Laser Tattoo Removal

Laser treatment today is considered the standard procedure for 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 tattoo removal.

There good news for those who have an unwanted tattoo is that laser tattoo removal can eliminate the tattoo with minimal side effects.

Because each tattoo is unique, tattoo removal techniques must be tailored to suit each individual case.

Patients with previously treated tattoos may also be candidates for laser tattoo removal. Tattoos that have not been effectively removed by other tattoo removal treatments may respond well to laser tattoo removal providing that the prior treatments did not result in excessive scarring.

There are many different types of laser tattoo removal treatments. The type of laser used will depend on the pigment colours used in the tattoo as different laser types remove different pigment colours.

How Is Laser Tattoo Removal Performed?

Laser tattoo removal is currently the most popular form of tattoo removal. During this procedure, a high-powered medical laser is used to break down the pigments which make up a tattoo. The body is tshen able to get rid of these pigment particles.

Laser tattoo removal doesn't typically remove a tattoo all in one go. Patients typically need to have a number of tattoo removal sessions. Each session will result in lightening of the tattoo which will be visible a few weeks after the tattoo removal procedure. After the patient's skin has had a chance to recover (usually between two and six weeks), another session can be performed.

Laser tattoo removal specialists typically charge by the number of sessions needed. How many sessions a given patient needs varies greatly. However, the majority of tattoos take somewhere between two and ten sessions to treat.

Black tattoo pigment absorbs all laser wavelengths, making it the easiest to remove with this tattoo removal technique. Other colors, such as red, selectively absorb green laser light. Various tattoo colors can only be removed by selected lasers based upon the pigment color.

Laser tattoo removal is not carried out all at once, it is not an overnight procedure as you must allow breaks of anything from four to eight weeks between each laser treatment session.

What To Expect During Laser Tattoo Removal

Depending on the size, age and color of your tattoo, the number of laser tattoo removal treatments will vary.

Usually with laser tattoo removal a tattoo may be removed in two to four visits, though many more sessions may be necessary. The best way to know the number of necessary tattoo removal sessions is to schedule a consultation.

During your consultation, a trained tattoo removal professional will evaluate your personal situation and advise you on the process, length and cost.

Laser tattoo removal treatments vary from patient to patient depending on the age, size, color 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 tattoo removal technique.

In general, tattoo removal procedures are performed during an office visit.

If a newer laser if used for tattoo removal you can expect:

• Protective eye shields are placed on the patient.
• The skin's reaction to the tattoo removal laser is tested to determine the most effective energy for treatment.
• The tattoo removal treatment itself consists of placing a hand piece against the surface of the skin where the tattoo is located and activating the laser light. As many patients describe it, each pulse feels like 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 laser tattoo treatment, the tattoo should become progressively lighter.

Immediately following laser 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 to prevent any infections. 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 during their tattoo removal sessions. However, depending on the location of the tattoo and the pain threshold for the patient, the tattoo removal specialist may elect to use some form of anesthesia (topical anesthesia cream, painkiller injections at the site of the procedure) to make the tattoo removal process more pleasant for the patient.

What Are the Benefits of Laser Tattoo Removal?

Laser tattoo removal is superior to many other forms of the tattoo removal because it presents a lower incidence of scars and other blemishes.

Unlike excision, it does not remove a tattoo by cutting it away. Unlike dermabrasion and salabrasion, it doesn't rely on scraping it away. This results in less skin trauma, and a reduced likelihood of cosmetic problems after the surgery.

What Are the Drawbacks of Laser Tattoo Removal?

Laser tattoo removal is more expensive than some other forms of tattoo removal.

Laser tattoo removal can range from several hundred dollars up into the thousands of dollars. The price for this procedure depends on many factors such as the size, age, type, and location, of the tattoo. The number of visits for complete tattoo removal is, also, taken into account.

While an excision may leave a large and noticeable scar, purchasing a number of laser tattoo removal sessions can be costly. Also, because the skin needs several weeks to recover between each session, laser tattoo removal can take a long time to provide complete results.

Further disadvantages include possible damage due to the heat caused by the medical laser. This damage could affect the coloration of your skin, resulting in hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation. Some suggest that this sort of heat trauma can be avoided by using IPL tattoo removal.

Preparing Yourself for Laser Tattoo Removal

Preparing yourself for tattoo removal is simple, there is no preparation.

As long as you have had your consultations with your chosen laser tattoo removal specialist and you have discussed all the aspects of the procedure, then all you need to do is go to your scheduled tattoo removal procedure.

Laser tattoo removal is not a pain-free procedure. The pain that is felt during the process is described as a burning sensation or someone snapping an elastic band against the skin.

Before the doctor gets started with the laser tattoo removal treatment, he or she will numb the area of skin that will be treated in that particular session with a topical medication. If you feel the need, you may be able to have more medication. The numbing does disappear when the medication wears off. The medication that you will receive during the procedure will make this sensation bearable for most patients.

How Can I Find Someone in My Area Who Performs Laser Tattoo Removal?

If you're looking for someone to perform a laser tattoo removal, simply use our tattoo removal specialist locator.

You can find a number of talented tattoo removal specialists in your area. To learn exactly which sorts of tattoo removal these specialists offer, simply visit their profiles on this site.