Tag Archives: tattoo removal

Laser Tattoo Removal at Laser Lights

Posted on by

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.

Save with March 2012 Specials from Laser Lights for Beautiful Skin

Posted on by

 

This month, Laser Lights Cosmetic Laser Center has plenty of skin care discounts to choose from. Save on laser spider vein treatments, laser hair removal, CO2 fractionated laser skin resurfacing, Viora Reaction™, Vi Peel, and hour-long massages through March 31st, 2012. See the flyer below to learn more. Be sure to connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ if you haven’t already for more updates on skin care news and specials.

Laser Lights March 2012 Specials

 

Love to Save? Don’t Miss Our February 2012 Specials at Laser Lights

Posted on by

 

During the month of February 2012, Laser Lights Cosmetic Laser Center is offering discounts on a variety of skin care services. Take advantage of specials on laser hair removal, laser spider vein reduction, Viora Reaction™ skin tightening, CO2 fractionated laser treatment, Vi Peel, and massages. See the flyer below for more details, and don’t forget that we have laser service and massage gift certificates available for purchase.  All offers expire February 29, 2012.

The New Year Never Looked So Good with Skincare Specials like These

Posted on by

 

During the month of January, Laser Lights Cosmetic Laser Center in Duluth, GA (north of Atlanta) is offering discounts on treatments like laser hair removal,  Viora Reaction™, CO2 fractionated laser resurfacing, and massage therapy! See the flyer below for more details, and be sure to schedule your appointment before January 31st, 2012 to save.

Laser Lights Cosmetic Laser Center Explains the Science behind Tattoo Removal

Posted on by

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.

Save on Your Favorite Cosmetic Treatments with Our December 2011 Specials

Posted on by

 

Do you need a little help with your list this year? Whether you’re looking for yourself or to give a gift to someone else, beauty is always on everyone’s list! December is the perfect time to take advantage of specials on our most popular cosmetic services.

With discounts on laser hair removal and laser spider vein elimination, you can have smooth and beautiful skin in plenty of time for warmer weather next year. We’re also offering FREE Reaction™ skin tightening treatments with the purchase of 3- or 6-treatment packages (see below for more details).

If you’re looking for glowing holiday skin, take advantage of our deals on Fotofacial skin rejuvenation and the newest addition to our services menu, the Vi Peel. If the hustle and bustle of family gatherings and get-togethers with friends has you stressed, look into our massage packages.

We also have gift certificates available so you can give the gift of beauty and relaxation this holiday season. Contact our office for more information or to schedule your holiday treatment today! We’re also on Facebook and Twitter with the latest in beauty and cosmetic laser news, so make certain to follow us to stay up to date!  All offers below expire December 31, 2011.

Pile on the Savings this November 2011 at Laser Lights

Posted on by

 

During the month of November, you can save on massages, laser hair removal, fractionated CO2 laser treatments, laser spider vein removal, and photofacial treatments at Laser Lights. We are also offering Viora Reaction™, our newest technology for skin tightening and cellulite reduction, packages at a special introductory price.  See the flyer below for more details, and be sure to take advantage of these discounts before they expire on November 30th, 2011.  Contact our office at 770-495-9322 to for more information.

 

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

Posted on by

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

Posted on by

laser lights

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

Posted on by

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 →

Summer Skin Care

Posted on by

laser lights cosmetic laser centerAlthough laser skin treatments can erase imperfections and produce healthy, beautiful skin, being exposed to the sun’s rays after laser treatment can cause unsightly hyperpigmentation. It’s important to employ proper laser after care; especially during the summer months. If you choose to have a laser procedure during the summer you should wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and a zinc oxide base. You should follow these guidelines not only after laser treatment, but four to six weeks before and between laser treatments. If you anticipate spending a lot of time in the sun this summer, you may want to reserve laser procedures for the winter months and try one of our other non-laser procedures in the mean time.

One of our newest summer treatments is eyelash and eyebrow tinting. Great for patients with blonde or light colored hair, this treatment adds darker pigment to the eyelashes and brows for up to two or three months. That’s basically a whole summer free from applying mascara, eyelash extensions, or brow pencil. Plus, brow and lash tinting is easily combined with other Laser Lights’ treatments. Some patients, however, do not have thick or long enough eyelashes to benefit from tinting. These patients are better suited for Latisse® eyelash treatment, which helps eyelashes grow thicker, longer, and even darker.

Chemical peels, facials and microdermabrasion treatments are also great for the summer, but the 30 SPF sunscreen rule is still important with these treatments too. Continue reading →

Laser Procedure FAQ

Posted on by

laser lights cosmetic laser treatmentsQ.) Why do some laser­ treatments require multiple sessions while others do not?

A.) The number of laser treatment sessions required is based on what type of laser treatment you need and the types of laser we use for that treatment. Small blemishes can usually be removed easily with one session, while larger imperfections require a bit more attention. For instance, warts, freckles, and red dots usually only require one session, while tattoos, unwanted hair, and spider veins usually require at least three sessions for permanent removal. Without multiple treatments, the lasers would not be able to permanently remove these large imperfections without damaging your skin.

 

Q.) Can I have laser hair removal over an area where I have a tattoo?

A.) No. Lasers work by targeting pigments. The darker the pigment, the better our lasers pick it up, which is why we use different Continue reading →

Partial Laser Tattoo Removal

Posted on by

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.