Laser Removal
Tattoo Removal Specialists
Our laser services are currently only available at our Ankeny location.
Tattoos have always been designed to be permanent by embedding ink into the dermis, the deepest layer of your skin. Due to the deep insertion of ink your body’s natural immune system is unable to eliminate the ink particles which allow the tattoo to remain permanent on the skin. In the past there was not an effective or easy way to remove tattoos.
Today however, medical lasers are designed to eliminate tattoos ranging from a single wave-length of light to a broad spectrum of light, the varieties of which are intended to obliterate the ink in the tattoo without damaging the skin. Certain colors of light are absorbedly specific corresponding colors of the tattoo ink. Light energy vaporizes or fragments the ink particle. Your body then absorbs these ink fragments naturally and the color fades over the next couple of weeks. Lucky Gal in Ankeny specializes in the safe and effective removal of tattoos by utilizing the Q-switched laser. Q-switched lasers are the only laser able to produce sufficient fluency (energy or power) to remove dark and bright tattoos without unattractive side effects like scarring.
What to expect during the removal process
During a tattoo removal procedure, the area being treated is cleansed. The Q-switched laser is then pulsed over the tattoo, directing the light energy towards the ink. Q-switched laser pulses last mere nanoseconds (billionths of a second), providing high levels of fluency for quality ink shattering. The light is selectively absorbed by the tattoo ink particles, leaving the surrounding skin tissue and chromophores unharmed. The tattoo ink particles absorb the laser energy, heat up, and shatter into smaller ink particles. In the days and weeks following a laser treatment, the body’s immune system flushes away the shattered ink particles, causing the tattoo to fade. Over a series of treatments, more and more ink shatters, leaving the skin free of ink. Laser tattoo removal is definitely a team effort that requires not only work from the laser but also a person’s immune system. Ensuring you maintain a healthy immune system will provide faster removal and improve the overall results of the removal procedure.
Ready to schedule your tattoo removal?
You can email us directly at lglaserremoval@gmail.com or stop into our Ankeny location to discuss with our laser specialist.
Chris
Certified Laser Removal Specialist
Dr. Richardson-Colby
Medical Director
Macee
Certified Laser Removal Specialist
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How bad does it hurt?Many patients tolerate treatment without topical anesthetic, and report the treatment as feeling similiar to no more than numerous rubber band snaps.
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Does it scar?While it is uncommon to cause scarring from the laser tattoo removal sessions themselves, it is still possible. Blisters and scabs are common side effects that are important in the tattoo removal healing process. However, picking scabs or not caring properly for blisters can allow scarring to happen.
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How many treatments does it take?Size, color, location and the age of the tattoo determine the number of treatments necessary to effectively complete removal. During the consultation, the tattoo you want treated will be examined and any questions you have will be answered.
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Are there side effects?Some patients experienced redness, swelling, tenderness, crusting, sunburn sensation, or itching immediately following treatment. Your treatment program will be discussed with you at the time of your consultation. If you experience anything different than discussed with you following your treatment, report back to the office for a follow-up visit.
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What results can I expect?The results and appearance of the tattoo vary from patient to patient. After each treatment session you will see the tattoo become lighter. Due to the various levels of professionalism and types of inks used in tattooing, the results and number of treatments may vary. Typically, multiple treatments will be required and are scheduled 4 to 6 weeks apart.
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How much does it cost?The average laser tattoo removal cost can range from $80 to $500 per treatment session. The price is dependent on several factors, including the type and complexity of the tattoo.
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What are other removal options?Laser tattoo removal is the safest, quickest and most likely to leave your skin intact following treatment. Other treatment options are surgical excision, chemical peel and traditional dermabrasion. These various options are invasive treatment methods and often result in scarring.
