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February 20, 2003 – Rolling Meadows, IL.
Like Iron Mike Tyson, you may be having second thoughts about your latest
tattoo. Fortunately, you don’t have to fight someone to get it removed.
Thanks to clinical advances in laser technology, today’s dermatologic
surgeons can remove your tattoo safely and effectively without a scrape.
According to Dr. Roy G. Geronemus, president
of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, skin normally needs about
one month to heal after a tattoo is applied. For tattoo removal, the laser
beam targets the tattoo pigment in the skin and mechanically breaks it down.
The body then naturally removes the pigment and the tattoo fades.
There are several types of laser systems that
may be used to eliminate tattoos, depending on body location, size, ink
color and your skin pigment. For example, in Tyson’s case, laser experts
recommend use of a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser for tattoo removal on dark skin.
Dermatologic surgeons may also use non-laser techniques to get rid of
certain tattoos. However, most tattoos generally require multiple treatments
for thorough removal.
Experts in the health and beauty of your
skin, dermatologic surgeons are committed to the highest standards of
patient care. Accordingly, the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery
offers the following Tattoo Safety Tips:
If you are getting a tattoo,
- Make sure the operator uses properly
sterilized equipment
- Be certain the operator uses disposable
needles, wears latex gloves, and properly disposes of biohazards
- Check that the tattoo shop is approved by
the State Board of Health
If you are having laser surgery to remove
a tattoo,
- Make sure a doctor, preferably a
dermatologic laser surgeon, is on site during the procedure
- Check that treatment is administered in an
appropriate medical setting
- Ask questions about the doctor’s
qualifications and experience with lasers
- Find out if the recommended laser system
is right for your skin type and appropriate for your specific tattoo
- Inquire about potential side effects and
risks of treatment. If you have sensitive skin or are unsure about a
procedure, ask for a test spot.
- Call your physician immediately if you
experience pain, discomfort or discoloration after your procedure.
The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery
was founded in 1970 to promote excellence in the subspecialty of
dermatologic surgery and to foster the highest standards of patient care.
With more than 2,500 members, the ASDS is the nation’s primary resource and
advocate for education, research and patient safety related to therapeutic,
reconstructive and cosmetic surgery of the skin.
For more information on laser treatment for
tattoo removal, along with referrals to board-certified dermatology
specialists in specific geographic locations, please contact the ASDS
consumer hotline, 1-800-441-ASDS (2737) during weekday business hours, or
visit its web site at http://www.aboutskinsurgery.org
For more information,
contact:
Nadine Tosk, ASDS, at (504) 483-6957
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Like Iron Mike Tyson, you may be having second thoughts about your latest
tattoo. Fortunately, you don’t have to fight someone to get it removed.
Thanks to clinical advances in laser technology, today’s dermatologic
surgeons can remove your tattoo safely and effectively without a scrape.
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