Dr. William Paull

Columbus Dermatology
7301 Blackmon Road Columbus, GA 31909

Call For Appointment
706.568.2700

Fax Number
706.568.2705

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Tattoo Removal

Tattoos have become a more apparent part of American mainstream culture than ever before. Recent studies show that over 10 million Americans have at least one tattoo, and close to 4,000 tattoo studios currently operate in the United States. The other side of the story is that most people who get tattoos later regret getting them. Conservative estimates are that almost 50 percent of all people who get tattoos decide to remove them at some point. For many years, painful, invasive surgeries were the only recourse for tattoo removal. But that's all changing...we now know that lasers are the safest and most effective method of removing most tattoos. Dr. Paull uses the VersaPulse® C Aesthetic Laser, a versatile, state-of-the-art laser to treat tattoos as well as other coniditions such as unsightly veins and blood vessels, birthmarks, pigmented lesions, age spots, and scars.    Is laser tattoo removal painful? Most patients do not find the procedure painful and the majority do not require any type of anesthesia. A topical or local anesthetic, however, may be used to minimize any discomfort. Some people describe the procedure as similar to having tiny specs of hot bacon grease on the skin or perhaps as if being snapped by a very thin rubber band. How long is a treatment session? The procedure itself takes from about 15 to 45 minutes depending on the size of the tattoo and the location. How many treatment sessions will I need? The number of treatments may vary and depends on many variables such as the, type of ink used, the depth of the ink under the skin and the patient's skin type and condition. However, at least between 3 to 12 treatments, at about one month intervals, will be necessary. It is rare that more than 8 treatments are necessary but that does happen occassionally.. Will the tattoo disappear completely? Often times it will. Under optimum conditions, up to 97% of the fading of the tattoo can be accomplished. However, since we do not know the exact specifics on the ink used, how deep the ink is below the skin, and how much was used, it is impossible to predict the exact degree of removal of any specific tattoo. Some ink colors respond better than others. Dark blue/ black inks typically respond and fade very well. Purple and orange inks also fade very well. Green and yellow inks are the most difficult to remove. Is any "after-care" needed? After your laser treatment, an anti-bacterial ointment and a dressing will be applied to the site that will need to stay in place for about 24 hours. There may be a small amount of bleeding. You will be able to take a shower the next day. For more information or to set up an appointment, contact Columbus Dermatology.

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