Services - Laser Removal of Freckles, Tattoos, Birthmarks and Age Spots

How do lasers remove unwanted pigments in the skin?

Laser therapy is one of the most exciting treatments for removing unwanted pigments in the skin such as age spots, freckles and tattoos. Our Q-switched Nd:YAG laser works work by emitting a specialized light that is passed through the skin and preferentially absorbed by the unwanted pigment target. The pigments then break up and disappear.

What can I expect from the procedure?

The treatment feels like a rubber band snapping. An anesthetic cream is usually applied 1 hour before treatment. Some redness and swelling may be expected, but you can soon return to your normal activities.

How many treatment sessions will it take to remove the pigment or tattoo?

Depending on the type of pigment in your skin, it can be gone in as few as one to two sessions, especially with freckles and age spots. When dealing with tattoos, the average, professional tattoo requires more than 6-8 treatments, while amateur tattoos require more than 3-4 treatments. Treatment is usually spaced 6 - 8 weeks apart. The number of treatments depends on the amount and type of tattoo ink used, and the depth of the ink in the skin. The treatment of birthmarks is more complicated and may require many sessions, depending on the type of birthmarks being treated.

Are there any side effects?

The treated area may darken sometimes but will fade within 3 - 6 months. This is part of the healing process and lightening cream may be prescribed for you to speed up recovery. Other side effects such as skin lightening and scarring are fortunately rare.