Tattoo Removal in La Jolla
Your life is changing. Business opportunities are coming, there's a new significant someone in your life, and you actually looked at the Real Estate section of the San Diego Union-Tribune last Sunday. It's time to admit you've out grown your nose piercing, your hairstyle and your tattoo. The piercing will close, your hair will grow out, but you will need some help removing the tattoo. If it's time to remove the ornaments of youth, laser tattoo removal can be very effective. To discuss your options and begin a removal regimen, schedule a consultation with La Jolla Dermatologist, Susan M. Stuart, M.D. by calling 858-623-6333 or you can contact LaJollaSkin.com online.
You may have been young and impulsive, you may have been in love or you may have felt dedicated to a cause when you decided to get your tattoo. No matter what your reason for getting a tattoo (or where you decided to put it), having it removed safely and effectively without leaving a scar or damaging your skin should be your highest priority.
Since the 1990's, laser technology has been available for tattoo removal and the technology has continued to advance. At La Jolla Dermatology, Dr. Susan Stuart uses the state-of-the-art Q-Switch YAG laser which offers great results with no downtime and does not damage the skin or surrounding tissue. And Dr. Stuart's expertise as an award winning board certified Dermatologist is just as important to the success of your tattoo removal as the effectiveness of the lasers she chooses.
How Laser Tattoo Removal Works
The Q-Switch YAG laser emits various levels of energy and light pulses that target specific pigments in the skin. Q-Switched YAG laser is very effective at removing red, black and blue based colors. Because the laser pulse is geared to certain pigments that are not necessarily found naturally in the skin, the surrounding tissues are not affected by the laser. Q-Switch YAG laser has a built in system that sprays a cooling gel onto the skin milliseconds before the laser light is pulsed to keep the skin surface cool and to reduce the amount of discomfort from the treatment.
Laser Tattoo Removal at La Jolla Dermatology
The removal of a tattoo is as unique as the tattoo and the person wearing it. The depth and color of the tattoo will determine how Dr. Stuart uses the laser for removal. During your initial consultation at La Jolla Dermatology, Dr. Stuart will examine your tattoo and your skin tone and texture to determine the proper laser tattoo removal regimen for your desired results. It is important to understand that laser tattoo removal takes many treatments spread out over intervals of 4 to 6 weeks so a full regimen can take from 8 months to a year.
When you arrive at La Jolla Dermatology, your tattoo and the surrounding skin will be cleansed and a topical anesthetic might be administered to reduce discomfort during your treatment. As the laser hand piece is moved across the tattoo, you will feel a sting like a rubber band being snapped against your skin. The treatment can take from 10 to 20 minutes.
In order for laser treatments to be safe and effective, they must be administered by a doctor with expertise and experience. Dr. Stuart is considered one San Diego's leading experts in Laser Surgery and has been selected as one of America's Top Physicians in Dermatology. Dr. Stuart completed a Pediatric Dermatology fellowship at the prestigious Stanford University School of Medicine where she received a grant and support from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for her neonatal skin studies. Her experience and research about the sensitivities of infant skin allows her to bring a unique perspective to all of her laser treatments.
Laser Tattoo Removal Recovery
Recovery will be based on your specific treatment. In most cases, you will experience some swelling and redness, like a sunburn. With deeper treatments, there might be bruising or bleeding. Redness, sensitivity, but your skin texture will continue to improve over many weeks. It is very important not to expose the treated area to the sun as this could result in permanent discoloration.
If your tattoo makes you feel uncomfortable in your own skin, maybe it's time to discuss removal with Laser Surgery and Dermatology expert, Dr. Susan Stuart. All you have to do is call La Jolla Dermatology at 858-623-6333 or you can contact LaJollaSkin.com online.
