Laser Tattoo Removal
It is estimated that close to 10% of the U.S. population
has some sort of tattoo. Eventually, as many as 50% of then want to have laser
tattoo removal.
There is good news for those who have an unwanted body design.
Newer laser tattoo removal techniques can eliminate your tattoo with minimal
side effects. Here's how it works: lasers remove tattoos by breaking up the
pigment colors of the tattoo with a high-intensity light beam.
Black tattoo
pigment absorbs all laser wavelengths, making it the easiest to treat. Other
colors, such as red, selectively absorb green laser light. Various colors can
only be treated by selected lasers based upon the pigment color.
Who Can Benefit
From Laser Tattoo Removal?
Because each tattoo is unique, removal techniques
must be tailored to suit each individual case. In the past, tattoos could be
removed by a wide variety of methods but, in many cases, the scars were more
unsightly than the tattoo itself.
Patients with previously treated tattoos may
also be candidates for laser therapy. Tattoos that have not been effectively
removed by other treatments or through home remedies may respond well to laser
therapy providing the prior treatments did not result in excessive scarring.
How
Do I Find a Reputable Doctor to Do Laser Tattoo Removal?
You want to make sure
you find a reputable dermatologist or cosmetic surgery center to ensure proper
treatment and care. If possible, you should obtain a recommendation from your
family physician for a dermatologist or skin surgery center that specializes in
tattoo removal.
What Can I Expect During the Laser Tattoo Removal?
Depending on
the size and color of your tattoo, the number of treatments will vary. Your
tattoo may be removed in two to four visits, though many more sessions may be
necessary. You should schedule a consultation, during which time a trained
professional will evaluate your personal situation and advise you on the
process.
Treatment with the laser varies from patient to patient depending on
the age, size and type of tattoo (amateur or professional). The color of the patient's skin, as well as the depth to which the tattoo pigment extends, will
also affect the removal technique.
In general, this is what will happen during
an office visit for tattoo removal using the newer lasers:
- Protective eye shields are placed on the patient.
- The skin's reaction to the laser is tested to
determine the most effective energy for treatment.
- The treatment itself consists of placing a hand piece
against the surface of the skin and activating the laser light. As many
patients describe it, each pulse feels like a grease splatter or the snapping
of a rubber band against the skin.
- Smaller tattoos require fewer pulses while larger
ones require more. In either case, the tattoo requires several treatments and
multiple visits. At each treatment, the tattoo should become progressively
lighter.
- Immediately following treatment, an ice
pack is applied to soothe the treated area. The patient will then be asked to
apply a topical antibiotic cream or ointment. A bandage or patch will be used to
protect the site and it should likewise be covered with a sun block when out in
the sun.
Most patients do not require any anesthesia. However, depending on the
location of the tattoo and the pain threshold for the patient, the physician may
elect to use some form of anesthesia (topical anesthesia cream, painkiller
injections at the site of the procedure).
Next: What Are The Possible Side Effects of Tattoo Removal? »
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