There used to be a time when tattoos were considered permanent because the method used to remove them was so troublesome and uneffective; Tattoos were removed by literary slicing up the skin that holds the ink pigments. Not anymore. (a range of methods)

With the advent of new technology, Washington, D.C. dermatologic surgeons can now perform non-invasive tattoo removal surgery with the use of lasers. The standard lasers used for tattoo removal are known as Q-switch systems. Q-switches use a high-energy laser that is fired in short bursts or pulses to break down tattoos.

Other types of Q-switches and laser systems may be used depending upon the color of the tattoo and the tattoos response to the initial treatment. Black ink is the easiest to break down while green and yellow inks are usually stubborn and respond better to a different type of laser removal procedure.

What to Expect

Patients are first asked to come in the clinic for an initial consultation. The surgeon will inspect your tattoo, set your expectations regarding the final results and will give an estimate regarding the number of sessions required to achieve the expected results. Fees across clinics will vary since the type of treatment and number of sessions will vary from each individual case to the next.

Your doctor may prescribe pain-killers and anesthetic prior each treatment session. Each session will only last a few minutes and will be repeated typically every few weeks to give time for your skin to heal.

Some side-effects of the procedure include hyperpigmentation (darkening of the treated area) and hypopigmentation (lightening of the treated skin area). There's also a very low chance of getting a permanent scar but it's not as high compared to the old pre-laser tattoo removal procedures.

Guidelines in Choosing a Tattoo Removal Clinic

As tattoos surge in popularity, the demand for tattoo removal services increase as well. As a result, more and more clinics are being put up in the metro DC area to satisfy this demand. Here are some points to remember when comparing or choosing a tattoo removal clinic:

  • Get familiar with the different clinics in the area by searching online.
  • Read about their qualifications and how long they've been offering tattoo removal services.
  • Make sure they have different lasers available just in case you have a stubborn tattoo.
  • Not having the right laser for the job translates to more sessions and fees.
  • If money is tight, there might be some clinics that offer payment plan options.

There are many Washington, DC tattoo removal centers in the DC region but we recommend one of the top rated centers.