As with any medical or surgical intervention, unforeseen consequences are possible.

How can I minimize my risks?
Keeping your skin as pale as possible in the tattoo area will keep the risk of pigment problems as low as possible. Use sunscreens if the tattoo is exposed daily or keep it covered with clothes or bandages.  To ensure the laser will work well at each visit, do not pick or tear at the scabs that form after your laser treatment.

What should I do now?

Call our office to schedule a consultation with our Laser and Cosmetic Nurse, Susan Young!  She has over a decade of experience and will answer any questions you may have. 

(301)698-2424.

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