Laser Tattoo Removal

Tattooing

Tattooing has been practiced as a part of human culture across the globe since centuries. However, its evidence can be seen only to the 4th millennium BC that was done on a mummified human skin.
The purpose of Tattooing has varied with time in different eras, in different cultures and in different countries. Today Tattooing has made a strong comeback and has become more popular than it has ever been.
Tattooing is permanent designs that are sometimes plain, sometimes status symbol, sometimes declaration of love, sometimes an expression of one’s self, signs of beliefs etc.
Today, people with independent minds are ready to demonstrate their thoughts to the world without any fear!
But our desire to express different thoughts remains…

Options for Tattoo Removal

The technique and the ability to remove a tattoo will depend on the amount, age, colour and the depth of tattoo pigment applied to the skin. In general, the older tattoo responds quickly to the tattoo removal treatment. Colours like greens, pinks, purples and yellows are quite difficult to remove. Different techniques are applied to remove the tattoo from the skin.

Treatments to remove a Tattoo:

1. Laser Techniques

Carbon Dioxide CO2 Laser: In this treatment, carbon dioxide laser is used that creates an abrasion on the skin that destroys the superficial skin, thus leading to the coloured pigment removal from the surface of the skin. This method causes significant inflammation and always leaves scars. About one to five treatment sessions may be required by the use of this technique.

Q-Switched Nd-YAG Laser: This procedure is applied to remove the injected ink from the superficial to the mid-dermis layers of the skin. The Q-switched lasers emit high-intensity infrared or green light pulse in a rapid manner. These light rays explode the pigment particles beneath the skin into fine particles. This technique may require as many as eight to ten laser treatment sessions in about four to six-week intervals for a complete or maximum removal of the tattoo. This laser treatment works well for tattoos that are dark blue, red or black in colour.
However, this treatment is not good for the removal of yellow and green pigment.
Minimal to no scarring is observed by the use of this technique.

Q-Switched Ruby Laser: This laser technique works on almost the same principal as the Q-Switched Laser Nd-YAG laser. The Ruby laser technique works well to remove green pigment and is also ideal for dark pigments.

2. Surgical Excision:

2. Surgical Excision: Surgical Excision technique is good for small tattoos or tattoos that are easily accessible. This technique involves surgical removal of the tattooed skin by the use of a scalpel and then closing the wounds. This treatment can take a single session or multiple sessions. The scar is expected as the outcome of this procedure that can be lightened with further laser treatment.

Is Laser treatment best to remove my Tattoo?

The best laser treatment to remove your tattoo depends on the location, size, and the colour of the tattoo pigments. Most importantly, it depends on your readiness to accept incomplete removal, scarring, or multiple treatment sessions.
There are certain dark coloured tattoos and some are deeply rooted into the layer of the skin, that might take multiple sessions with lasers treatment. However, complete and virtually scarless removal of the tattoo can be achieved by laser treatment, making it one of the best options for tattoo removal.

What can be done to minimize discomfort during treatment?

Local anaesthetic agent along with the injection of Lidocaine is used to perform the surgical excision and dermabrasion techniques.
The Q-Switched lasers technique gives the feeling of a stretched rubber band snapping against the skin that is tolerable by most people.

What are the risks and side effects of the treatments?

• Incomplete removal of the coloured pigment.
• Skin lightening or darkening.
• Infection
• Scarring

Can cosmetic tattooing around the lips or the eyebrows be removed?

First of all, a test spot is needed to recommend the best laser treatment for the removal of the particular pigment.
There are certain tattoo inks having titanium dioxide or ferric oxide, that, when treated with Q-Switched laser, turns jet black. You will be informed and advised of these possibilities and then CO2 laser treatment will be recommended. You may require multiple treatments for a good and optimal result.
Therefore, cosmetic tattooing around the eyebrows and/or lips can usually be made light with one or with several sessions of laser treatments.

Post Treatment Instruction

Moisturizing the treated area and then covering it up with a temporary dressing is very important and recommended to avoid the formation of scabs and scars. This needs to be done till the irritated skin soothers that take usually two to four days.
An occlusive cream must be used that promotes healing and soothes the skin at the same time. The treated area can be cooled with the use of cold compressions, but make sure not to apply directly on the skin.
Avoiding sun till the treated area heals completely is of paramount importance. Exposure to the sun may lead to hyperpigmentation.
The healing of the skin takes approximately two weeks, while tattoos fade in about eight weeks. The tattoo lightens approximately 20% with each treatment session.