Laser Tattoo Removal
Q: What is laser tattoo removal and what does it accomplish?
A: Nd:YAG laser is the newest laser for tattoo removal. This laser can significantly lighten or remove many tattoo inks, and is particularly advanced in the removal of blue, black and red inks. Just as natural sunlight is made up of light wavelengths of many colors, a laser is a device that is designed to produce one or more specific wavelengths of light. A laser tattoo, such as the Nd:YAG, works to remove tattoo ink using specific wavelengths of light. These wavelengths are either absorbed, reflected or pass through the skin and break up the particles of tattoo pigment. The rapid absorption of light energy causes the tattoo ink to destruct, where it is then removed by the body’s natural filtering systems. The laser helps the body by breaking up the pigment into small particles that can be removed more rapidly.
Q: How is the treatment performed?
A: After the skin is prepared, your doctor passes the laser light over your tattoo. Most patients equate the pain of removal with the pain of getting the tattoo. As treatments progress, the pain decreases because there is less pigment to absorb the laser energy. Each procedure takes between 5 to 15 minutes depending on the size of the tattoo.
Q: How many treatment sessions will it take to remove the tattoo?
A: The number of treatments for clearance of a tattoo depends on the amount and type of ink used and the depth of the ink in the skin. Professional tattoos may require up to 6 to 12 treatments, while amateur tattoos require 3 to 6 treatments. In some cases, complete clearance cannot be achieved. It is impossible for any doctor to determine exactly how many treatments it will take for complete removal because the variables are usually unknown, such as the type of ink and how much was used. During your initial consultation, your doctor will be able to estimate how many treatments may be necessary for the clearance of your tattoo.
Q: Do all colors of ink disappear equally as well?
A: Successful laser removal of tattoos is color related. Dark blue, black and red inks tend to respond best to laser treatment, while green and yellow are much more difficult to remove and may require additional treatments. Oranges and purples respond moderately well.
Greater than 95% clearance of the tattoo may be accomplished. It is important to know that over 100 tattoo inks are in use worldwide today, none of which are regulated by the FDA. Without knowing what pigments were used and exactly how deep they were injected, makes it impossible to predict the degree of removal on any given tattoo.
Q: What type of post-treatment care is necessary?
A: Occasionally there will be pinpoint bleeding associated with the treatment. After your treatment, the area will be covered with an antibiotic ointment and a dressing applied which you will periodically change. After it has stopped oozing, about 5 to 7 days, you may remove the dressing and moisturize the area daily as well as use sunscreen. You will be ready for your next treatment in 6 to 8 weeks.
After you have healed, you will need to continually protect your new skin. In the early weeks and months following the treatment, your skin will be very susceptible to sun damage. If at all possible, avoid prolonged exposure to the sun. If you must be in the sun for a short time, use sunscreen.
