Tattoo Removal

Laser tattoo removal offered as part of the practice's med spa services at the Boston Commonwealth Avenue location. Performed under Dr. Seckel's supervision using laser technology to break down tattoo ink particles for gradual clearance by the immune system. Multiple sessions required. Suitable for a range of ink colours and skin types.

Laser tattoo removal was offered at Boston Plastic Surgery Specialists as part of the practice's broader medical aesthetics services at the Boston office. The treatment uses Q-switched or pulsed laser energy at specific wavelengths absorbed by tattoo ink chromophores to shatter the ink particles into smaller fragments that can be cleared by the body's lymphatic system and macrophages over the weeks following each session. Different laser wavelengths are required to address different ink colours: 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser effectively targets black and dark blue inks; 532 nm KTP targets red and orange inks; and 694 nm ruby or 755 nm alexandrite lasers target green and teal inks. The number of sessions required for significant clearance depends on multiple variables: the ink colours present, the ink density and layering, the age of the tattoo (older tattoos with partially faded ink generally respond more quickly), the patient's skin type, the depth at which the ink was deposited, and the size and complexity of the design. A typical course of treatment for a medium-sized black tattoo requires six to twelve sessions spaced six to eight weeks apart to allow adequate immune clearance between appointments; multicolour tattoos may require more sessions or different laser wavelengths per session. Performed under medical supervision in a plastic surgical practice, the treatment benefits from the clinician's knowledge of tissue healing, wound management, and recognition of adverse reactions. Post-treatment responses include immediate whitening of the treated skin (frosting), followed by blistering and crusting over the first week and gradual fading of the target ink over four to eight weeks. The practice closed permanently in September 2023.