Laser Tattoo Removal

USA. About 20% of those with tattoos considered removal. There are a number of reasons why patients want tattoo removal. Regardless of the reason, advances in laser tattoo removal technology have helped make it possible to lighten or even eliminate the unwanted tattoo.

There are multiple factors involved in the success of tattoo removal such as the ink color, the skin color, age of the tattoo, amount of ink used in the tattoo, ink layering, and patient’s immune system. Usually, the greater the tattoo contrast, the greater the results. The laser causes destruction of the ink pigment placed in the dermis through a photoacoustic effect. The rupture of the ink into smaller pieces allows the immune system cells (phagocytes), to clear the pigment.

In addition to setting a realistic number of treatment sessions, patients should know that some tattoo pigment may still remain and hypopigmentation may occur in the area, which may leave the outline of the tattoo sans ink. This is more common in patients with darker skin or with a tan. Multicolored tattoos, regardless of background skin color, can be very difficult to remove completely and have more risk for scarring or pigmentary alterations.

In general, patients will need multiple sessions before obvious results are seen. The skin is prepared with deep cleansing, then topical anesthetic cream is applied over the tattoo. Soon after the laser treatment, you may notice redness, tenderness, and swelling that usually fades in a few days.

Treatment sessions are usually 6 to 8 weeks apart and the number of sessions varies according to the size, ink amount, ink colors, location and age of the tattoo. Call our office to schedule a consultation to inquire more about laser tattoo removal treatment.