Dr. Joel Schlessinger answers frequently asked questions about laser tattoo removal.

1. Joel Schlessinger, MD
FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS ABOUT
TATTOO REMOVAL
Interested in learning more or setting up an appointment? Call 402.334.7546 or visit
http://www.LovelySkin.com to browse our full selection of products.

2. Tattoo ink is made up of particles,
which are placed deep in the skin
with needles during the tattoo
procedure. Tattoo removal lasers
deliver a pulse of light in different
colors. If the color light matches the
ink of the tattoo, the heat will heat
the particles in the ink and cause
them to vaporize over a period of
time until they are absorbed into the
body.
How does tattoo removal work?
Before After
Interested in learning more or setting up an appointment? Call 402.334.7546 or visit
http://www.LovelySkin.com to browse our full selection of products.

3. Success of treatment can vary greatly
depending on the type and color of the
tattoo ink, as well as skin pigmentation.
Dr. Schlessinger has been treating
unwanted tattoos since 1997 and has
seen great results. He will be honest
about what results you can expect from
your treatment during your initial
consultation and recommend the best
course of treatment for your unique
case.
Who is a good candidate for tattoo removal?
Before After
Interested in learning more or setting up an appointment? Call 402.334.7546 or visit
http://www.LovelySkin.com to browse our full selection of products.

4. Results vary. Dr. Schlessinger will
discuss expectations with you
during your initial consultation. In
the meantime, we suggest
viewing before and after pictures
from Skin Specialists P.C. of
Omaha to get an idea for the kind
of results he has helped other
patients obtain.
What results can I expect from my tattoo removal procedure?
Before
Interested in learning more or setting up an appointment? Call 402.334.7546 or visit
http://www.LovelySkin.com to browse our full selection of products.
Before and After of Dr.
Schlessinger’s patient

5. You shouldn’t need to do anything to
physically prepare for treatment, but
there are many things to keep in
mind. Certain tattoo inks and areas
of the body are easier to treat than
others. Some areas, particularly the
neck, upper arms, shoulders and
chests may be more vulnerable to
scarring, and those with dark skin
may experience skin lightening as a
side effect.
How should I prepare for my tattoo removal procedure?
After
Interested in learning more or setting up an appointment? Call 402.334.7546 or visit
http://www.LovelySkin.com to browse our full selection of products.

6. First, topical anesthetic is placed
over the tattoo. Anesthetic
injections may be necessary in
certain circumstances. From
there, the laser is used to remove
the tattoo. The sensation of the
laser pulse has been described as
an elastic band snap against the
skin.
What happens during the tattoo removal procedure?
Before After
Interested in learning more or setting up an appointment? Call 402.334.7546 or visit
http://www.LovelySkin.com to browse our full selection of products.

7. All activities may be resumed
directly after treatment. You’ll
want to avoid rubbing or
scratching the treated area, and
you’ll need to wear protective
clothing and sunscreen to keep in
safe from sun exposure. You
should see gradual improvement
over time after your last session.
What happens after the procedure?
Before After
Interested in learning more or setting up an appointment? Call 402.334.7546 or visit
http://www.LovelySkin.com to browse our full selection of products.

8. Skin lightening or darkening and a
change in skin texture are the most
common side effects of tattoo
removal. More rarely, a patient may
develop redness and inflammation
from the laser called post-
inflammatory erythema, or PIE. This
is temporary, and Dr. Schlessinger
can advise you on how to alieve it.
What are the possible side effects?
Before After
Interested in learning more or setting up an appointment? Call 402.334.7546 or visit
http://www.LovelySkin.com to browse our full selection of products.
Before and After of Dr.
Schlessinger’s patient

9. It is possible to remove permanent
makeup, but because this makeup is
usually done on the sensitive eye
area and can lead to unflattering
discoloration, you’ll want a highly
skilled dermatologist to perform the
procedure. Dr. Schlessinger has been
removing permanent makeup for
years, and he is an expert in his field.
Is it possible to remove permanent makeup?
After
Interested in learning more or setting up an appointment? Call 402.334.7546 or visit
http://www.LovelySkin.com to browse our full selection of products.

10. Yes, laser tattoo removal
technology is precise
enough to remove only
parts of a tattoo such as
names or certain colors.
Can only parts of a tattoo be removed?
Before After
Interested in learning more or setting up an appointment? Call 402.334.7546 or visit
http://www.LovelySkin.com to browse our full selection of products.

11. Dr. Schlessinger doesn’t recommend
this as it just compounds problems.
With excellent treatment options,
you shouldn’t need to cover the area
with another tattoo. Additionally, it
will make removal more complicated
in the future. You don’t want to wind
up in the same position of disliking
your new ink and paying for another
tattoo removal session.
Can I have a tattoo placed over an area where I had a tattoo removed
by laser?
After
Interested in learning more or setting up an appointment? Call 402.334.7546 or visit
http://www.LovelySkin.com to browse our full selection of products.
Before and After of Dr.
Schlessinger’s patient

12. There has been a bit of debate as to
whether tattoo ink could be forced into
the spinal cord during an epidural, a
procedure in which pain medication is
placed in the lower back to block pain
from childbirth. Some physicians will
perform an epidural if the mother has a
tattoo in this location, others will not. Dr.
Schlessinger does not recommend
getting tattooed on the lower back area.
Are tattoos on young women’s lower backs a hazard if they need an
epidural during childbirth?
After
Interested in learning more or setting up an appointment? Call 402.334.7546 or visit
http://www.LovelySkin.com to browse our full selection of products.

13. Sometimes, patients regret new
tattoos right away for a variety of
different reasons. Laser tattoo
removal can begin on a new
tattoo once it has healed
completely, usually about one
month.
How soon can I start the removal process on a new tattoo?
Before After
Interested in learning more or setting up an appointment? Call 402.334.7546 or visit
http://www.LovelySkin.com to browse our full selection of products.

14. The success of laser tattoo
removal depends upon the colors
in the tattoo. For those with dark
skin, there is always a risk of skin
lightening as a possible side
effect, particularly when it comes
to removing reds and greens.
Can tattoos be removed from darkly pigmented skin?
Before After
Interested in learning more or setting up an appointment? Call 402.334.7546 or visit
http://www.LovelySkin.com to browse our full selection of products.

15. Here’s how you can find out
more about Dr. Joel Schlessinger:
- Facebook http://www.facebook.com/drjoelschlessinger
- Twitter http://www.twitter.com/drschlessinger
- Blogs http://drjoelschlessinger.com/
http://drjoelschlessinger.wordpress.com/
Interested in learning more or setting up an appointment? Call 402.334.7546 or visit
http://www.LovelySkin.com to browse our full selection of products.