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How are lasers used to eliminate tattoos?

Lasers are used to destroy the pigments in the tattoo. Tattoo ink is a colored liquid and when the laser attracts to the color it crystallizes the ink...making it a hard substance. The body recognizes this crystal as a foreign object and either digests (metabolizes) it or pushes it out through the skins surface, much like a splinter. At the same time trying to keep scarring to a minimum.

The surface of the skin is “transparent” to the laser beam while the heat of the laser focuses at the precise level of the pigment. The pigment chars and breaks down into small particles that are removed by the body’s immune system.

    

How popular is tattoo removal?

According to surveys conducted by two medical schools, one half of all people with tattoos have considered removing them. Besides the obvious reasons of removing tattoos for career enhancement, there are aesthetic reasons why many people elect to remove tattoos. As skin ages, tattoos tend to fade and deform. A tattoo that once was shown with pride may lose its attractiveness and, in some cases, even become an embarrassment.

Traditional techniques for permanent tattoo removal utilize severe abrasion or incisions, both of which can result in significant permanent scarring.

Cryosurgery - A physician freezes the tattoo before peeling off the tattoo, a section at a time. Permanent scarring generally results from cryosurgery and this technique can only be used on small tattoos. It also does not work well on “professional” tattoos that typically inject the ink deeper into the skin.

Tissue Expansion / Staged Excision - This involves placing a balloon under the patient's flesh. The balloon is inflated, allowing the skin to stretch slowly. The tattoo is then cut out and the newly stretched skin is used to cover over this excised flesh. This method leaves only a linear scar. During staged excision a physician cuts out the tattoo, a section at a time. Permanent scarring generally results from the scalpel incisions and this technique can only be used on small tattoos. It also does not work well on “home-made” tattoos that typically inject the ink deeper into the skin than professional tattoos.

   

       

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How effective is laser treatment for tattoo removal?

Laser treatment is very effective on most types of tattoos and most colors. Generally, tattoos can be totally eliminated by laser treatment, resulting in no residual dyes or scarring. Laser tattoo removal is a new science and the latest models of lasers are more effective than earlier models. The methodology is not simple. Different frequencies must be used for different colors of tattoo ink. It is crucial that the laser tattoo removal procedure be performed by an experienced operator who has received specialized training for this procedure.

Are lasers a safe way to remove tattoos?

Laser tattoo removal is safer and more effective than traditional tattoo removal techniques. Lasers avoid the permanent scarring that often results from other types of treatments. Lasers also eliminate the risk of infection that is inherent in traditional tattoo removal techniques.

Is laser tattoo removal painful?

The heat produced by the laser procedure is localized to a very small area but it can cause some brief discomfort. For those with sensitive skin, a topical anesthetic can be used. Cooling ice packs are also used to reduce discomfort and swelling. Note: Utilizing the new Zimmer Chiller will reduce the pain produced while removing your tattoo...ask for it at your laser clinic or facility.

Are there any side effects of laser tattoo removal?

After the laser procedure you may experience some redness, swelling and scabbing (sometimes blistering). This is a normal process as the body works to eliminate the tattoo dyes. As new layers of skin grow, the old tattoo is pushed towards the surface. It will eventually form a scab and then disappear, leaving fresh new skin with no tattoo dyes.

How many treatments are required for laser tattoo removal?

It generally takes between 6 - 12 laser treatments to completely remove a tattoo, depending on the kind and color of ink used, the client’s immune system, the size and location of the tattoo and whether it was applied by a professional or an amateur (homemade). Older and homemade tattoos can take between 1-3 treatments to completely remove the ink.

What is the cost for laser tattoo removal?

Can I get an accurate estimate of the cost and number of treatments?

What should I look for when choosing a clinic to perform laser tattoo removal?

Experience and professionalism are the key qualities to seek in choosing a tattoo removal clinic. Also, a clinic that has the newest state-of-the-art equipment will get you treatments done quicker and without the problems associated with older type of lasers. There are many variables that effect the outcome of the treatment such as, depth of the pigments, type of needle used to apply the tattoo, area of the body to be treated, chemical composition of the dyes, skin type and skin sensitivity.  Laser technology has proven that tattoos do not need to be permanent. However, an incorrect procedure or an inexperienced operator can cause permanent scarring when removing the tattoo.