Welcome to the "frequently asked questions" page. Hopefully here you'll find the answers to all those burning questions you may have. But if you still can't find the answer you're looking for, give us a call at: 202-337-5469.

How Do Lasers Remove Tattoos?
The moment that you had your tattoo injected under your skin, your immune system regarded the ink as foreign material. It began the very slow process of removing the large particles of pigment through lymph drainage. This explains why all tattoos naturally fade over time. In fact, if you waited one or two hundred years your tattoo would be almost completely faded. But most of us don't have that kind of time. That's where the laser comes in. Basically, it speeds up this process by breaking up the tattoo ink into much smaller particles that can be cleared faster by your own immune system. The laser can do this because essentially it is a strong and focused beam of light that can pass through the upper layers of skin to reach the particles of pigment in your tattoo. The laser light heats (photothermic effect) and vibrates (photoacoustic effect) the ink to the point that the ink breaks up into smaller particles that can be taken away by your immune system. The Medlite C6 laser pulse is so short (one billionth of a second) that the surrounding skin is not affected and scarred.

Does it hurt?
Of course it does. But pain is your personal perception and everyone experiences it differently. There is a minimal amount of discomfort involved in this procedure.

My tattoo has lots of colors. Can it be removed?
Usually, but not always. We use state of the art lasers and the newest techniques. Any object that absorbs certain colors and reflects others is known as a chromaphore. For instance, red ink reflects the color red so that it looks red, but absorbs other colors like blue and green. Therefore, to heat up red ink you must use a laser color that will be absorbed the best - such as blue. This allows the red ink particles to be targeted without damaging the surrounding skin - a principle known selective photothermolysis. Your tattoo may have different colors, and therefore, different chromophores. The Medlite C6 laser is the only laser on the market that has the option of four different wavelengths (or colors) allowing it to selectively erase a whole spectrum of colors including sky blue, green, orange, brown, etc. Most lasers are only capable of putting out one wavelength, which significantly limits their ability to treat colors selectively without causing scarring or pigment changes. Some colors may require more treatments, but they can be usually removed.

What Colors Are The Most Resistant?
Yellow, white, flesh tones, brown and fluorescent colors can by very challenging. Becasue these inks may contain metals or plastics they usually require more treatments. In fact, there is a chance that some of these colors may even darken after laser treatment.
Some colors cannot be removed. Certain shades of purples, pinks, yellow, and white are examples of colors that may not be removable.

Will it be gone after my first treatment?
No. There are several different factors involved in determining how many treatments your particular tattoo will require, but between 5 and 15 treatments is average. I had my first treatment and nothing seems different. Is this normal? Yes. Some people may even see their tattoo get darker with their first treatment. Everyone responds at a different rate. The treatment is only effective with multiple visits...just be patient and you should get the best results possible.

I had a treatment a week ago and it seems all healed. Can I come back sooner than six weeks?
Healing is not the reason for the spacing of your treatments. The laser does not expel the ink, it breaks it up so your body's immune system can take it away. If you treat your tattoo too frequently, the laser is simply targeting the ink your body hasn't had the chance to remove, and you pay more for the same result.

How many treatments are needed?
Professional tattoos usually require 6 - 10 treatments, while amateur tattoos require 3 - 6 treatments, all spaced approximately 6 - 8 weeks apart. The number of treatments depends on the amount and type of ink used and the depth of the ink in the skin. Rarely, even more than ten treatments may be needed. Traumatic tattoos (pencil lead, asphalt and dirt embedded in the skin can leave a permanent "tattoo") usually respond with 1 - 4 treatments.

Are there any limitations after treatment?
You may resume all activities soon after treatment, provided you ensure the area is not rubbed or scratched. If you are in the sun, you should cover the treated area to prevent sunburn until the skin has healed.

Is there any healing period after the treatment?
Occasionally there will be pinpoint bleeding associated with the treatment. An antibacterial ointment and dressing will be applied to the area. The treated area should be kept clean with continued application of any ointment given to you by your technician. A shower can be taken the next day, although the treated area should not be scrubbed.

I love this tattoo, but there's this one part that bugs me. Can I have just a piece of it removed?
Yes. We can take the face off your pin-up girl to have it redone. We can take just the name off the banner across your heart. Our lasers are very accurate.

I have permanent make-up (lip liner, eyeliner, eyebrows). Can you remove it?
We do not treat these types of tattoos. Some cosmetic inks have metallic bases. When the laser comes in contact with these inks, it can turn black. Be cautious of anyone who says they can effectively remove cosmetic ink. Once this darkening occurs, it cannot be removed by any laser. You may end up with permanent black lip liner. Tattooed eyeliner cannot be removed due to the danger of the laser near the eye, and the ink in permanent eyebrows could migrate up the forehead causing a shadow effect.

Will I have a scar?
Most patients will not scar, however, scarring is a possibility in any medical procedure involving the skin. If you are predisposed to Keloids, or you scar easily, your chances are higher. Compliance with our aftercare instructions will greatly reduce your chances of scarring.

What is the Best Laser Available For Tattoo Removal?
The high energy, short pulse technology of the Medlite C6 allows tattoos to be treated with minimal risk of scarring and less discomfort than any other laser system. It's unique ability to output four different wavelengths allow it to treat more colors than any other laser. The state-of-the-art Medlite is the laser of choice for advanced tattoo removal. Currently, we are the only certified facility in the DC area that offers thistype of laser and treatment.

To find out more about the Medlite C6 please link to the Hoya Conbio website http://www.conbio.com/medical/medlite/app_tattoo_removal.asp.