Laser Tattoo Removal Treatment
Laser tattoo removal is an advanced treatment designed to eliminate tattoos, without leaving scars or unpigmented areas of skin behind.
How Many Tattoo Removal Sessions Are Needed? Each tattoo has different characteristics that influence the number of removal sessions necessary. These include:
Several additional factors can affect the long-term outcome of your treatment. Older tattoos are easier to remove than newer ones; tattoos applied by amateurs are easier to remove than those applied by professionals. Certain pigments are easier to remove, with fluorescent colors being the least responsive to treatment. The type of ink used may also affect the results, since some inks create a paradoxical reaction, causing the skin to become darker instead of lighter.
The number of sessions needed for laser tattoo removal treatment is primarily determined by the color of the tattoo. Most tattoos are comprised of different color families and a different laser is needed for each. Some tattoos can require between 15 and 20 treatments before they are completely removed. Turquoise tattoos are some of the most difficult to eliminate because there isn’t a laser that targets the color effectively.
On average, each laser treatment takes from 10-20 minutes. Several treatments are needed to achieve the desired results In most cases, laser tattoo removal takes between 6-12 treatments and can be spread over several months or a few years.
You must allow at least a month between treatments, so be prepared to commit a substantial amount of time to the process.
The Gold Standard: Nd:YAG Lasers Q-switched Nd:YAG Lasers (532nm and 1064nm)
The Q-switched Nd:YAG laser system overcomes the obstacle of excessive melanin absorption and is used to remove blue and black ink and tattoos in darker skin types (1064nm), or red pigment (532nm).
1064nm
The long 1064nm wavelength has the deepest penetration and carries the least risk of hypo-pigmentation; however, it is also the least effective in removing brightly colored pigments.
Of all the laser systems, it is the preferred system for use in darker skin types. This wavelength may also be useful when residual, more deeply placed ink particles are all that remain.
532nm
The 532nm wavelength (green light) is absorbed by hemoglobin, and as a result, purpura lasting 1 week to 10 days frequently occurs after treatment. This wavelength is also effective for red, orange, and occasionally yellow ink.
What will happen at the initial consultation? Your doctor will begin with a complete medical history and an examination of your tattoo and your overall skin tone and quality. The size, style, color and location of the tattoo, as well as the color and texture of your skin, will determine the type of laser treatment recommended. Your doctor will also want to know when, where, and by whom your tattoo was applied, as these factors too can affect the method of treatment.
How is laser tattoo removal performed? The doctor, or an assistant, will clean the area on and around the tattoo to remove oils on the skin. During a laser tattoo removal treatment, the laser’s high energy light breaks up the tattoo ink into tiny particles, which are gradually absorbed by the skin. Laser tattoo removal may cause slight discomfort, though a local anesthetic can be used to eliminate the pain.
How much pain is there? You should expect some pain during the treatment. This is most often described as a burning or stinging sensation. A numbing cream applied to the skin or a local anesthetic injected under the skin can be used to minimize pain.
What can I expect after tattoo removal? Following a laser tattoo removal treatment, minor side effects such as red and tender skin may occur. These tend to diminish within 3-7 days. Recovery times depend on the extent of the treatment and the individual’s capacity to heal. Redness and sensitivity may continue for several weeks, and there may be discoloration and a change in skin texture in the area, which will gradually improve. There may be some bruising, and with deeper tattoos bleeding is not uncommon. The area may be treated with an antibiotic ointment and a bandage applied.
You should avoid exposing the treated area to the sun, as this may delayed wound healing. You may not notice significant results until several treatments have been completed.
Most people are satisfied with the pigment removal achieved through laser treatment. It is important to remember, however, that your skin will never look as it did before you had the tattoo, even though the tattooed pigment has been removed.
How Many Tattoo Removal Sessions Are Needed? Each tattoo has different characteristics that influence the number of removal sessions necessary. These include:
- Size
- Color
- Type of ink used
- Whether the tattoo is old or new
Several additional factors can affect the long-term outcome of your treatment. Older tattoos are easier to remove than newer ones; tattoos applied by amateurs are easier to remove than those applied by professionals. Certain pigments are easier to remove, with fluorescent colors being the least responsive to treatment. The type of ink used may also affect the results, since some inks create a paradoxical reaction, causing the skin to become darker instead of lighter.
The number of sessions needed for laser tattoo removal treatment is primarily determined by the color of the tattoo. Most tattoos are comprised of different color families and a different laser is needed for each. Some tattoos can require between 15 and 20 treatments before they are completely removed. Turquoise tattoos are some of the most difficult to eliminate because there isn’t a laser that targets the color effectively.
On average, each laser treatment takes from 10-20 minutes. Several treatments are needed to achieve the desired results In most cases, laser tattoo removal takes between 6-12 treatments and can be spread over several months or a few years.
You must allow at least a month between treatments, so be prepared to commit a substantial amount of time to the process.
The Gold Standard: Nd:YAG Lasers Q-switched Nd:YAG Lasers (532nm and 1064nm)
The Q-switched Nd:YAG laser system overcomes the obstacle of excessive melanin absorption and is used to remove blue and black ink and tattoos in darker skin types (1064nm), or red pigment (532nm).
1064nm
The long 1064nm wavelength has the deepest penetration and carries the least risk of hypo-pigmentation; however, it is also the least effective in removing brightly colored pigments.
Of all the laser systems, it is the preferred system for use in darker skin types. This wavelength may also be useful when residual, more deeply placed ink particles are all that remain.
532nm
The 532nm wavelength (green light) is absorbed by hemoglobin, and as a result, purpura lasting 1 week to 10 days frequently occurs after treatment. This wavelength is also effective for red, orange, and occasionally yellow ink.
What will happen at the initial consultation? Your doctor will begin with a complete medical history and an examination of your tattoo and your overall skin tone and quality. The size, style, color and location of the tattoo, as well as the color and texture of your skin, will determine the type of laser treatment recommended. Your doctor will also want to know when, where, and by whom your tattoo was applied, as these factors too can affect the method of treatment.
How is laser tattoo removal performed? The doctor, or an assistant, will clean the area on and around the tattoo to remove oils on the skin. During a laser tattoo removal treatment, the laser’s high energy light breaks up the tattoo ink into tiny particles, which are gradually absorbed by the skin. Laser tattoo removal may cause slight discomfort, though a local anesthetic can be used to eliminate the pain.
How much pain is there? You should expect some pain during the treatment. This is most often described as a burning or stinging sensation. A numbing cream applied to the skin or a local anesthetic injected under the skin can be used to minimize pain.
What can I expect after tattoo removal? Following a laser tattoo removal treatment, minor side effects such as red and tender skin may occur. These tend to diminish within 3-7 days. Recovery times depend on the extent of the treatment and the individual’s capacity to heal. Redness and sensitivity may continue for several weeks, and there may be discoloration and a change in skin texture in the area, which will gradually improve. There may be some bruising, and with deeper tattoos bleeding is not uncommon. The area may be treated with an antibiotic ointment and a bandage applied.
You should avoid exposing the treated area to the sun, as this may delayed wound healing. You may not notice significant results until several treatments have been completed.
Most people are satisfied with the pigment removal achieved through laser treatment. It is important to remember, however, that your skin will never look as it did before you had the tattoo, even though the tattooed pigment has been removed.
Eye & LASIK Center 4th Floor, Skin & Laser Center 3rd Floor @ Phuket International Hospital