Laser Tattoo Removal

At Des Moines Plastic Surgery, we offer a full line of laser services using the latest in laser technology under the direct supervision of Dr. Robbins, board certified plastic surgeon. We understand that not all patients desire cosmetic surgery. So, we offer a wide scope of laser services within Des Moines Plastic Surgery which allows Dr. Robbins to select the most appropriate and effective treatment for each and every patient. For a complete evaluation and discussion about our Laser Center, please call us for your complimentary cosmetic consultation at (515) 221-9999 or attend one of our informational seminars.

Lasers have improved our ability to treat skin conditions and improve the appearance of the skin. Dr. Robbins is a board certified plastic surgeon and is the Medical Director of The Laser Center at Des Moines Plastic Surgery. We offer the latest technology in laser treatments. All lasers are either performed by Dr Robbins himself or one of his highly qualified staff members. Unlike many other “laser centers” that do not have an onsite supervising physician, at Des Moines Plastic surgery your comfort and safety is of the utmost importance.

Laser Tattoo Removal Cancellation Policy

Our Laser Tattoo Removal Cancellation Policy goes into effect September 18th, 2012. A $50 nonrefundable deposit is required at the time of scheduling a Laser Tattoo Removal Appointment. If you do not show for your scheduled appointment or cancel the appointment less than 24 hours prior, you will NOT be refunded your $50 deposit, nor will it be used toward ANY future treatments.

LASER TATTOO REMOVAL

Sometimes......a tattoo someone received years ago just doesn't represent their personality today.

Using the Hoya ConBio MedLite Laser®

The Laser Center at Des Moines Plastic Surgery is one of the only plastic surgery practices in Iowa to offer laser tattoo removal. In a recent study it is estimated that 15% of adults have tattoos. It is estimated that 50% of those receiving tattoos will want to have them removed within 10 years of there application. This is a large and rapidly growing market. The Laser Center at Des Moines Plastic Surgery offers tattoo removal with the Hoya ConBio Medlite Laser®. The Hoya ConBio Medlite Laser is considered the Gold Standard in laser tattoo removal. This laser delivers light of specific wavelengths in ultra-short, very high peak energy pulses which are absorbed by the pigment in the tattoo and result in an acoustic shockwave. The shockwave shatters the pigment particles causing them to break into fragments small enough for removal by the body. These tiny particles are then eliminated by the body. Mixed wavelengths allow for treatment of multiple ink colors. Pulses of highly concentrated laser light are absorbed by the pigment in tattoo inks.

Q: What you can expect from the Hoya ConBio MedLite Laser®?

A: For laser tattoo removal, the number of treatments needed depends on the tattoo’s depth, color, and ink composition. Black, red, dark orange, and dark blue are colors that typically respond more quickly to treatments. Green, purple, yellow, light orange, and light blue colors respond more slowly and may require more treatments. You may experience a mild discomfort similar to a rubber band snap during the procedure. Treatments are recommended every 4-8 weeks.

Q: How does the laser work?

A: To remove the tattoo the laser delivers high intensity light in pulses of a few billionths of a second into the treated area. The tattoo ink selectively absorbs the light without damaging the normal surrounding skin tissue in the process. The tattoo ink is broken into smaller particles that are then harmlessly removed by the body in the weeks following treatment.

Q: How many treatments will it require to remove the tattoo?

A: Removing a professionally applied tattoo is usually a fading process that requires a series of treatments spaced at 4 to 6 weeks apart. Professional tattoos usually require 5-10 treatment sessions for satisfactory clearing. Some tattoos will require greater than 10 treatment sessions and some patients may experience only fading of the tattoo. There are many variables that influence the success of laser tattoo removal. The depth, color and amount of ink, as well as the location of the tattoo on the body are all determining factors in how quickly the tattoo can be removed. Most amateur, "street tattoos" and traumatic tattoos are removed in fewer treatments. Dr. Robbins can give you a more accurate estimate of your treatment course after he sees the tattoo.

Q: Can the laser tattoo treatments lighten an existing tattoo?

A: Many tattoo artists encourage customers to receive a minimum number of laser treatments to lighten an existing tattoo before covering it with a new one. This will dramatically reduce any chance of the old tattoo appearing through the new one. In most cases, a minimum of 2-4 treatments is all that's required to lighten an existing tattoo. It does depend on the colors in the existing tattoo. If there are colors in the existing tattoo that will not fade as well as others, more treatments may be needed.

Please call our office at (515) 221-9999 for a complementary tattoo consultation. Dr. Robbins will discuss the process with you and answer any of your questions. He will also provide you a quote for the cost of your tattoo removal treatments!