Body
Maryland’s Top Laser Tattoo Removal Specialists
Break up with bad ink, book a free consultation to determine if laser tattoo removal is right for you.
As Maryland’s leader in Laser Tattoo Removal, Profile MD combines the latest in laser technology with years of clinical experience to safely and effectively remove your unwanted tattoo. Our team of providers has performed thousands of treatments and offer free consultations.
Laser Tattoo Removal in Maryland
Tattoos can seem like a great idea at a particular moment of your life, but it’s not uncommon for your feelings to change. According to Pew Research Center, 32% of Americans have tattoos, 22% have more than one, but roughly 24% say they have tattoo regret! If you find yourself regretting a tattoo, let Profile MD safely and effectively remove it!
When it comes to laser tattoo removal in Maryland, Profile MD is the laser skin treatment provider you’re looking for. Profile MD uses the latest laser technology and techniques while maximizing treatment efficacy. We offer discounts on treatment packages and proudly work with Cherry to offer comfortable low payment options to all our patients.
How Does Laser Tattoo Removal Break Down Ink?
The laser used during tattoo removal breaks down the pigment of the tattoo into minuscule pieces. Once broken down, those small pieces of the tattoo are excreted from the body.
What Kind of Lasers Are Used?
There are different types of lasers used to remove tattoos. Different lasers and wavelengths are used to effectively remove certain colors. The most commonly used lasers are:
- Q-switched or Picosecond Nd: YAG
- Q-switched ruby
- Q-switched alexandrite
The type of laser used during your procedure will be dependent on the colors of the tattoo. ProfileMD uses the latest picosecond laser (PiQO4) from Lumis for many of our treatments.
Our Tattoo Removal Process
At Profile MD, we understand prospective clients want to have a clear understanding of the laser tattoo removal process before committing to it. This is what the entire laser tattoo removal process from Profile MD looks like:
Initial Consultation
You’ll meet with our team of professionals to go over the ins and outs of the procedure. This step is more open-ended to allow for questions or concerns you may have. We’ll also discuss expected results, process timelines, and options going forward. Profile MD aims to create a safe and comfortable environment for our clients during the initial consultation and beyond. If desired Profile MD can provide a virtual consultation prior to booking treatments.
Procedure Prep
Before you arrive, make sure the tattooed area is free of hair and products like lotion or makeup. If the area is clean beforehand, the area allows for easy accessibility during the treatment. Additionally, we’ll do a deeper cleanse, take photographs, and provide an anesthetic cream to take some sting out of the laser. This prescription will be sent to your pharmacy.
Laser Session
The laser session can last as little as two to three minutes, but this all depends on the size and color of the tattoo. Once the laser treatment is finished, an ointment is then applied to the area to keep it moisturized before a protective dressing is applied.
For effective fading and removal of the tattoo, the laser session will need to be repeated multiple times. On average, another six to 10 times with four to six weeks in between.
Does It Hurt?
Pain is a concern for many, but it’s not nearly as bad as one may think. The pain is best compared to having a rubber band snap across your skin. If the pain is still a concern, anesthetic cream or injections with local anesthesia is an option.
What Makes a Good Laser Tattoo Removal Candidate?
If you’re considering laser tattoo removal, it’s important to understand some individuals are more suited for the treatment than others. Let’s discuss why people choose to get tattoos removed in the first place and who best fits as a candidate.
Why People Get Tattoos Removed
People seek tattoo removal for several reasons. Even when a person is 100% satisfied with their tattoo, certain factors may force them to resort to laser tattoo removal. Here are some of the common reasons people choose to get their tattoos removed:
- The person no longer has a connection with the writing or imagery of the tattoo
- Regret or embarrassment over the tattoo
- Tattoo no longer looks the same after changes to the body
- The tattoo has faded and doesn’t have the same visual appeal as it used to
- The tattoo or the placement of the tattoo conflicts with job requirements
- The person desires a coverup tattoo
Procedure Candidacy
Those who are pregnant aren’t suitable for laser tattoo removal. Additionally, if you have any active infection or a suntan it is best to wait for treatment.
If you’re on the fence or unsure whether you’re a candidate, schedule a consultation with us for assurance and clarification on every aspect of the treatment.
Selective Tattoo Removal
Selective tattoo removal entails many of the same details, but the procedure only removes a portion of the tattoo. This is an option for those not looking to remove the whole tattoo.
How Long Will Removing My Tattoo Take?
Number of Sessions
The layers, color, and scarring of the tattoo will affect the number of sessions you’ll have to undergo. Some see complete removal after four sessions while others need 10. On average, individuals who get laser tattoo removal need between six to 10 sessions. Some cover up tattoos or very dark “tribal” type tattoo can take significantly more treatments.
Time Between Sessions
Skin needs time to heal after a laser session. It’s common to wait anywhere from four to six weeks between each session. This allows the ink to be flushed from the body. Stacking sessions closer than the recommended time can lead to permanent damage and side effects.
Kirby-Desai Scale
The Kirby-Desai scale is a popular tool and guideline used to determine the number of treatments an individual will have to receive for complete removal. The factors used to determine the number of treatments include:
- Location of tattoo
- Ink colors
- Layers of the tattoo (if the tattoo is a cover-up)
- Amount of ink
- Pre-existing scars
- Fitzpatrick skin type
Side Effects of Laser Tattoo Removal Treatments
These are the common side effects of laser tattoo removal:
- Redness
- Tenderness
- Swelling
- Blistering
- Scabs
- Bruising
- Hyper/hypopigmentation
Will It Leave a Scar?
The area can scar. This may especially be true if there is pre-existing scarring. Scarring from the treatment itself, however, is uncommon. It’s also important to note that picking scabs or failing to follow aftercare guidelines can lead to permanent scarring.
Looking for a scar removal solution? Learn more about our professional scar removal treatments.
The Success of Laser Tattoo Removal
Laser tattoo removal is an effective and powerful procedure known for completely removing tattoos. The success of laser tattoo removal is directly related to the number of treatments and ink used.
Why Choose Profile MD to Remove Your Unwanted Ink
You have options for laser tattoo removal in Maryland—so why us? Choosing Profile MD is a choice backed by confidence you’ll be satisfied with the service and results from your consultation through your laser tattoo removal. Our providers have years of collective experience and have successfully treated thousands of tattoos.
Contact us today to schedule your consultation and see if laser tattoo removal is the right choice for you.
Laser Tattoo Removal uses the power of LASER to safely break down tattoo ink. In the weeks following treatment, the fragmented ink is removed by the body. With each treatment, additional ink is broken down, resulting in clearing of the tattoo.
Our doctors offer a free consultation to view your tattoo, to answer questions and to make suggestions.
Absolutely. Selective tattoo removal entails many of the same details, but the procedure only removes a portion of the tattoo. This is an option for those not looking to remove the whole tattoo.
At Profile MD we see all sorts of tattoos. If you’ve had treatments from other locations without results we can still help! We have multiple options to help remove stubborn and resistant tattoo ink, including our Lumenis PiQo4 Laser and Ruby Laser.
In some cases, patients present to us with scar tissue from the tattoo itself or from failed removal. In these cases, our Sciton ProFractional laser can help reduce scarring and remove residual ink at the same time.
Following the tattoo removal treatment, you will apply antibiotic ointment or Aquaphor over the treated tattoo for 5-7 days. This helps to keep the skin soft and allows for a quick recovery. There are no restrictions with showering or working out, and discomfort is minimal.
Our providers will prescribe a numbing cream for use with each treatment. Additionally, they can inject local anesthetic to keep you comfortable. If desired we also offer the FDA cleared Pro-Nox system. Pro-Nox safely delivers patient controlled Nitrous Oxide (“laughing gas”) to eliminate anxiety and reduce pain.
Our PiQo4 Laser is approved for all skin tone and colors. During your tattoo removal consultation, our staff will review options and make recommendations to minimize the risk of hypopigmentation (lightening) or hyperpigmentation (darkening) of the skin.
Profile MD offers complimentary consultations and upfront pricing. We also offer discounts on multi-treatment packages as well as “pay-per-treatment” options as well.
Laser Tattoo Removal Before and After
EXPERIENCE MATTERS
FREE CONSULTATION
With years of medical experience our doctors, Dr. Jared Mallalieu and Dr. Ross VanAntwerp, specialize in bringing out the best in people through our unique laser and cosmetic procedures. Get in touch with us for your free, no-obligation consultation.
