How to Qualify for Tattoo Removal Program
The Process Applications Candela PLTL TATULAZRtm is designed to remove tattoos, both professional and amateur. The Tattoos most easily treated by the TATULAZR are blue-black tattoos. Patients with previously treated tattoos may be candidates for the TATULAZR. Tattoos that have not been effectively removed by other treatments may respond well to TATULAZR therapy, unless prior treatment caused excessive scarring or skin damage. How it works The TATULAZR is a laser that produces an intense bust of laser light that is optimized to treat tattoos while minimally affecting the surrounding healthy tissue. The system creates a thermal effect on tattoo pigment in the skin which breaks the pigment granules into much smaller particles which are then cleared by natural body processes. The TATULAZR delivers brief pulses of energy rather than a continuous wave, so the tissue has time to cool off. As a result, heat is not absorbed by adjacent cells, so skin is not damaged. Advantages Unlike other methods of tattoo removal treatments, the Candela TATULAZR greatly reduces the potential for scarring or changes in skin texture. Treatment Length As with any medical procedure, treatment time depends on a variety of factors. In general, treatment of tattoos depends on age, location and depth of the tattoo, as well as on the composition of the pigments used. In general, treatments of most tattoos requires four to six treatments over a 12-18 month period. Patients will experience some temporary discoloration or reddening of the skin at or around the treatment site. Some patients may also experience a temporary lightening of the skin for a few months following treatment. This will typically heal to normal color. It is important to follow the recommendations given for post-treatment skin care. What it feels like Treatment cosists of placing a laser wand against the surface of the skin and activating the laser one pulse at a time. As many patients have described it, each pulse feels like the snapping of a rubber band against the skin. How does the Candela TATULAZR work? The Candela TATULAZR produces an intense but gentle burst of light that selectively fragments and removes the tattoo pigment without damaging the surrounding tissue. After laser treatment the surrounding tissue is left intact and normal pigmentation occurs. Are there other ways to remove my tattoo? Some patients have tried to have their tattoos removed by surgery, dermabrasion, salabrasion or chemical peels. Other lasers such as the Ruby Laser, Argon Laser, Nd Yag Laser, and CO2 Laser have also been used to remove tattoos. These procedures often result in scarring of leave an unsatisfactory result. Previous skin damage caused by other treatment methods will still be present after treatment with the Candela TATULAZR. Are there any reasons that would not make me a candidate for TATULAZR therapy?
What should I expect from this laser treatment? Treatment with the TATULAZR consists of multiple treatments. These treatments occur on a average of every six to eight weeks and can take a period of 1-2 years. The type of tattoo you have will determine the number of treatments you will need. For example, an amateur tattoo may only require 1-4 treatments, where as a professional tattoo may require as many as 6-8 treatments. Depending on the age, type, and color of the tattoo complete clearing may not be possible. Are there any adverse effects? With any laser therapy there is a chance for adverse effects. The following are adverse effects that may occur with the Candela TATULAZR:
Will the laser treatment hurt? The laser will produce some discomfort. The feeling of a laser pulse has been described as being snapped by a rubber band, a mosquito bite or a slight stinging sensation. Most patients have tolerated the laser procedure without any need for anesthesia. If you require some anesthesia, the doctor will discuss types of anesthesia that can be used. How long will the treatment last? The duration of your laser treatment depends on many factors. The size of your tattoo will determine if the entire tattoo can be treated in one session, or the tattoo has to be divided into sections for treatment. The physician may schedule specific time allotments for laser therapy (i.e. 15-30 minute sessions). Finally, how you tolerate the laser treatment will determine the length of time the treatment will occur. Documentation of your laser treatment. The size, location and color of the tattoo is recorded in your chart. The physician will take photographs before and after laser treatments. These photographs will help you see the progress that is being made to clear your tattoo. If these photographs are to be used for education purposes you will be asked to sign a form to allow the physician to utilize your photographs for that purpose. Safety required during laser treatments The laser produces a very bright beam of light. Everyone in the treatment room must wear protective eyewear during the treatment. You may wear the protective goggles or glasses that will permit you to watch the procedure if you wish. A gauze sponge placed over your eyes and secured with tape or the patient protective goggles that look like the "sunnies" used in tanning booths may also be used to protect your eyes. When the laser is used to treat around areas containing hair, the hair may be shaved or moistened with water, to prevent the hair from being singed. The singed hair will re-grow. Please print this form and mail this to: Open Door Youth Gang Alternatives 1615 California Suite 712 Denver, Colorado 80202 |