Tattoo Removal

Decorative tattoos have a history dating back at least 5000 years. The desire to remove them has probably existed just as long. Early attempts to remove tattoos included sanding, cutting, and burning of the skin, which left scarring. These removal techniques were replaced by dermabrasions, salabrasions, and C02 lasers, which still left scarring and could not differentiate tattoo colors. Since the early 90's the advent of Q-switched lasers permitted the removal of darker tattoo inks with very low risk of scarring. The latest generation of Q-switched lasers developed in the late 90's is the newest system capable of removing multiple tattoo inks.

The laser uses an intense beam of light to remove and lighten the tattoo, without harming the surrounding healthy skin cells. The light energy may be delivered as a continuous wave of light or in pulses. When the ink particles of the tattoo absorb the light from the laser, they are broken up into tiny fragments. These fragments are then absorbed through the body's natural cleansing mechanism. This cleansing process generally takes several months.

Dr. Al Rustom's Skin and Laser Clinic performs tattoo removal. We have perfected this specialized area of Cosmetic Dermatology performing this procedure thousand times. We have a strong commitment to patient's satisfaction, education, and desire to exceed expectations.

Why Laser Tattoo Removal?

We provide the finest medical laser treatment available. Relax in our surgically clean, private, professional atmosphere. We are specialists in tattoo removal. Dedicating ourselves to the highest standards, advancing our technology with every means of education available. Taking great pride in our profession we have earned the reputation as leaders in laser tattoo removal. Using the newest state of the art FDA lasers we change lives, giving individuals a second chance at clear skin. Erasing the indiscretions of youth, enhancing your professional image, and increasing your self-esteem. You may only have a tattoo taken off once in your life. Why would you compromise?

Tattoo Removal Options

We offer complete removal, lightening, or partial removal of tattoos. An example would be removing a name inside of a banner. We skillfully remove the name without disturbing the surrounding tattoo. We encourage patients to consider lightening existing tattoos before applying a professional cover-up. Commonly existing tattoos are visible underneath a cover-up. Lighten your existing tattoo to create the opportunity for a perfect cover-up from your artist. We welcome input from your tattoo artist to best determine the level of lightness required for the best look of your body art.

Tattoo Removal with the Q-Switched Lasers

Decorative tattoos have a history dating back at least 5000 years. The desire to remove them has probably existed just as long.

Early attempts to remove tattoos have had less than desirable results. The use of dermabrasion, salabrasion and Argon or CO₂ lasers have left behind scars in place of the tattoos.

The advent of Q-Switched lasers has permitted the removal of most tattoo inks with a very low risk of scarring. The Q-Switched Nd:YAG laser can significantly lighten or remove many tattoo inks, and is particularly advanced in the removal of blue, black and red inks.

The Q-Switched laser removes tattoo ink with the energy of light. Just as natural sunlight is made up of light wavelengths of many colors, a laser is a device which is designed to produce one or more specific wavelengths of light. These wavelengths are either absorbed, reflected or simply passed through objects. Tattoo ink is removed by using a specific wavelength which passes through the skin but is absorbed by the ink. The rapid absorption of light energy causes the tattoo ink to destruct, where it is then removed by the body's natural filtering systems.

Medical research has taught us which wavelengths of light to use and specifically how to deliver the laser's output to best remove tattoo ink. The Q-Switched laser uses a light wavelength which passes through the skin, but is absorbed by most inks. The Medlite also delivers the light in very short, high intensity pulses for maximum ink destruction. The use of this specific combination of wavelength and rapidly pulsed light results in minimal damage to the skin while providing maximum tattoo ink removal.