Category Archives: Tattoo Removal

Learn about Atlanta tattooo removal treatments performed at Laser Lights Cosmetic Laser Center.

Laser Tattoo Removal at Laser Lights

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According to Harris Interactive’s most recent statistics, one in five Americans has at least one tattoo. As the job market continues to stay competitive, many people are considering having those tattoos removed. Regardless of the reason for wanting tattoo removal, the experienced professionals of Laser Lights Cosmetic Laser Center can help you achieve permanent removal.atlanta-laser-tattoo-removal

As with all of our laser procedures, we only offer medical-grade FDA approved laser equipment. Our laser tattoo removal technology is safe for all skin types including darker skin tones. Since tattoos are meant to be permanent, it can take several sessions to remove the tattoo entirely.  Factors such as age of tattoo, color, ink used, type, and size can all affect the number of treatments needed. Our skilled laser technicians can provide a better estimate during a pre-laser skin analysis.

In general, professional tattoos with darker colors such as green and blue are more difficult to remove while homemade black tattoos tend to be easier. Older tattoos are also easier to remove as they begin to fade over time. Inks with a carbon based tend to fade faster than non-carbon based.

Generally, laser treatments for tattoo removal are usually spaced four to six weeks apart. Depending on how the skin reacts to the laser, treatment sessions may be done closer together.  A test spot can give our professionals a good idea how quickly the ink will respond. Sometimes the laser technician uses the R20 technique where two to four treatments can be done at the same time. With this technique the laser can break up more ink without having to wait for the next treatment.

If you are interested in learning more about our tattoo removal services or other cosmetic laser procedures we offer, please contact our office at 770-495-9322. Be sure to also connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for the latest cosmetic laser news and monthly specials.

Laser Lights Cosmetic Laser Center Explains the Science behind Tattoo Removal

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Atlanta Laser Tattoo RemovalAccording to a study performed by the National Institutes of Health, around a quarter of all adults in the United States have at least one tattoo.  Many people wonder why tattoo pigments aren’t absorbed by the body like when you get a shot at the doctor.  While the concept is vaguely similar—using a needle to inject a substance into the body—the tattoo machine was actually designed more like a printer that engraves words into hard surfaces.

A modern tattoo machine pushes a solid needle (as opposed to a hypodermic/hollow needle) up and down through the skin between 50 to 3,000 times a minute. Penetrating the skin approximately a millimeter, the insoluble pigment is injected into the dermis, or second layer of the skin. While the outer layers of the epidermis are constantly shedding, the cells in the dermis are more durable which means the pigment remains permanent.

The aforementioned study also found that, of those with tattoos, up to 50% were dissatisfied with their ink and 17% were considering having them removed.  Among other laser skin treatments, Laser Lights Cosmetic Laser Center offers laser tattoo removal in Duluth, GA (outside of Atlanta).

Using a specialized tattoo removal laser, our certified and licensed medical staff can help you remove any tattoos that you may regret or no longer want.  The treatment works by targeting laser energy to the specific tattoo pigments. Penetrating the layers of skin, the laser breaks up the permanent ink into particles small enough for the body to easily absorb them. From there, the immune system rids the body of the pigments.

While this process seems easy enough, depending on the size and color of the tattoo (as rated by the Kirby-Desai tattoo removal scale) tattoo removal can take multiple treatments. Some pigments are harder to remove so complete removal isn’t guaranteed, though our treatments can significantly diminish the appearance of unwanted tattoos.

For more information on Atlanta laser tattoo removal or other laser skin treatments, contact our office. You can also stay up to date on the latest Laser Lights Cosmetic Laser Center news by connecting with us on Facebook and Twitter.

Kirby-Desai Scale Helps Atlanta Laser Tattoo Removal Patients Predict Treatment Time and Results

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Laser Lights cosmetic laser centerLaser tattoo removal is an intriguing process to most individuals, and like a tattoo each procedure is individualized based on the person and the ink they’d like to remove. Because laser tattoo removal works through light, there are important factors in predicting its effectiveness on any particular person’s tattoos. While most tattoos can be removed successfully, the number of treatments required to eliminate a tattoo completely vary as well as the type of laser used.

The creators of a proposed scale for tattoo removal called the Kirby-Desai Scale hope to help laser technicians and doctors to efficiently determine the most effective way and the number of sessions needed to remove any tattoo—regardless of size, color, or shape.

The Kirby-Desai Scale focuses on 6 major elements to determine the effectiveness of tattoo removal: a person’s Fitzpatrick skin type, the tattoo’s location on the body, the tattoo pigment color, the amount of ink in the tattoo (or size), the amount of scarring or tissue change, and whether the tattoo is layered. Each element is assigned a score from 1 to 5.

For example, we’ll say a man has a full-color, completely filled-in tattoo of a tiger on his chest that covers the pectoral muscle that he’d like to remove. A person with light skin is 2 points on the scale, and a tattoo on the chest is 2 points. A tattoo with multiple colors is 4 points, and if the size/amount of ink is moderate, that’s 3 points. The application of a tattoo that caused no scarring is 0 points, and the tattoo wasn’t layered over another tattoo, which is 0 points.

The points are then added together, in the case of our tiger man 11 points, and that number is used to determine the number of laser tattoo removal sessions required to eliminate that tattoo completely. So, tiger man would need somewhere around 8 sessions to get rid of his inked cat.

This scale can be useful to the tattoo removal specialist for obvious reasons, but can be helpful to the patient as well. Being able to plan out the number of tattoo removal sessions allows patients to schedule the removal sessions within their agenda, budget for the appropriate number of procedures, and prepare themselves adequately for the process because they’ll know what to expect from laser tattoo removal.

The originators of the Kirby-Desai tattoo removal scale hope to bring certainty to patients in an effort to help doctors educate their patients completely before them embark on the tattoo removal process.

Make sure to check out our laser tattoo removal before and after gallery for pictures of results we’ve gotten at Laser Lights Cosmetic Laser Center in Duluth.

Contact us for more information on tattoo removal and other laser services at Laser Lights Cosmetic Laser Center. You can also keep up with our news and updates by following us on Facebook and Twitter.

Thinking about Laser Hair Removal, Tattoo Removal or Wrinkle Treatment? What to Look for in a Reputable Laser Treatment Center

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Because laser cosmetic treatment is so new, many patients are unaware that standards exist to regulate which practitioners and physicians can use the equipment and how it should be used. While the use of lasers for cosmetic and medical treatments seems like space-age technology, these criteria and rules help keep patients and physicians safe. More specifically, organizations like the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS) and the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) regulate and determine the appropriate safety criteria for the medical and cosmetic use of lasers.

When looking for a reputable laser treatment center, it is important that the facility follow high standards of practice to ensure patient safety. The ASLMS lists training and education, patient and procedure selection, and patient safety as the three main determining factors in high standards of laser treatment practice. Continue reading →

Temporary Tattoos, But Permanent Patriotism: Laser Tattoo Removal Useful for Active Soldiers

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laser lights cosmetic laser centerSummer is often a patriotic time in which we reflect on our appreciation for soldiers who have served and are still serving our country both at home and overseas. Many service members often show their pride in their branch of the military or memorialize fallen comrades through tattoos. Tattoos often provide soldiers permanent reminders of their service and celebratory tokens of their accomplishments. While tattoos may seem like a rite of passage for many in the armed forces, the military has strict tattoo regulations for current and incoming soldiers.

Members of the armed forces are commissioned to represent the United States with the utmost professionalism whether in times of peace or during combat and any tattoos that detract from the polished look in uniform are often not allowed. These include tattoos that are visible when in dress uniforms such as those on the hands, neck, and head. Each branch has its own specific rules, but most follow the same general guidelines. Continue reading →

Partial Laser Tattoo Removal

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When people consider laser tattoo removal, they generally think about removing old, unattractive tattoos that they no longer want to appear on their body.  However, while complete tattoo removal is an option, some people may only want their tattoos lightened or part of their tattoo removed.  Laser Lights Cosmetic Laser Center sees patients seeking complete laser tattoo removal, tattoo lightening, and partial tattoo removal.

As stated in previous Laser Lights blogs, there are many reasons for complete tattoo removal; however, there are equally numerous reasons for partial tattoo removal.  Many laser tattoo removal patients seek partial tattoo removal because they wish to have a new tattoo added to an existing piece.  While it’s possible to cover a tattoo with another tattoo without lightening, the new tattoo might turn out much darker than most people desire.  Some patients may have their tattoo lightened simply because it turned out darker than they expected.  Because laser tattoo lightening is accomplished more easily than complete laser tattoo removal, desired results can be achieved in just a few treatment sessions (depending on the patient’s desired level of lightening).

People constantly change their minds, even about tattoos. In some cases, only partial tattoo removal is necessary when this occurs.  Partial laser tattoo removal is especially useful for those who once thought it would be a nice gesture to tattoo their significant other’s name on their body and are now forced to listen to a new significant other complain about the name.  Maybe it’s not a name you’re trying to remove, and maybe you just wish to change a particular part of your tattoo.  Whatever the reason for partial laser tattoo removal, it is important to find a trained laser technician because this treatment is slightly more difficult than general laser tattoo removal.  Finding a properly trained laser technician is also important with other laser procedures, such as laser hair removal, but when only part of the tattoo is removed, the technician must be careful not to accidentally treat the part of the tattoo you wish to keep.  A shield is commonly used to protect the remaining tattoo.

Side effects and risks of laser tattoo lightening and partial laser tattoo removal are very similar to those of laser tattoo removal.  Side effects are usually less severe with lightening because fewer treatment sessions are necessary.  While it’s very rare, blistering, infection, hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, or scabbing may occur.  Thanks to over 20 years of experience with lasers, you can rest assured that these side effects are extremely rare at Laser Lights.

If you have a tattoo that you want removed (partially or completely) or lightened, please schedule a consultation. We also offer other laser and cosmetic services, so be sure to check out our website and read our blog.

Do You Define Your Tattoos, or Do Your Tattoos Define You?

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Tattoos are often exciting and always seem like a good idea when you get them, but what happens years down the road?  People change.  Something that was near and dear to a person one day may not matter to them in the future:  leaving them with old, fading, and meaningless tattoos.  As sad as it is, society tends to judge people based on appearance, including tattoo artwork.  A recent article in the New York Daily News discusses Kelly Osbourne’s efforts to permanently remove 15 of her tattoos with laser tattoo removal.

Kelly Osbourne has undergone a major body transformation in the past year by losing close to 50 pounds.  Kelly’s tattoo removal is all part of her transformation.  While she plans to keep some of her sentimental tattoos, Kelly realized she did not even miss her other tattoos when she had to cover them while filming her movie, Should’ve Been Romeo.  She said she was unsure why she had some of her tattoos done in the first place: a feeling to which many people with tattoos can relate.  Young people get tattoos without realizing that they will forever be defined by that mark, whether or not that is who they are or will be.  Luckily, thanks to laser tattoo removal, results are not as permanent these days.

Laser tattoo removal is said to be painful, but tattooing is painful, so a person who can withstand the pain of getting their tattoo should have no worries, though it is a different feeling.   Similar to many other laser procedures, laser tattoo removal requires multiple treatments to completely remove the mark.  Treatment sessions are usually spaced 4-6 weeks apart.  Complete removal cannot be guaranteed as the tattoo’s size, location, patient’s ability to heal, color of ink used, how the tattoo was applied, and the age of the tattoo all affect its responsiveness to lasers.  Newer tattoos are harder to remove as the ink is more concentrated.  Black pigment works best with the lasers because lasers target darker pigments; however, Laser Lights Cosmetic Laser Center has multiple lasers suitable for various colors (even green).

To learn more about laser tattoo removal treatments and pricing visit our website, and schedule a consultation to discover whether or not you are a good candidate for tattoo removal.  Also, don’t stop reading our blog as we will keep you updated on various laser treatments.

The Adaptability of Medical Lasers: Tattoo Removal to Wrinkle Reduction

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Medical lasers have evolved into a technological niche that utilizes one premise:  concentrated waves of light, to produce very specific results.  As is the practice with chemical peels, which remove varying layers of skin for a rejuvenating effect, different concentrations and temperatures of laser light can target distinct issues.  For instance, as described in our “Using Lasers to Stop Smoking” blog we detailed the application of a cold, soft laser beam to control addictions like smoking and over eating.

In laser hair removal, laser light is absorbed by the pigmented portions of the hair follicles, destroying hair growth.  Conversely, laser hair therapy uses low level lasers to stimulate growth within the follicular cells by increasing circulation to the hair’s roots.  Low level laser therapy is gentle; carrying very limited risk of effecting surrounding tissues.  The lasers penetrate the scalp, revitalizing the cells that deliver nutrients and oxygen to the hair follicles allowing hair to become thicker and stronger. The FDA approved the use of laser hair therapy in 2007 for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia, or male pattern baldness. However, because the causes of the condition are so numerous, success cannot be guaranteed with the procedure.

The effectiveness of laser procedures lies in the act of selective degradation:  birth mark removal lasers target the pigmented regions to destroy colored areas while acne light therapy targets the acne-causing bacteria deep within pores.  Laser Lights Cosmetic Laser Center houses over 12 different lasers to accomplish everything from tattoo removal to wrinkle reduction for facelift-like results.   For more information these treatments or other procedures offered at Laser Lights Cosmetic Laser Center, visit our website, and continue to read our blog.

Can I Have Laser Hair Removal Over An Area With A Tattoo?

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Laser hair removal is a growing trend, but what happens when a laser touches a tattoo? Tattoos, like body hair, are also removed by lasers, so having laser hair removal over a tattoo naturally seems like a bad combination. It is important to note that these treatments utilize two different lasers. Laser hair removal actually requires a stronger laser than tattoo removal, so if the hair removal laser touches the tattoo, it may not only remove or disfigure the tattoo, but can also severely burn the skin.

Lasers are attracted to pigment; therefore, tattoo ink, which is darker than skin, will easily absorb the laser’s beams. Many laser centers will not allow hair removal within a certain distance of a tattoo to protect you and your tattoo. The internet is filled with horror stories of under-educated technicians who went over tattoos resulting in burning, fading, blackening, and distorted tattoos.

Hair removal patients should not be alarmed; laser hair removal is a safe, effective procedure when performed by a properly trained professional.  You should also remain honest with your doctor/ hair removal specialist and inform them of any existing tattoos ahead of time. Also, face the facts. If you have a large tattoo in an area where you want laser hair removal, you may not be a good candidate.  However, if you have a small tattoo on your ankle and want the hair removed on your leg, you should consider having the hair removed around it and shaving over the tattoo. Even if only performed in a specific region, laser hair removal will still cut down your shaving time.

Please contact Laser Lights at 770-495-9322 or email info@atlaserlights.com with any questions or concerns about this subject. If you are not sure if you are a good candidate for hair removal, feel free to schedule a consultation. Also, keep reading our blog to learn more about laser therapy.

Tattoos at the workplace: Could your ink prevent you from getting a job?

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Over the years, tattoos have become more and more commonplace – no longer restricted to wild child bikers and professional athletes.  In fact, the American Academy of Dermatology reported that in 2006 close to a quarter of all Americans 18 to 50 years in age had at least one tattoo.

But if you look at the employee handbook of many companies, don’t be surprised to find a clause about concealing your tattoos and piercings.  In order to maintain company image, many places of business refuse to let clients interact with employees that have visible tattoos.   While many people have tattoos that they can easily conceal, others with “sleeve” tattoos or those who work in warmer climates and wear more exposed clothing can have trouble covering up their body art.

According to an article on cnn.com, 8 percent of people report trouble at work because of their tattoos.  Employees are not only forced to cover up visible tattoos, but may be assigned duties that require them less client face time because of their appearance.  It ultimately comes down to company culture – a graphic design company would probably be more willingly to allow exposed tattoos than an investment banking firm. Thus it is important to look not only at a company’s credentials, but at their office environment and culture as well, to determine if you would be a good “fit” there.

If you have a tattoo that gets in the way of work or one that you are no longer happy with it, laser tattoo removal is the only permanent option.   At Laser Lights, we have lasers to permanently remove tattoos of all colors and are safe on all skin types.  Call us today to schedule a consultation.

Someone Needs Tattoo Removal!

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It’s true that artists can get carried away when they’re hard at work.  Tattoo artists are no exception, but their canvas just happens to be a human body – as long as their customer is okay with it, tattoo artists rarely refuse a request.  Such was the case with 18 year-old Kimberley, who went to a tattoo artist to get over 50 black stars of varying shapes and designs across the entire right half of her face.

All was according to plan until the girl’s father saw what she had done.  In an attempt to push responsibility away from herself, Kimberley blamed the tattoo artist for the tattoos, claiming she had fallen asleep on the chair after asking for three small stars.  The tattoo artist denied the girl fell asleep during the inking and eventually, the girl admitted her lie.

One thing is for sure – Kimberley is likely to undergo laser treatments for tattoo removal, something we at Laser Lights Cosmetic Laser Center excel in.  Of course, tattoo removal is only for those with unwanted tattoos and a great way to avoid those is to think about the reactions those around you will have!  Parents are a pretty major set of individuals to cross, after all.