All About Skin and Dermatology

Decorative tattoos have a history dating back at least 5000 years. The desire to remove them has probably existed for just as long. Early attempts to remove tattoos have had less than desirable results. The use of dermabrasion, saltabrasion and Argon or CO2 lasers have left behind scars in place of the tattoo.

The advent of Q-Switched lasers has permitted the removal of most tattoo inks with a very low risk of scarring. The Medlite Q-Switched Nd:YAG laser is the laser of choice in this class of laser. The Medlite can significantly lighten or remove a wide variety of tattoo inks.

How does the Medlite laser remove the tattoo?
The Medlite laser removes tattoo ink with the energy of light. A laser is a device which is designed to produce one or more specific wavelengths of light. Tattoo ink is removed by using this specific wavelength of light which passes into the skin, but is absorbed by the ink.The rapid absorption of light energy causes the tattoo ink to break into tiny particles which can then be removed by the body?ުs natural filtering systems. The Medlite laser provides maximum tattoo removal while leaving the surrounding skin unharmed.

What type of tattoos can be removed?
The Medlite laser can remove professional, amateur (homemade), traumatic and surgical tattoos.

How many treatments will it take to remove a tattoo?
On the average, professional tattoos require 6-8 treatments, while amateur tattoos require 4-5 treatments, all spaced approximately 6-8 weeks apart. The number of treatments depends on the amount and type of ink used, and the depth of the ink in the skin.

Does the laser remove colored tattoos?
Dark (blue, black) and red inks will resolve the best. Oranges and purples usually fade as well. Green and yellow inks are the most difficult to remove, and additional treatments are needed to produce significant fading.

Will the tattoo completely disappear?
In many cases, yes. Greater than 95% fading of the tattoo may be accomplished. However, it is important to know that there are many, many types of tattoo inks in use worldwide today, none of which are regulated by the FDA. Not knowing which tattoo ink was used, or how deeply it was applied, makes it impossible for the physician to predict the degree of removal on any given tattoo.

Is the process painful?
The Medlite laser emits light in very short pulses. The impact of the energy from the powerful pulse of light is similar to the snap of a small rubberband on the skin. The majority of patients do not require anesthesia, depending on the size and location of the tattoo. Anesthesia creams are available if needed.

What type of post-treatment care is necessary?
An antibacterial ointment and a dressing will be applied to the area immediately after treatment. Occasionally, there will be pinpoint bleeding associated with the treatment. The treated area should be kept clean. Follow your physicians instructions exactly as to what to do during the days following the procedure. A shower can be taken the next day, although the treated area should never be scrubbed. If a scab forms it is vital that you do not pick it or scratch it.

By Dr. Kwan

Almost everyone has a birthmark. Generally, birthmarks are small, and often located in inconspicuous areas covered by clothing. However, some birthmarks are clearly disfiguring, especially those that appear on the face and neck. These birthmarks can be a source of great psychological and social pain.

There are two basic types of birthmarks. Red or vascular birthmarks are caused by an irregularity in the blood vessels and are the most common type of birthmarks. Pigmented birthmarks, known as nevus (singular) or nevi (plural), are brown in color and may be very large. Many birthmarks fade before children reach school age, but more commonly, they remain if untreated.

Treatment can be accomplished with the Lasorscope laser system designed for Birthmark Removal. This procedure includes the treatment of light and dark skin tones, resulting in a higher level of patient satisfaction.

What to Expect:
(Immediately afterTreatment) Blanching/graying of the tissue immediately following laser application.

Expected Final Outcome:
May not be fully resolved. Requires multiple treatments. This procedure can be done on a lunch break and requires no recovery.