What is the best way to remove tattoos?
How do the lasers work?
How many treatments does it take to see a difference?
Is treatment painful?
Who does treatments in your office?
What do I need to do before treatments?
What can I expect during and after the treatment?
What care will I need to carry out after each treatment?
What are the risks of this procedure?
Are there any people who should not have these procedures?
Laser Tattoo removal is the most appropriate method to remove tattoos.
Bear in mind that there is no consistency in the tattoo artist community or
in the inks and methods used. This affects the outcome and number of laser
treatments you will need.
Tattoo-removing lasers work by delivering an intense beam of light into
the skin in very short bursts of energy. This creates an acoustic effect
that breaks up the ink/pigment into small particles. The patient will
experience a slight snapping or burning sensation during the treatment and
this sensation is usually easily tolerated. The doctor will discuss the
option of injectable local anesthetic or numbing cream during your
consultation.
It isn’t uncommon to take up to 6 months or more to see significant
fading. Most people who commit to the treatments need to be patient and
committed. Tattoos do fade, but slowly. The time needed for tattoos to fade
can depend on factors such as the depth of the ink penetration, color/type
of ink used, density of the ink and the method and skill of the tattoo
artist. A person’s skin type and the location of the tattoo also affect the
treatments. Some tattoos require multiple treatments (as many as 8 – 10) to
achieve results. Treatments are from 4 – 8 weeks apart.
Many people choose to have treatments without topical/injectable
anesthesia. However, local anesthetic injected with small needles under the
tattoo can provide painless treatments.
Tattoo treatments are administered by a physician or a registered nurse.
Avoid sun or tanning for at least 4 - 6 weeks before treatments. Shave
the area to be treated and remove all makeup or cosmetics prior to the
treatment. Use of at least 30 SFPF at all times if sun exposure cannot be
avoided. This applies after treatments also.
You may experience a brief “stinging” sensation from the laser without
topical or injected anesthetic. Ice is used to cool the skin before and
after the treatment. Discomfort can vary from location to location due to
tissue depth and nerve supply. Redness and swelling can also occur and may
last up to 2 hours. The area treated may appear whitish/gray with possible
pinpoint bleeding, oozing and discomfort for several days. These effects
usually resolve within 7 to 14 days. A soothing ointment can be purchased to
use between treatments which improves healing. Over the next few weeks the
“ink” will begin to disperse and some fading may be noted.
A topical antibacterial ointment will be applied with a light dressing to
protect the area and your clothing for 48 hours. Following that a special
cream can be applied to keep the area moist and promote healing. Avoid sun
exposure during the healing process for approximately 2 weeks. It is
important to follow post-treatment instructions carefully to minimize the
chance of incomplete healing or scarring.
Some people may experience discomfort during the procedure followed by
temporary redness and/or swelling immediately afterwards. Rarely, an
allergic reaction to the anesthetic is possible. You may possibly develop an
allergic reaction to your tattoo dye as it is released into your system.
Scabbing or crusting of the skin, scarring or changes in skin pigmentation
(brownish staining or “bleaching”) may occur. Hypopigmentation (decrease in
normal skin color) may occur in darker skinned people or Hyperpigmentation
(increase in normal skin color) in sun exposed areas.
Pregnant women, type I diabetics, those with bleeding disorders, people
with active infections, those prone to keloid scarring (scars that are
raised and “lumpy”), and anyone with an immune system disorder.
