Dr. Pollack would be happy to personally
answer any laser related questions you might have in regard to your tattoo or call
to set up an appointment.
Information Request Form
215-836-7900
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The science of laser technology provides the ability to remove tattoos using a non
invasive treatment.
The Philadelphia Institute of Dermatology Uses 3 state of the art tattoo lasers,
not just one, like most laser centers. Therefore we can treat more colors than anyone
else in the Philadelphia area and the surrounding suburbs.
Only board certified dermatologists are experts in skin treatment and skin care.
All patients should get their tattoos treated by a true skin expert. All patients
should ask about the background of the owner - Is he/she board certified in dermatology??
The laser removal process
A laser light is pulsed rapidly over the surface of the skin. The tattoo ink is
removed by the rapid absorption of this laser light. This absorption causes the
ink to breakdown underneath the skin. The body then naturally filters the ink and
removes it. Depending on the color of the ink in your tattoo there are different
lasers that are used in the treatment. This method of customizing the laser treatment
for your specific tattoo is a state of the art treatment that will provide the highest
rate of ink removal and the lowest amount of trauma to the skin.
How well does the process work?
Most of the time the tattoo will be completely removed. The ink used in tattoos,
however, can vary and some ink is more difficult to remove then others. The depth
of the tattoo can also play a large role in the complete removal of the ink. Tattoo
ink is non regulated which can make targeting the specific ink more difficult.
Is the laser treatment painful?
Removing the tattoo with a laser can be uncomfortable. However, with the use of
our own numbing cream, the treatment will be very tolerable without much discomfort
at all. The pulsing light feels similar to the snap of a rubber band and can be
lessened by the use of the numbing cream, novacaine, or an ice pack.
After the procedure how will the area look and feel?
Immediately after the procedure the skin surface will be crusted and the treated
area will be slightly swollen and red. It is a very similar feeling to the effects
of a sunburn. In many cases there will be pinpoint bleeding, and if this occurs
an antibacterial ointment will be recommended for application for a few days. Do
not scrub the treatment area as this can increase the level of trauma to the skin.
The treated area will heal in approximately 7 days.
Will I need more then one treatment?
There are many factors that determine the amount of treatments needed to remove
a tattoo. The location, depth, size, and color can all affect the amount of treatments
required. For the maximum ink removal multiple treatments are recommended. Treatments
should be scheduled 4 to 6 weeks apart .
Andrew K. Pollack, M.D. has been performing laser tattoo removal for over 15 years.
He was one of the first tattoo removal doctors in Philadelphia and is the medical
director of a large laser corporation, Med-X. Doctor Pollack has treated over one
thousand tattoo patients. "I am increasingly finding that, in time, men and women
grow tired of their tattoos. For a variety of reasons they want them off. This decision
may be related to their job, family, social reasons, etc. People move on in their
lives and they often want to leave their tattoos behind."