According to Web MD roughly 25 percent of the population in the United States has a tattoo. Roughly half the people who get tattoos want to have laser tattoo removal. The good news for people that want laser tattoo removal is the newer removal techniques can eliminate a tattoo with little to no side effects.
So how does laser tattoo removal work? Lasers break up the pigment colors of the tattoo using a high intensity light beam. Black tattoo ink is the easiest to remove because it absorbs all the laser wavelengths. Other tattoo colors are treated using selected lasers that are based upon each distinctive pigment color.
The amount of treatments you need to remove the tattoo depends on the size and the color of your tattoo. Smaller tattoos can be removed in as little as four treatment sessions, whereas larger tattoos may take 10 or more sessions with the laser.
Treatment for tattoo removal with the laser varies from person to person. It can vary depending on age and whether or not the tattoo was amateur or professional. The color of the person’s skin along with the depth to which the tattoo being removed extends will also play a role in the laser tattoo removal process.
During an office visit for tattoo removal protective eye shields are placed on the patient. If it is your first visit the skin’s reaction to the laser will be tested to determine the most effective energy for the treatment. For the laser treatment a hand piece will be placed against the skin and the patient will feel a snapping sensation against their skin with each pulse of the laser. The technician may apply a topical anesthesia to ease discomfort.
With each treatment session you go to the tattoo will become lighter and lighter. After each session an ice pack will be applied to the treated area. The patient should apply a topical antibiotic cream or ointment to the treated area and cover it with a bandage to protect the site.
There are minimal side effects of laser tattoo removal. In some cases the site may become infected. You are also at risk for complete pigment removal. In some cases the treatment may leave you with a scar. You are also at a risk of the pigment of your skin in the surrounding area becoming lighter or darker.