NdYag Laser

For Treating Brown Spots and Tattoos - Using ND YAG Laser

Is the ND YAG Laser effective in removing brown spots and tattoos?
Numerous methods to remove brown spots and tattoos have been used over the years, but the results have been less than satisfactory. Depending on the method used, scars remained in 80 to 100 percent of the patients. Patients have accepted surgical treatment only because the social stigma of having the tattoo was a greater hindrance than the scarring. Now, using the latest treatment modality, the ND YAG Laser, permanent scarring following tattoo treatments is seen in less than five percent of all patients.

Brown Spot Removal Before and After Photos

How does the ND YAG Laser work?
The laser produces a bright flash of red light, which is absorbed by most tattoo pigments and brown spots, but spare adjacent normal skin structures. The scarring is minimized, and a normal or near normal skin appearance is often achieved.

What should I look for following the procedure?
Following treatment of tattoos, hyperpigmentation, also known as lightening of the skin, occurs initially in most patients. It is resolved without treatment after six to twelve months in most cases. Lightening becomes permanent in up to 20 percent of the patients treated.

Do I need anesthesia?
During the procedure, the patient feels a rubber band-like snapping against the skin. Local anesthesia is usually not required, but is available. Following treatment, the pain has been linked to a mild sunburn, and subsides in most cases within 12 to 24 hours.

What is the aftercare?
Sun exposure to the treated skin MUST be avoided for four to six months after laser treatment. Daily use of a sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or greater is recommended.

Does insurance pay for this procedure?
Insurance does not pay for treatments, since they are not considered medically necessary. Therefore, the patient pays at the time of each treatment for both the physician and faculty fees. The total cost per treatment session is based on the amount of time required.

How many treatments will I need?
Some brown spots and tattoos have been completely removed after only one treatment. However, most tattoos require multiple treatments, done at four to six week intervals. The response is documented with photographs taken before each treatment session. Amateur tattoos generally require fewer treatments as compared to those done by professionals, who are using a higher concentration of pigment, and dyes, which are harder to remove. Darker colors, such as blue and black, respond better than lighter colors. Lighter shades of blue and green fade substantially. Orange and yellow respond less and red responds well with the ND YAG Laser for tattoo and brown spot removal.

How much improvement should I expect?
Due to variability in depth of tattoo pigment as well as the chemical composition of the pigment, no guarantee for complete removal can ever be given. The treatment potential in individual cases is best determined by a physician experienced in the use of the ND YAG Laser for tattoo and brown spot removal.