Tattoo Removal
Tattoos can be works of art, but they can also be a reminder of a past life. The options for removal include surgical excision or treatment with a laser. Surgical excision may be the quickest remedy but will produce a scar. Treatment by laser may be the option you prefer. The current lasers that we use have a 95% chance that there will be no visible tattoo left and no significant texture or color change in the skin within two months of the final treatment. In most cases, treatments are done with the Q-switched NdYAG laser. For those tattoos with multiple colors a different laser may be needed, because red and green inks do not respond as well to the YAG. The laser produces the best overall result but multiple treatments are required, generally spaced six weeks to two months apart. The fee for tattoo removal is based upon the size of the tattoo and is charged per treatment.
Despite the good safety profile, a few uncommon problems could develop:
- Loss of normal skin color over the tattoo site, especially in some of the more colorful tattoos. The likelihood is greater in highly-pigmented skin.
- Some residual tattoo material remaining even after many treatments.
- Mild texture change or, very rarely, scarring at the tattoo site.
- LIGHTENING or DARKENING in the area or surrounding tissue.
The final result will depend to a large degree on following Dr. Bumagin’s instructions for aftercare of the tattoo removal site. Sun exposure or failure to treat with topical antibiotic ointment during the healing process after each treatment can lead to an unfavorable result.
Dr. Bumagin has been performing laser treatments since lasers were first introduced in the United States back in the 1970’s. He is fully trained in the use of several different kinds of lasers and has used them in the operating room for certain surgical procedures. Dr. Bumagin performs all laser procedures himself.
In 1994 Dr Bumagin was President-Elect of the Rotary Club of Fort Worth Southwest and came up with the idea for a club project that would benefit the local community. With the help of his Club he started a tattoo removal program for young people who were coming out of gangs with tattoos, but were financially unable to have treatments done in a private setting. This project continues with the support of the Lena Pope Home and other non-profit agencies. Participants are referred by parole officers, probation officers, police departments and gang intervention counselors, as well as ministers, teachers, and other community agencies. For information on how to refer someone who could benefit from this program, please call the office.
