Choose a Skin Treatment for more info...

Tattoo Removal

At the Institute of Cosmetic & Laser Surgery, we are able to safely remove almost all colours of tattoos, offering one of the most greatest selections of lasers in North America . We are on the cutting edge of technology and are continually adding to our already extensive line of lasers.

Getting a tattoo is easy, removing it takes a great deal of patience and technology. Tattooing is simply injection of ink into the skin via small holes made in the skin with a needle. Regardless of who injects the pigment whether it is done professionally by a tattoo artist or fashioned by someone untrained, generally the ink injected into the skin is permanent. For various personal reasons and preferences, people are turning to physicians to have these tattoos removed. Green is the most difficult colour to remove; reds, black and blues are removed more easily.

The process of having a tattoo removed can be painful. Commonly the area to be treated is injected with local freezing prior to the treatment. This will help to minimize the pain during treatment. Topical numbing cream can also be applied to area instead of injected freezing. This should be applied at least one hour before the treatment. It can be applied liberally, covering the whole area being treated and cover it tightly with plastic wrap. The laser light is used to break up the colour in the tattoo, which is then reabsorbed by the body and excreted by the normal body systems. After the treatment has been performed, some normal crusting occurs. It is essential to keep the area clean, and apply a topical antibiotic (polysporin). An antibiotic cream and dressing instructions may also be given, depending on the size of the area being treated. The patient may feel a slight burning sensation for a few days, similar to a sunburn and this is also normal.

The Accolade laser is used for the removal of "difficult to remove" tattoos, it specifically targets green, blue, orange and black ink. The laser breaks down the tattoo pigment, and the body reabsorbs and excretes it. With the dual pulse design of this laser there is a benefit of quicker treatment, larger area coverage, greater penetration, and quicker healing time.

Tattoo removal patients can expect multiple treatments (6-20), the average is eight; some tattoos can take quite a long time to treat, depending on the variables involved. . A consultation is required prior to treatment. These treatments are performed 6-8 weeks apart to allow adequate healing time. When removing a tattoo by laser, there is always a chance of scarring. The doctor or nurse at the initial consultation will determine the risk involved. When a tattoo is quite deep, it may not completely disappear, it may still be slightly visible.