Q: I heard that tattoo removal will leave a scar, one that might bother me more than the tattoo itself. I wish I hadn’t gotten the tattoo. Is it too late to change my mind?

A: Previously, the removal of a tattoo did leave an unsightly scar, but with recent advances in laser technology tattoos may be removed leaving only minimal scarring if any.

According to Jessica Santi, CNA and Clinic Director for the Rocky Mountain Laser Clinic in Cherry Creek North in Denver, the time it takes to remove a tattoo using the laser depends upon the size and location of the tattoo. It also depends upon the age of the tattoo (older tattoos can blur with age) and the colors used in the tattoo. Due to the fact that not all tattoo colors respond the same to lasers, multiple lasers may be needed. In order to allow time for your skin to heal and your body to absorb and dissolve the ink, this procedure will most likely need to be completed in multiple sessions over several months.

The area to be treated is cleansed and a gel applied along with a numbing cream or local anesthetic in some cases. The laser is then passed back and forth over the tattoo to break up the color pigments, making them small enough to be absorbed by your body and therefore “disappear”. After the procedure, an antibiotic ointment or sunscreen will be applied to the treated areas.

Following tattoo removal, you are able to work immediately although you may experience a sun burnt sensation. Scabbing, crusting or slight bleeding of the treated area can last two to seven days. When showering, do not scrub the treated area. Results are permanent and can been seen after a few days. Redness will disappear and the ink will fade.

Contact the Rocky Mountain Laser Clinic at 303-985-8520 to make an appointment to have our highly trained medical technicians review your tattoo and the procedure. That way you’ll know exactly what the length of treatment will be and the cost too.