Tattoo Removal Questions and Answers

Question:

I recently read about women who have had breast enlargment...to hide the scars they were tatooed using ink made to match the skin color rather than laser surgery.Have you heard of this, and if so is it done by doctors or a Tattoo artist.I was wondering if it would work on the stretch marks under my armpits. I recently started noticing them from the amount of weight i've gained from weight lifting. Thank you any help would be appriciated.

Answer:

Dear Christopher, This cover-up tattooing may be done in plastic surgeons' offices by tattoo artists or by tattoo artists in their own facilities. I must say that most of the patients who I have seen have been disappointed since skin color changes with time, temperature, tan, etc. but the tattoo pigment does not. Also, there is no good way of removing the pigment should it be the wrong color - laser tattoo removal does not work on these color pigments.

Gregory Caputy, MD, Chief Surgeon
Honolulu, HI

Question:

Do you recommend the permenant eyeliner procedure and is it safe? I had heard many great things about it and many are pleased with the outcome.

Answer:

Dear Rhonda, Unfortunately, as a laser tattoo removal specialist, I usually see the people who are unhappy after the procedure. There are many who are happy but I would suggest conservatism. More pigment can always be added but the removal process is long, arduous and expensive. Make certain that it is done right the first time. I used to say that only triathletes, those with severe tremor and the very old should have this procedure done since tattoo pigment will "bleed" over years in all people until it is just a smudge. I have mellowed somewhat and now suggst, as I have to you, that you be conservative with a fine line to start with.

Gregory Caputy, MD, Chief Surgeon
Honolulu, HI

Question:

im looking for tatto removal would anybody refer me to a doctor in ny tks

Answer:

Dear Tatiana, Look in your local telephone book under cosmetic or laser surgeons and/or under tattoo removal. You are looking for a physician with a Q-switched laser who performs tattoo removal. I would be best if he/she were board-certified in laser surgery but few surgeons as yet are.

Gregory Caputy, MD, Chief Surgeon
Honolulu, HI

Question:

I'm looking for a doctor who performs tattoo removals and find out how much it will cost.

Answer 1:

I would suggest you call 1.800.532.1067; they are the laser comany and ask them for a doctor in your area. Good luck

Josh Korman, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Mountain View, CA

Answer 2:

Dear Yvett, You need to look for someone with special interest and the proper lasers. You will require a Q-switched ruby or YAG laser for black and blue tattoos, a Q-switched KTP laser for red tattoos and/or a Q-switched Alexandrite laser for purple and orange colors. I would suggest that you contact the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery and find a practitioner in your area with the right laser for you. You will be quoted costs at that time but know that it will take an unpredictable number of treatments. Most tattoos are gone in from 4 to 10 treatments with modern laser equipment. I charge $50 per square inch of tattoo ink per treatment for removal.

Gregory Caputy, MD, Chief Surgeon
Honolulu, HI

Question:

I have a tattoo on my shoulderblade, and would like to have it removed. I am most interested in the method of salabrasion. Can you tell me exactly how it works and what would take palce during the procedure, and do surgeons use this method anymore?.

Answer:

Dear Johanna, Salabrasion is a method whereby salt is used as the abrasive agent for removing layers of skin and concomitantly, tattoo ink. It is no longer used except by those who do not have the ability to provide laser tattoo removal. The laser, does not take a layer of skin off but specifically removes the ink. This is preferred since there is little or no risk of scarring. I would suggest that you visit with a local physician who has laser tattoo removal capablities in his/her office to discuss this treatment further

Gregory Caputy, MD, Chief Surgeon
Honolulu, HI

Question:

I have a tattoo on my stomach that I had for about 6 years now. I've recently had a baby and want to have it removed. It is not very large but it is dark and I was wondering what it would cost to have it completely removed? Thanks

Answer:

A small tatto on your stomach can readily be removed surgically if you don't mind the scar. The prefered way of tattoo removal is the use of Q-switched lasers. If it is black, a ruby laser is best or a YAG laser if that is unavailable. Prices vary but, in my office, I charge $50.00 per square inch of ink per treatment with complete removal usually taking from 4 to 8 treatments spaced apart by 1 to 2 months.

Gregory Caputy, MD, Chief Surgeon
Honolulu, HI

Question:

I would like to ask a surgeon who is in Hawaii (Dr. Gregory Caputy): I have a tatoo about 1 inch by 1 inch (maybe a tad bigger). I am interested in getting some information about having it removed by laser. I only would like to get it removed if it doesn't leave a scar. Please let me know about costs and procedure and how many times the laser procedure needs to be done. The tatoo is black and red. Please help! Thank you!

Answer:

Laser tattoo removal is the best means of removing tattoos since there is little risk of scarring with the procedure. The cost is $50.00 per square inch per treatment with at least 5 to 10 treatments required spaced apart by one month. Different lasers need to be used for the two different colors.

Gregory Caputy, MD, Chief Surgeon
Honolulu, HI

Next Step

• Learn about Tattoo Removal in the Articles Section
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