Laser Tattoo Removal in Loudoun County, Northern Virginia |
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The Cosmetic Surgery and Laser Center is a state of the art medical facility which incorporates advanced lasers and skin care treatments for the removal of tatttoos. These lasers include the Coherent Lightsheer Laser which is used for laser hair removal, the Lyra which is used for removal of facial and leg veins, and the Sciton Laser which is used for skin resurfacing and rejuvenation. |
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Laser Tattoo Removal That tattoo you got at the beach seemed like a great idea in high school but now that you are in the working world it has become somewhat problematic. That fire breathing dragon with tribal bands and barbed wire around it was your symbol of independence. That same tattoo has now become a source of sideways glances and looks of surprise in the office. With the rise of popularity of tattoos in the United States more and more people are re-thinking their tattoos. It has been estimated that over 10 million Americans have at least 1 tattoo, and that there are approximately 4000 tattoo parlors operating in the US. It is further estimated that up to 50% of the individuals that receive tattoos regret having them within the first 6 months. Tattoos do not always carry over well into a professional environment and many people find, as they get older, they might not really like that tattoo anymore. For many years, people had few options for tattoo removal, and existing removal techniques required painful surgery. But new technology has changed that. Now, thanks to advanced laser treatments, most tattoos can be permanently removed without major scarring. These laser removal procedures need to be performed by skilled professional in a medical environment. Let's start with the basics. What is a Tattoo? Laser Tattoo Removal The cost of tattoo removal is typically priced per square inch per visit. Most tattoo removal procedures will require multiple visits. However most clinics will allow you to pay as you go. Some tattoos can be removed with just a few visits, some will require more, depending on the ink type.
Important Information from the FDA Regarding Tattoo Safety Think Before You Ink: Are Tattoos Safe? * What are the Risks? As the popularity of tattoos continues to grow, so does the concern about potential risks. Some risks, such as the spread of infections through the use of unsterilized needles, have long been known. But what isn't clear is the safety of tattoo inks. Permanent tattoos are made by using needles to inject colored ink below the skin's surface. Permanent make-up is considered a permanent tattoo that mimics the results of cosmetic products such as an eyebrow pencil, lip liner, eyeliner, or blush. While state and local authorities oversee the practice of tattooing, ink and ink colorings (pigments) used in tattoos are subject to FDA regulation as cosmetics and color additives. However, because of other public health priorities and a previous lack of evidence of safety concerns, FDA has not traditionally regulated tattoo inks or the pigments used in them. FDA has received reports of bad reactions to tattoo inks right after tattooing or even years later. Some people report itchy or inflamed skin around their tattoos in the summer when they've been out in the sun. Recent reports associated with permanent make-up inks have prompted FDA to study tattoo ink safety. "Our hope is to get a better understanding of the body's response to tattoos and their impact on human health, and to identify products at greatest risk," says Linda Katz, M.D., M.P.H., Director of FDA's Office of Cosmetics and Colors in the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. What are the Risks? Infection – Dirty needles can pass infections, like hepatitis and HIV, from one person to another. Allergies – Allergies to various ink pigments in temporary tattoos have been reported and can cause problems. Scarring – Unwanted scar tissue may form when getting or removing a tattoo. Granulomas – These small knots or bumps may form around material that the body perceives as foreign, such as particles of tattoo pigment. MRI complications – People may have swelling or burning in the tattoo when they have magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This happens rarely and does not last long. Tattoo Ink Research In a laboratory within FDA's Arkansas-based National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR), research chemist Paul Howard, Ph.D., and his team are investigating tattoo inks to find out the chemical composition of the inks and how they break down (metabolize) in the body; "There have been no systematic studies of the safety of tattoo inks," says Howard, "so we are trying to ask—and answer—some fundamental questions." For example, some tattoos fade over time or fade when they are exposed to sunlight. And laser light is used to remove tattoos. "We want to know what happens to the ink," says Howard. "Where does the pigment go?" NCTR researchers are exploring several possibilities: The body cells may digest and destroy the ink, just as they rid the body of bacteria and other foreign matter as a defense against infection. NCTR studies show that a common pigment used in yellow tattoo inks, Pigment Yellow 74, may be broken down by enzymes, or metabolized. "Just like the body metabolizes and excretes other substances, the body may metabolize small amounts of the tattoo pigment to make it more water soluble, and out it goes," says Howard. Research has also shown that some pigment migrates from the tattoo site to the body's lymph nodes, says Howard. Lymph nodes are part of the lymphatic system, a collection of fluid-carrying vessels in the body that filter out disease-causing organisms. Whether the migration of tattoo ink has health consequences or not is still unknown. NCTR is doing further research to answer this and other questions about the safety of tattoo inks. Tattoo Tips for Consumers FDA has not approved any tattoo inks for injection into the skin, and many ink pigments used are industrial strength colors suitable for printers' ink or automobile paint. Permanence: Consider tattoos permanent. Removal is time-consuming, costly, and doesn't always work. The most common method of tattoo removal is by laser treatment, which delivers short flashes of light at very high intensities to the skin to break down the tattoo ink. FDA allows several types of lasers to be marketed for tattoo removal. Some color inks are harder to remove than others. Many repeat visits every several weeks may be required to remove a tattoo, and it may never be entirely gone. Don't Avoid an MRI: * If you need to have an MRI done, don't avoid it. Inform the radiologist or technician that you have a tattoo so appropriate precautions can be taken.
FDA Tattoos and Permanent Makeup FDA considers the inks used in intradermal tattoos, including permanent makeup, to be cosmetics and considers the pigments used in the inks to be color additives requiring premarket approval under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. However, because of other public health priorities and a previous lack of evidence of safety concerns, FDA traditionally has not exercised its regulatory authority over tattoo inks or the pigments used in them. The actual practice of tattooing is regulated by local jurisdictions. FDA is aware of more than 150 reports of adverse reactions in consumers to certain permanent make-up ink shades, and it is possible that the actual number of women affected was greater. In addition, concerns raised by the scientific community regarding the pigments used in these inks have prompted FDA to investigate the safe use of tattoo inks. FDA continues to evaluate the extent and severity of adverse events associated with tattooing and is conducting research on inks. As new information is assessed, the agency will consider whether additional actions are necessary to protect public health. In addition to the reported adverse reactions, areas of concern include tattoo removal, infections that result from tattooing, and the increasing variety of pigments and diluents being used in tattooing. More than fifty different pigments and shades are in use, and the list continues to grow. Although a number of color additives are approved for use in cosmetics, none is approved for injection into the skin. Using an unapproved color additive in a tattoo ink makes the ink adulterated. Many pigments used in tattoo inks are not approved for skin contact at all. Some are industrial grade colors that are suitable for printers' ink or automobile paint. Nevertheless, many individuals choose to undergo tattooing in its various forms. For some, it is an aesthetic choice or an initiation rite. Some choose permanent makeup as a time saver or because they have physical difficulty applying regular, temporary makeup. For others, tattooing is an adjunct to reconstructive surgery, particularly of the face or breast, to simulate natural pigmentation. People who have lost their eyebrows due to alopecia (a form of hair loss) may choose to have "eyebrows" tattooed on, while people with vitiligo (a lack of pigmentation in areas of the skin) may try tattooing to help camouflage the condition. Whatever their reason, consumers should be aware of the risks involved in order to make an informed decision. The following are the primary complications that can result from tattooing: Infection. Unsterile tattooing equipment and needles can transmit infectious diseases, such as hepatitis and skin infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus ("staph") bacteria*. Tattoos received at facilities not regulated by your state or at facilities that use unsterile equipment (or re-use ink) may prevent you from being accepted as a blood or plasma donor for twelve months. Removal problems. Despite advances in laser technology, removing a tattoo is a painstaking process, usually involving several treatments and considerable expense. Complete removal without scarring may be impossible. Allergic reactions. Although FDA has received reports of numerous adverse ractions associated with certain shades of ink in permanent makeup, marketed by a particular manufacturer, reports of allergic reactions to tattoo pigments have been rare. However, when they happen they may be particularly troublesome because the pigments can be hard to remove. Occasionally, people may develop an allergic reaction to tattoos they have had for years. Granulomas.These are nodules that may form around material that the body perceives as foreign, such as particles of tattoo pigment. Keloid formation. If you are prone to developing keloids -- scars that grow beyond normal boundaries -- you are at risk of keloid formation from a tattoo. Keloids may form any time you injure or traumatize your skin. Micropigmentation: State of the Art, a book written by Charles Zwerling, M.D., Annette Walker, R.N., and Norman Goldstein, M.D., states that keloids occur more frequently as a consequence of tattoo removal. MRI complications. There have been reports of people with tattoos or permanent makeup who experienced swelling or burning in the affected areas when they underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This seems to occur only rarely and apparently without lasting effects. There also have been reports of tattoo pigments interfering with the quality of the image. This seems to occur mainly when a person with permanent eyeliner undergoes MRI of the eyes. Mascara may produce a similar effect. The difference is that mascara is easily removable. The cause of these complications is uncertain. Some have theorized that they result from an interaction with the metallic components of some pigments. However, the risks of avoiding an MRI when your doctor has recommended one are likely to be much greater than the risks of complications from an interaction between the MRI and tattoo or permanent makeup. Instead of avoiding an MRI, individuals who have tattoos or permanent makeup should inform the radiologist or technician of this fact in order to take appropriate precautions and avoid complications. A common problem that may develop with tattoos is the desire to remove them. Removing tattoos and permanent makeup can be very difficult. Although tattoos may be satisfactory at first, they sometimes fade. Also, if the tattooist injects the pigments too deeply into the skin, the pigments may migrate beyond the original sites, resulting in a blurred appearance. Another cause of dissatisfaction is that the human body changes over time, and styles change with the season. The permanent makeup that may have looked flattering when first injected may later clash with changing skin tones and facial or body contours. People who plan to have facial cosmetic surgery are advised that the appearance of their permanent makeup may become distorted. The tattoo that seemed stylish at first may become dated and embarrassing. And changing tattoos or permanent makeup is not as easy as changing your mind. Consult your healthcare provider about the best removal techniques for you. Temporary tattoos, such as those applied to the skin with a moistened wad of cotton, fade several days after application. Most contain color additives approved for cosmetic use on the skin. However, the agency has issued an import alert for certain foreign-made temporary tattoos. The temporary tattoos subject to the import alert are not allowed into the United States because they don't carry the FDA-mandated ingredient labels or they contain colors not permitted by FDA for use in cosmetics applied to the skin. FDA has received reports of allergic reactions to temporary tattoos. In a similar action, FDA has issued an import alert for henna intended for use on the skin. Henna is approved only for use as a hair dye, not for direct application to the skin. Also, henna typically produces a reddish brown tint, raising questions about what ingredients are added to produce the varieties of colors labeled as "henna," such as "black henna" and "blue henna." FDA has also received reports of allergic reactions to products applied to the skin that contain henna.
Source :http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/tattoos.html
MICRO-LASER PEEL The Micro-Laser Peel is part of the nonsurgical armamentarium available at Aesthetica. The Peel uses the state of the art SCITON Laser with ERBIUM to resurface the skin. The goal is to remove evidence of sun-damage, blemishes, and fine lines in a manner that is not only effective, but has minimal down-time and complications What will the Sciton do for you? * Rejuvenate the Skin The procedure is often performed as part of a series of 4 peels. There is minor discomfort which is alleviated by a topical anesthetic which is applied to the skin an hour prior to the procedure. The peel then takes approximately 30 minutes to perform. Actual discomfort is minor for most patients. Following the procedure, the skin appears as if you have had a severe sun-burn. The redness and burning lasts approximately 24 hours; in which time cold wash cloths and ointments are amply applied to reduce the discomfort. Over the next 3-5 days, baby new skin Talk to a doctor Many patients have questions about Laser treatment and would like a free consultation. This consultation will allow your doctor to discuss the benefits and risks of BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment. Make sure when selecting a Laser Treatment doctor to look for a board certified physician who has references. Any information on this website should not be considered a substitute for consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. SPIDER VEIN REMOVAL The treatment of spider veins and moderately sized varicose veins has now been revolutionized with the new Sciton Laser Vein Removal System. Treatment is now more precise and effective. Spider veins, or telangiectasias, are small, thin, blood vessels visible beneath the skin. They appear most commonly on the face and legs and may look like a series of lines, tree branches, or a spider- or web-like shape with a dark center. It is estimated that they affect nearly half of adult women in the U.S. They are not usually harmful but they can be painful. Varicose veins can indicate poor vascular health if the swelling is caused by phlebitis (inflamed tender vein), thrombosis (clot), or venous stasis ulcers (open sores). It is not entirely known what causes spider and varicose veins, although likely factors are heredity, pregnancy and hormones. Women are more likely than men to develop problems -- more than 20 percent of women suffer from mild to severe varicose veins. ROSACEA Rosacea may be treated with the IPL Photofacial Laser . Rosacea is a chronic skin disease that causes redness and swelling on the face. The scalp, neck, ears, chest, back and/or eyes may also be affected. Symptoms range from red pimples, lines and visible blood vessels to dry or burning skin and a tendency to flush easily. Many people find that the emotional effects of rosacea – such as low self-confidence and avoidance of social situations – are more difficult to handle than the physical ones. Although it can affect anyone, rosacea typically appears in light-skinned, light-haired adults aged 30-50. Although it is not yet known what causes rosacea. IPL Photofacial may reduce the associated redness and flushing. Other Laser Treatment • Hair Removal FDA Alerts Consumers About Adverse Events Associated With "Permanent Makeup" The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is alerting the public to a number of reported adverse events associated with individuals who have undergone certain micropigmentation procedures, a form of tattooing, used to apply "permanent makeup" for lip liner, eyeliner, or eyebrow color. The adverse events are associated with certain ink shades of the Premier Pigment brand of permanent makeup inks, which are manufactured by the American Institute of Intradermal Cosmetics, doing business as Premier Products, in Arlington, TX. FDA is currently investigating this matter. To date, FDA has been made aware of more than 50 adverse events and is investigating additional reports sent to the manufacturer. Reactions that have been reported include swelling, cracking, peeling, blistering, and scarring as well as formation of granulomas (chronically inflamed tissue mass associated with an infection) in the areas of the eyes and lips. In some cases, the effects reported caused serious disfigurement, resulting in difficulty in eating and talking. In July 2003, the manufacturer reported to FDA its intent to remove five of its ink shades from the market, based on six adverse events that had been reported. However, FDA has obtained additional reports of adverse events involving ink shades that were not included in the firm's removal effort. While the investigation continues, FDA is alerting consumers about associated adverse event reports received about Premier Products ink shades identified on the FDA website at http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/cos-tat2.html. FDA considers intradermal tattoos (including permanent makeup) cosmetics and considers the pigments used in the inks to be color additives requiring premarket approval under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. However, FDA has not traditionally regulated tattoo inks or the pigments used in them. The actual practice of tattooing is regulated by local jurisdictions. As FDA continues its investigation, the agency urges consumers and healthcare providers to continue to report adverse reactions from tattoos, including permanent makeup, to FDA as well as to state and local health authorities. Contact information for your nearest FDA district office is available online at http://www.fda.gov/ora/fed_state/Small_business/sb_guide/regions.htm and in the blue pages of your local phone directory. Reports of adverse reactions may be reported also to FDA’s Emergency Operations Center at 301-443-1240 or Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN) Adverse Events Reporting System (CAERS) at (301) 436-2405 or email at CAERS@cfsan.fda.gov.
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