Laser Tattoo Removal: Who’s your Doctor?

Finding a Laser Tattoo Removal Doctor that’s Right for you… 

As tattoos increase in popularity so does the want and need for tattoo removal.  This is a classic example of supply and demand.   With tattoo regret on the rise there is also an influx doctors jumping aboard the lucrative gravy train of tattoo removal.  These doctors are eager to fire up their new lasers to practice tattoo removal. 

Cheerful Nurse

If you are scoping out your neighborhood for a doctor to remove your unwanted tattoo, it’s important to keep in mind that the title “physician or surgeon” does not necessarily qualify the individual to perform tattoo removal laser surgery.   Certified training, actual experience and proven results are necessary for a safe and effective treatment.  

It may be completely legal for some physicians or even nurses to perform laser tattoo removal treatments, but this does not mean that he or she has been qualified with the proper training.  It does not mean that they have had hands on patient experience, and proven results under their belt.  So, if you are thinking of getting a tattoo removed, be sure to take the appropriate steps to ensure that you are getting safe and effective results. 

One of the biggest and first steps to removing an unwanted tattoo is researching the different options available to the remove tattoo, including laser treatments, microdermabrasion, surgical excision, and skin-peeling methods.   Then consider your budget and the estimated costs of each removal method.  Next, determine which removal method works within your budget, provides you with your desired results, and is something you can commit to doing.  All methods have different levels of pain, varying lengths of treatment times and provide different results, so be sure to think about what you are hoping to achieve. 

It’s important to do your homework if you are considering laser tattoo removal.  Be sure to research the reputation of several doctors and medical practices offering this type of procedure.   Keep in mind that you will be frequenting the practice often for numerous treatments so it is important not only to select a doctor with a good reputation, but also one you are comfortable asking questions, and one that is conveniently located to your place of work or home.

Once the search for a reputable doctor has been narrowed, schedule an initial consultation with each potential laser removal doctor.  This will provide some valuable insight about the facility, the doctors, and the nurses assisting them.

Inking a tattoo

Before your appointment be sure to write down a list of questions and any concerns you may have.  Number each item to review with the doctor in order of priority so you can answer your most critical questions first. 

Your list should include such items as:

Find out who will be administering the laser treatments?  If he or she is not administering the treatments, ask to meet the person who will be, and ask for their title, training and qualifications.

Asking the doctor’s recommendation on the best removal options for you – when providing you with a recommendation your doctor should be considering the size and location of your tattoo along with your skin type.

Asking are there any unique issues or risks you should be aware of given your location, size, and depth of your tattoo?   

Discuss realistic expectations and outcome of procedure specific to your tattoo.

Since it takes several different types of laser removal devices to remove all tattoo colors and inks, ask the doctor to write down on your notes the name of each laser and what type of laser it is that he will be using on each color in your tattoo.

Find out many years have the doctor has been performing laser tattoo removal?

Ask what type of certification training have they completed?

Find out how many patients have they fully completed laser removal on? 

Ask to see before and after photos of the patients you can review (note you want to see the doctor’s patient pictures vs. stock photos from a laser company) 

Ask for a copy of a price quote of how much each treatment costs and how many treatments are expected to reach the desired outcome you discussed earlier.

Lastly, ask the doctor if you can be put in contact with one or two of his former patients for referrals. 

Remember, it’s important to write down your questions ahead of time and bring a pen to your appointment this way you can write down and important factors you want to remember and any additional questions that you’ll want answered.  Keep in mind that removing a tattoo takes time and commitment.