Tattoo Removal      Tattooing is an old art that is popular nowadays. Many people desire removal of their tattoos after sometime, often to avoid the social considerations of having a tattoo. In the case of cosmetic tattoos, the reason for removal may be a no longer wanted shape or color, or an allergic problem.   Traditional methods of tattoo removal have included dermabrasion and surgical removal which leave unacceptable scarring.   Why is treatment with a laser safe and effective?     Treatment with a laser for tattoos is safer than traditional methods because of the laser's unique ability to selectively treat the pigment in the tattoo. The laser will eliminate the tattoo pigment while leaving the surrounding skin intact. Dr. Touma has experience in removing hundreds of tattoos of different types.
Before and after laser treatment of tattoo. Lighter colors are more difficult to resolve.

  What types of tattoos can be treated with laser?

Treatment varies from patient to patient depending on the age, size and type of tattoo, color of the patient's skin and depth to which the tattoo pigment extends beneath the skin's surface. All tattoos will require re-treatment at 4-6 weeks intervals.

Overall 2-4 treatment sessions are needed for amateur tattoos, and 6-12 sessions are needed for professional tattoos. Some cosmetic tattoos might resolve after 1-2 treatment sessions .

Laser treatments are less painful and require less recovery time than some other treatment methods. The degree of discomfort varies with each person, depending on his/her pain threshold. Most patients do not require anesthesia. In some cases, however, depending on the nature and location of the tattoo, the physician may elect to use topical local anesthesia.

Tattoos that have not been effectively removed by other treatments may respond well to laser therapy, providing prior treatment did not cause excessive scarring or skin damage.