Tattoo Removal with Laser
The number of people getting tattoos is increasing steadily, and those who regret it are also growing in equal measure. 25% of those who get tattoos are not satisfied with the designs they’ve chosen or find them childish as they age. Thus, the process of tattoo removal is becoming increasingly popular. If you are also considering tattoo removal, we have good news for you. With laser tattoo removal, you can get rid of unwanted tattoos with minimal side effects.
Lasers help remove tattoos by breaking down pigment colors with a high-intensity beam of light. Black tattoo pigment absorbs all laser wavelengths, making black the easiest tattoo color to remove. Other colors can only be treated with lasers selected based on the pigment color. First, you should consult with a trained professional who can assess your tattoo and provide advice on this matter. The number of sessions you need will depend on when the tattoo was done, its size, and color. The color of your skin and how deeply the tattoo pigment penetrates will also affect the removal technique.
In general, during the laser tattoo removal process, you will go through the following stages:
- You will be provided with eye protection to protect your eyes.
- The dermatologist will use the laser to test your skin’s reaction to determine the most effective level for treatment.
- The dermatologist uses the laser to pass intense light pulses through the upper layers of your skin, which will only be absorbed by the tattoo pigment on your skin.
- Smaller tattoos require less light, while larger ones will require more light to remove the tattoo completely. In both cases, multiple sessions are needed. After each session, your tattoo should gradually become lighter.
Most patients do not require anesthesia during the laser tattoo removal procedure. Depending on the location of your tattoo, you may need to apply a topical anesthetic cream beforehand.
Immediately after applying the laser, you can use a cold compress to soothe the treated area. To protect the same area, you can also use an antibiotic cream or ointment and a bandage. Additionally, make sure to cover the area with sunscreen when you are outside.
The content on this page is for informational purposes only; be sure to consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
Content Update Date: 12/14/2022