Laser Tattoo Removal

Salmon Creek Plastic Surgery uses the latest FDA-approved enlighten™ laser tattoo removal technology, which safely and effectively removes any color of ink.

Who should use our tattoo removal system?

If you have a tattoo you wish you didn’t then you’re an ideal candidate and you’re not alone. The American Society of Dermatological Surgery says half of the 40 million Americans with tattoos will eventually want one removed or changed. The enlighten™ laser is suitable for people with all skin types, tattoos of any size and any color.

Is the enlighten™ laser only used for tattoo removal?

No, the laser also effectively removes brown spots and pigmentation on the skin. These are usually related to sun damage but also can occur after burns or as a result of some inflammatory conditions (acne for example).

How does laser tattoo removal work?

Tattoos are actually clumps of ink pigment located deep within the skin. When a laser strikes the tattoo, it will break the clumps of pigment into smaller particles. Eventually, the particles become small enough that the body’s immune system (white blood cells) can dispose of the pigment. When done properly, no scarring occurs.

What makes the enlighten™ laser different from other laser technologies?

To effectively remove a tattoo, the laser energy must be delivered at high power over an extremely short period of time. The enlighten™ laser delivers high energy in extremely short picosecond pulses. A picosecond is one trillionth of a second, much shorter than the nanosecond (one billionth of a second) technology used by most existing tattoo removal lasers. A faster laser pulse breaks up ink more efficiently and more completely, resulting in fewer overall treatments.

How many treatments are required?

This depends upon the density and color of the tattoo ink as well as the size of the tattoo. One should expect multiple treatment sessions at monthly intervals. The enlighten™ laser has been shown to treat tattoos in significantly fewer sessions overall as compared to currently existing laser technology. At your consultation, we will be able to give you an estimate as to the number of treatment sessions your tattoo will require.

Why are multiple treatment sessions required?

Only the smallest ink particles are removed by the body after the initial laser treatment session. With subsequent treatments, the remaining particles are broken down further, allowing for their elimination. Typically, the more dense the tattoo ink, the more treatments will be required.

Will the tattoo disappear completely?

In most cases, the tattoo will totally disappear. Older laser technology had trouble with bright green and blue inks. The latest version of the enlighten™ laser, which is used by Salmon Creek Plastic Surgery, safely and effectively removes or significantly lightens all colors. This will be discussed at your consultation.

This photo shows a patient’s tattoo after three treatments of an enlighten laser session. The right side has been treated already and the left side is about to be treated. The laser breaks down the tattoo ink into microscopic particles which are then absorbed into the body.

What if I just want to lighten rather than completely removed my tattoo?

This is a very common request from our patients, and one that we can easily accommodate. Lightning the tattoo with the enlighten laser will make it much easier for the tattoo artist to either alter or completely change a tattoo.

Does laser tattoo removal hurt?

You may feel a slight sting, like a drop of hot grease or the snap of a rubber band on your skin. It will probably be similar to the level of discomfort you felt while getting the tattoo, although the session will be much shorter, typically lasting 5-15 minutes depending on the size of the tattoo. Once complete there will be some discomfort to the area, not unlike the sensation of the sunburn. While the treatment can be safely performed without any anesthetic, we will often have patients come in early for application of a topical local anesthetic cream.

What are the side effects, if any?

Mild swelling and redness lasting for several hours is common. No wound is created, and a skin cream is usually applied for comfort after the procedure.

How much downtime will I have?

Since no wound care is required, patients may return to their normal activities immediately after the treatment.

What is the cost of laser tattoo removal?

Pricing is based upon the size of the tattoo as opposed to the number of treatments required. The initial price will cover as many treatments as are necessary to completely treat the tattoo. At your consultation, we will measure the size of the tattoo and explain the pricing.

Do I have to pay a fee if I just want to come in and get information?

At Salmon Creek Plastic Surgery, there is no charge for a tattoo removal consultation and no obligation as far as the patient is concerned. Email using our contact form or call us at (360) 823-0860 to schedule a consultation and learn how this very exciting new technology can help you.