Did you know that about 50% of those who get tattoos later regret their decision? If you have personal or professional regrets about a tattoo, you don’t have to continue to live with unwanted body art. The Dermatology Clinic at UAMS has the technology and expertise to remove tattoos.
To completely remove a tattoo, new treatments using lasers, which are more effective and cause less scarring than older surgical excision or dermabrasion procedures, can eliminate your tattoo with minimal side effects. At UAMS, we use state-of-the-art laser equipment to provide safe and effective personalized treatment.
Before Tattoo Removal
Your doctor will meet with you to help determine the type of laser to be used and the number of treatments needed to remove your tattoo. We will provide detailed information about your procedure and will advise you of the results you can expect.
During the Tattoo Removal Procedure
At the beginning of the procedure, your doctor will apply numbing cream or inject a local anesthetic to help with any discomfort. After the anesthetic begins to work, your doctor will move a high-intensity laser over the area. Our experts use specific wavelengths of light, based on the color and age of the tattoo.
The laser light penetrates only fractions of a millimeter into the skin, breaking down the pigment in the ink in the tattoo. This allows your body to remove the ink as part of your natural processes. The discomfort is minimal (comparable to having a rubber band snapped against your skin). And each treatment session is brief, generally lasting only a few minutes. If needed, ice can be applied immediately after a treatment to help cool the skin and soothe any discomfort.
After the Procedure
You will need to use an antibiotic ointment on the treated area to help the area heal.
