Free Tattoo Removal

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I qualify for FREE tattoo removal?

Free tattoo removal is available to any of our current dental patients.  As long as you have visited our office for a dental check up and cleaning within the last six months, you have unlimited access to our tattoo removal services!

How Does Laser Tattoo Removal Work?

Tattoo removal is based on the principle of selective photothermolysis. When the proper laser wavelength is applied to the tattooed area, the laser energy harmlessly passes through the outer layer of the skin to target the tattoo ink directly causing it to break down into smaller particles.  Broken down, the ink can then be flushed out through the natural workings of the lymphatic system, sweat, urine, and feces. The lymphatic system needs to be healthy to speed up the removal process.

Laser Tattoo Removal With Lutronic Spectra:

Our Hollywood Spectra nano acoustic laser is a gold standard treatment for tattoo removal.  It produces very short high energy pulses that break down tattoo ink into minute particles that are more readily absorbed by the body. The Spectra laser is able to treat the widest range of tattoo colors, intensities, and depths.

How Many Treatments Are Required?

The exact number of laser treatments needed varies depending on the size, age, depth, and complexity of the tattoo.  Achieving 90% clearance of a tattoo generally takes 18-24 months of treatments spaced three months apart.

How Successful Is Laser Tattoo Removal?

Tattoo removal is highly successful however since tattoo ink is currently not FDA regulated, there are many factors that can impact the speed and degree of success for removing a tattoo, including:

• Ink color: black and blue inks are usually easier to remove.  Lighter colored ink can be more challenging.

• Tattoo age: Older tattoos are easier to remove because the concentration and density of the ink is less than in a new tattoo.

• Smoking: Smoking can affect the healing of wounds. A 2010 study by the Journal of the American Medical Association found subjects who smoked had a 70 percent lower rate of removal after 10 sessions.

• Skin color: Tattoo removal is more effective in people with lighter skin because the lighter skin doesn’t significantly absorb laser light, so the laser is more concentrated on the tattoo pigment. Darker skin will require a lower machine setting to prevent unwanted side effects on the skin and may require additional sessions.

• Location: Tattoos which are closer to the torso are faster to remove due to higher lymphatic drainage in these areas.  Areas of the body with lower circulation, like the feet, lower legs, hands and face will take longer to remove.

• Amount of ink: Some tattoo artists use a higher density and volume of ink and have deeper penetration into the skin.  These tattoos will take longer to remove.

• Layered tattoos: Tattoos that have been covered by a newer piece can be difficult to remove because the artist usually uses darker tones to cover the original. Cover Ups also require a higher volume and density of ink to cover the previous tattoo.