Leaving the skin undamaged with the Candela laser
Many people are uncomfortable with unsightly dermal lesions like age spots, freckles and birthmarks, or with a tattoo they had applied several years ago. It is estimated that as many as 50 percent of individuals with tattoos regret the permanency of the tattoo and wish to have it removed. With our Tri-Vantage Alexandrite laser, treatment is now possible.
The Candela laser is safer than traditional methods because of its unique ability to effectively treat the tattoo or pigmented lesion. Thus it will eliminate the tattoo or pigment while leaving the surrounding skin undamaged. We can offer fast and effective treatments for common conditions like freckles, age spots, Nevus of Ota and Cafe-au-Lait.
Patients with previously treated tattoos may be candidates for tattoo removal with our laser. Tattoos or pigmented lesions that have not been effectively removed by other treatments may respond well to Candela laser therapy, providing prior treatment did not cause excessive scarring or skin damage.
Treatment with the Candela lasers varies from patient to patient depending on the age, size and type of tattoo, color of the patient's skin and depth to which the tattoo or pigment extends beneath the skin's surface. In general, these steps will take place:
• The patient is asked to wear eye protection goggles.
• Treatment consists of placing a handpiece against the surface of the skin and activating the laser. As many patients describe it, each pulse feels like the snapping of a rubber band against the skin.
• Smaller tattoos or lesions will require fewer pulses, while larger ones will require more. All tattoos will require retreatments, necessitating multiple patient visits.
Immediately following treatment, an ice pack may be applied to soothe the treated area. A topical antibiotic cream or ointment is recommended. Care should be taken in the first few days following treatment to avoid scrubbing the area, and abrasive skin cleansers should be avoided. A bandage or patch may help to prevent abrasion of the treated area. During the course of treatment it is recommended that patients cover the area with appropriate sun block. We recommend Elta sunscreen which is sold at ABY Skin Care, whose office space is with ours.
Dr. Stafford has effectively treated hundreds of patients with tattoos and age spots since 2007. Please visit our website if you would like to view some before and after tattoo removal pictures at www.agelessbeautynw.com. We offer complimentary consultations and would like to offer your first treatment free (tattoo's up to 3 inches-by-3 inches) during the month of October. (208) 676-0104