Tattoo Removal

We do laser tattoo removal in our Worcester office. Each treatment usually takes less than 10 minutes. The treatment is uncomfortable but tolerable. We usually apply some topical anesthetic cream prior to the treatment. If you want topical anesthesia, you will be asked to arrive 30 minutes or so before the treatment. After the treatment, our nurse, Nancy, will apply a clear sterile dressing called Tegaderm™ to the area. We like to leave the Tegaderm™ on for 3-5 days and have you apply ice to the area for 20 minutes every hour that day and 20 minutes every 2 hours the next day (while awake). The Tegaderm™ and the ice significantly decrease the pain. We do not charge extra for the anesthetic or the Tegaderm™.

You will be given a prescription for a cream called Silvadene®. If there is any blistering, we like you to apply this cream to the entire tattoo three times daily until the wound is dry. Blistering is not uncommon, and "pin point" bleeding is not unusual. The bleeding is from penetration of the laser to the deep dermis as it seeks out the pigment. The post treatment pain is like a bad sun burn and is usually effectively treated with Ibuporfen (e.g. Advil®) and an ice pack. Please do not plan to be away on vacation for 10 days after a treatment and please refrain from strenuous physical activity at least until the lasered area is dry. You can expect to start seeing some clearing of the area treated about 4-6 weeks after the treatment. You must protect the lasered area from the sun. Sun exposure can lead to hyperpigmentation (increased brown skin pigment) in the treated area.