It seemed pretty cool at the time, perhaps—bold, hip, maybe even a little edgy. But now, you look at that tattoo as a big mistake—more tawdry than trendy. And you wish you could turn back time.

You may be able to—so to speak. “Although tattoos were once considered permanent, the advanced laser technologies of today have made it possible to remove them completely,” says J. Scott Ferguson, DO, a board-certified plastic & reconstructive surgeon at Watson Clinic’s Bella Vista Building.

Tattoos are created when ink is deposited into the second layer of the skin—the dermis—via a needle attached to a tattoo gun. Once there, the tattoo can remain indefinitely. That is, until now.

Utilizing the Enlighten laser by Cutera, Dr. Ferguson carefully directs high-intensity light beams to break up the pigment colors of the tattoo. Recognized by the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) as the safest of all tattoo removal options, this laser technology is effective on all skin types and tattoo colors. Best of all, the procedures are affordable, occur in the convenience of Dr. Ferguson’s office, and involve minimal discomfort.

But Watson Clinic specialists don’t rely on laser technology for the removal of body art alone; it can also be employed to rid the body of a far more common annoyance:  hair.

Watson Clinic's obstetric specialists perform laser procedures that successfully remove and prevent the growth of additional hair. Women often want to get rid of unwanted hair on their underarm area, upper lip, chin and under their chin while men are concerned with areas like their chest, back and their chin and neck region.

The laser hair removal procedure is surprisingly quick and virtually painless. Best of all, it’s a permanent treatment that requires little or no follow-up maintenance.

Meanwhile, to schedule a laser hair removal appointment with a member of Watson Clinic's obstetrics department, call 863-680-7243.