Others find it hard to get a good job with tattoos on their hands and face. Modern laser technology allows many of these tattoos to be removed with hardly a trace. A tattoo is made up of particles embedded in the skin. Although microscopic, they are too large for the body to remove. The laser light is selectively picked up by these dark particles, and breaks them up into much smaller particles which the body can remove over the subsequent weeks.
Most tattoos require several laser treatments to get maximal removal.
Scarring is unusual, and if a scar remains after treatment, it is often from the original tattoo placement. The X-Tattoo Program takes advantage of this technology to help youngsters, who otherwise could not afford these treatments, to get rid of their tattoos. The City rents a laser, and physician volunteers, such as Dr. Nachbar, come in on Saturdays and provide the treatments. Each participant can get a treatment about every six to nine weeks. Not only does this give me a chance to help the community, but I enjoy getting to know these people.