DENVER, CO – Tattoos have become very popular over the last 20 years, especially among young people who have adorned arms, ankles, the small of the back and more locations with colorful displays of self- expression. According to a 2006 study by the Pew Research Center, more than one-third of 18- to 25-year-olds and up to 40 percent of those aged 26 to 40, had a tattoo, and the number was continuing to rise.

While an estimated 45 million Americans are now tattooed, a report in the New York Times said about 17 percent of them, or more than 7 ½ million people, are experiencing tattoo regret, and a vibrant industry has grown up to meet the demand for tattoo removal.

The most-oft cited reasons for removing a tattoo are erasing the name of a failed romance partner, being more employable as many firms’ dress codes discourage visible tattoos, and brides often requesting a clean slate so the tattoo won’t show in a wedding dress. But whatever the reason for de-inking one’s body, people discover that removing a tattoo is quite a bit more complicated, not to mention expensive, than getting the body art in the first place.

Tattoos have been around since ancient times, and so too have tattoo removal techniques. Going back to the age of the Egyptian Pharaohs and later the Roman Empire, tattoo removal involved various salts and chemicals, combined with often painful abrasion, and except for very small examples, these processes weren’t terribly successful. In fact, while tattoos have continued in popularity in certain circles for centuries, tattoo removal remained a relatively barbaric procedure with limited results until very recent times.

Plastic surgeons and dermatologists had a few tools in their kit bag for a long time that offered some tattoo removal relief, including dermabrasion, essentially “sanding the skin” over time until it is inkless, and surgical removal, which is very effective but can only be used on very small tattoos.

In the 1980s, with the advent of lasers into modern medicine, a CO2 laser being used for tattoo removal began to show promising results in removing or reducing the ink stains. The drawback of the technology in these early-stage lasers, however, was that doctors needed to go very slowly due to the heat and potential skin damage, making the process of tattoo removal a long, many-session procedure.

But new laser technology has changed the game and for the first time in history tattoo removal, even for large tattoos, has become a relatively painless and often quite effective process.

Previously, the removal of a tattoo left an unsightly scar, but using the MedLite® laser, a Q-Switched  Nd: YAG laser, the laser of choice in this class of laser, any tattoo can be significantly lightened and reduced, even across a wide variety of tattoo inks. The MedLite laser uses rapid absorption of light energy that causes the tattoo ink to break into tiny particles that can be flushed from the body’s system naturally. And the best part is that the MedLite laser leaves the surrounding tissue, the area that is not tattooed, unharmed.

The tattoo laser procedure may take anywhere between 10 minutes to one hour depending on the tattoo. Continuous high-powered laser pulses lasting for less than one millionth of a second are aimed at 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 skin to heal and the body to absorb and dissolve the ink, this procedure will most likely need to be completed in multiple sessions over several months.

Under the direction of a trained technician and physician, 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 the body and therefore “disappear.” After the procedure, an antibiotic ointment or sunscreen is applied to the treated areas. Patients may return to work immediately following treatment, although a sensation of sun burn is generally experienced, and can be eased with pain medication. Scabbing, crusting or slight bleeding lasts two to seven days, and redness will disappear and the ink will fade within days.

Costs vary, of course, with the size of the tattoo, the colors involved and the number of session required to get the job done, but prices can range from $200 and up per session – quite a bit more expense than the actual tattoo.

But for those with tattoo regret, tattoo removal or reduction may be cheap at twice the price.

For Denver laser tattoo removal look to Rocky Mountain Laser Aesthetics in Denver’s popular Cherry Creek North shopping and dining district. Under the direction of Dr. Jeffrey Raval, MD, FACS, Rocky Mountain Laser Aesthetics also perform hair reduction, vein reduction and a variety of skin rejuvenation services. For more information visit http://www.rockymountainlaser.com/services.html.

It’s been argued over the years whether Barbie is a good or bad influence on teenage girls. Dressed up pretty, heading off to tackle her long list of careers, or heading back to her Malibu beach house in her Jeep, or out for her date with Ken…then yes, she probably inspires young girls to be what they dream of becoming when they grow up. In addition to her unnatural measurements and skimpy wardrobe options, Barbie has a new cosmetic enhancement that is stirring huge controversy: the blonde babe now has a tattoo.

The original intent of Barbie at her inception in 1959 was to show girls they don’t have to play with baby dolls and grow up to be housewives, they can grow up to be artists, doctors, girl scouts, the list is endless. Mattel is defending “Totally Stylin’ Barbie” also know in pop culture as “Tramp Stamp Barbie” saying Barbie’s tats are a way she expresses creativity. Would you like to let your child play with a grown woman doll that has “Ken” permanently written on her lower back in just the spot you would only see if her pants ride down a little shirt rides up a little too much? The bow on the shoulder isn’t quite as scandalous.

But if a teen is influenced to put her creativity in ink on skin as a pre-teen or teen, it’s likely that same young woman will find that she’s outgrown her teen tattoo later in life and wants it removed. Breakups and new jobs top the list of reasons to remove a tattoo, followed by weight gain. That rosebud on the hip bone was darling pre-pregnancy, but turns into a rhododendron at nine months gestation.

When removing a tattoo, it is important to get the right Doctor to professionally remove it.

Dr. Jeffrey Raval, owner and director of Rocky Mountain Laser Aesthetics in Cherry Creek , the tony boutique shopping section of Denver, Colorado, will consult with you regarding your tattoo. His office is equipped with state-of-the-art lasers that are tough on the tattoo and gentle on the skin.

Rocky Mountain Laser uses the MedLite® laser, a next generation laser that does not leave a scar and significantly reduces an existing tattoo by breaking down the particles of ink that are then flushed from the body naturally. The treatment can take anywhere from 10 to 60 minutes depending on the severity of the tattoo. Visit http://www.rockymountainlaser.com/tattoo_removal.html to watch videos of Dr. Raval explaining the tattoo removal process.

How does a tattoo-removing laser work?

Whether it was once upon a time or only last year that you thought it was a good idea to have your body stamped with a unicorn, help is available. If it’s because you are making a professional career move or because the person whose name is etched into your neck broke your heart, it does not mater why you need the tattoo removed.  What you need to know is that there is an eraser for all that ink, regardless of the color or intensity. In 10 minutes to 1 hour the laser can significantly lighten and reduce the tattoo by breaking down the ink.  A dramatic difference can be seen after only one treatment and complete removal can be achieved over time. Contact our office at 303.985.8520 today for an appointment.

I was a rebellious 18-year-old (although at the time I thought of myself as hip). Some of the things I did—stay out late, dye my hair black—were more about getting a rise out of my conservative parents than anything. They had their rules and I was going to show them that they didn’t apply to me. So one weekend I got an outrageous tattoo on the nape of my neck that included two dolphins and my boyfriend’s nickname, “Ace.”  Two months later we broke up and I suddenly realized Ace would be a part of every relationship I had going forward. I’d meet guys and they’d all ask what Ace stood for. It was kind of creepy having to start out a new relationship talking about an old, failed one. I hated it. When I went to college and met a whole new crowd of people, I would tell them I got the tattoo when I was in Vegas after a lucky gambling spree, all the while wondering how to get rid of it. By the time I graduated from college, the pendulum had swung back to middle, and I found I was more conservative at heart than I had ever imagined, even getting my degree in accounting. When I landed my first job at an accounting firm, I either had to wear turtlenecks all year round including summer or Ace had to go. Luckily, I found Rocky Mountain Laser Aesthetics in Cherry Creek North has lasers to remove tattoos. The first session only lasted about 40 minutes and made a dramatic difference.  I will keep going back until it’s entirely gone. I’m looking forward to wearing sundresses by the end of the season.

- Jaycee, 26, resident of Denver, CO.

Every summer since college, I become self-conscious of the biggest mistake I ever made during College Spring Break—a tattoo. With slinky sundresses and swimsuits, it makes it nearly impossible to cover up this reminder of my younger years. Help!

At the Rocky Mountain Laser Aesthetics we only use lasers meant specifically for tattoo removal versus lasers that are more effective for other cosmetic improvements, like hair removal or wrinkle removal. For tattoo removal we rely on the MedLite® laser, a Q-Switched laser Nd: YAG laser, which is top of its class for this purpose. With this laser, virtually any tattoo can be significantly lightened or completely eradicated. The Medlite laser breaks the ink particles down so they can be flushed through the body’s system naturally and the best part is, it leaves the surrounding tissue virtually untouched. The tattoo reduction procedure takes anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour depending on the size, location and color of the tattoo. Since not all colors respond the same, multiple lasers may be used for optimal results.

While I was blessed with Mediterranean skin, eyes and my grandma’s prowess in the kitchen, I also have her unsightly abundance of body hair. During the summer when my wardrobe is barer than normal I become extremely self-conscious of the hair on my lower back. Is there a painless solution to hair freedom?

At Rocky Mountain Laser Aesthetics, we use two different forms of laser to customize a flawless hair reduction treatment depending on your specific skin’s color and needs. With these two forms of laser hair removal as well as electrolysis at your disposal, you’re guaranteed smooth, silky skin.

Recent advances in hair removal technology ensure a safer, gentler and faster solution to unwanted hair. Using the Cynosure laser, the medical technician passes a gentle beam of energy through the skin and into the hair follicle. The energy is then transformed into heat which damages the hair follicle and prevents it from future production of hair. This unusually effective hair removal treatment is used on all parts of the body except the area immediately around the eyes. Fair skinned patients with dark hair are ideal candidates as this particular treatment is unresponsive on those with darker skin.

A second hair-reduction removal laser used at Rocky Mountain Laser Aesthetics is the Apogee Elite Laser. This laser has all of the fast-acting perks of the Cynosure laser and as well removes small facial veins and spider veins. It also works on all skin types, even dark and tanned skin.

A third hair removal alternative is Electrolysis. Our electrolysis expert at Rocky Mountain Laser Aesthetics has perfected this procedure, having performed it for nearly two decades. We provide her with the finest hand-held electrolysis equipment on the market. Electrolysis kills the papilla and loosens the hair shaft for easy removal and ensuring that hair will never be able to grow in that area again. Internationally, electrolysis has been proven to be the only truly effective total hair removal technique on the market today.

Jessica Santi, Clinical Director for Rocky Mountain Laser Aesthetics, reports that men and women make appointments for hair reduction and hair removal at the clinic, especially before swim season, so make your appointment soon by calling the clinic at 303-985-8520.

After years of squinting in the sun I have noticed small wrinkles developing around my eyes. I know wrinkles are supposed to be the mark of wisdom but to me they scream my age. Is there a way to tastefully remove these pestering smile lines?

With Botox, your bothersome smile lines can be diminished. In a simple 10-minute treatment, a series of injections are administered around your trouble spots with results lasting up to four months. Botox is the only treatment of it’s kind to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration. The Botox is injected into the muscle tissue to the wrinkles that can be perceived as anger, stress or age in both men and women.

Botox is a simple treatment without any anesthesia or downtime. Slight inflammation, bruising and tenderness may occur with the injection but all side effects should subside within 3-4 days.

When Newsweek magazine reported the “Five Painful Places to Get a Tattoo” (Feb. 2008), medical aestheticians at Rocky Mountain Laser Aesthetics in Cherry Creek North in Denver, Colorado could relate. These aestheticians regularly treat patients for laser tattoo reduction and the conversation inevitably ends up being about why the patient got the tattoo in the first place and how much it hurt or didn’t.

“I have to agree with the writer’s assessment of the five most painful places,” says Jessica Santi, CAN, CLS, Clinical Coordinator of Rocky Mountain Laser Aesthetics. “Patients who come into our clinic generally have great remorse over getting a tattoo in the first place. They recall the pain they went through for something they now want removed and it seems senseless.”

Newsweek ranked the top most painful places to get a tattoo as:

• The mons pubis
• The top of the foot or ankle
• Behind the ear
• The chest above the rib cage
• The eyeball, when tattooed with permanent makeup, along with the eyebrows and lips.

The reason for the exacerbated pain is that these areas of the body are less fleshy than other parts like the thigh or biceps. And generally a dense concentration of nerves exists where skin and bone are in close proximity without a layer of fat between the two.

While getting the tattoo is painful in the first place, making it disappear doesn’t have to be when performed in a clinic situation with a medical director who can prescribe an anesthetic. Jeffrey R. Raval, MD, FACS, triple-board certified facial plastic surgeon is medical director of Rocky Mountain Laser Aesthetics.

Medical advances also mean that the removal of a tattoo doesn’t have to leave an unsightly scar. Using the MedLite® laser, a Q-Swithed laser Nd: YAG laser, the laser of choice in this class of laser, any tattoo can be significantly lightened and reduced, even across a wide variety of tattoo inks. The MedLite laser uses rapid absorption of light energy that causes the tattoo ink to break into tiny particles that can be flushed from the body’s system naturally. Best of all, the MedLite laser leaves the surrounding tissue, the area that is not tattooed, unharmed.

Call Rocky Mountain Laser Aesthetics today to make an appointment to delete your ink. 303-985-8520.

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?
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Q. Now that I’m in the workforce, my tattoos are a problem. It was one thing to have a tattoo while in college—so many of my friends did. But when I look around my office, none of the department heads have tattoos. Sometimes I think that no matter if my work performance is exceptional that I will end up being the exception: the one single person who doesn’t get promoted. How many visits and how long will it take to get my tattoo removed?

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Q:  It seemed like a good idea at the time…when I got my tattoo. When I think back, it was probably more about me wanting to break out of my mold, make change, and do something a little edgy. I regret it now. Does tattoo removal work?

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