Laser tattoo removal
Laser tattoo removal is a simple procedure that utilizes high-powered lasers that penetrate deep into the skin and are able to permanently break up the ink particles within the skin that give the color to the tattoo. There are different types of lasers that may be used to remove tattoos, depending on the color of ink of the tattoo. Laser is the the only true clinical method to remove effectively remove tattoos.
The procedure for the tattoo removal will depend on the characteristics of the tattoo and the individual person. Most people will require a series of short sessions 1-2 months apart to remove the tattoo, although the exact number of sessions cannot be predicted in advance. Usually 5-10 sessions are required, although up to 20 may be required in some cases. The variability depends on many factors, such as the size, color, location and age of the tattoo.
With improved technology in recent years, the outcomes of laser tattoo removal have become more positive by increasing efficacy and reducing the risk of adverse effects.
The treatment
During the procedure of ermoving a tattoo a laserlight treatment will be applied on the area of your skin. The light energy will be absorbed selectively by the ink particles and not by the surrounding skn tissue, leaving it unharmed. The tattoo particles will absorb the energy, heat up and break in many smaller particles of ink.
In the following days and weeks after the treatment these small particles will be cleared by your own immune system and removed from the area.after a series of treatments more ink droplets will be removed and the natural skin color will be visible again.
Before any treatment starts we will apply Emla cream (numbing cream) on the selected area. We also have other pain medications available if needed and discussed previously. Some other options like the Zimmer (cold blower) to coll the skin effectively is also available to counteract the generated heat.
The Laser
LASER is a letterword that stands for ”light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation”.
For this process atoms are generated in a ND-YAG cristal rod. When this cristal receives the energy it emits its light particles with a specific frequency. These light specific light frequencies are bundled together with special mirrors who at its turn focusses the light in one laser beam. This laser beam is then used to the area and selectively absorbed by the ink particles of the tattoo, which will break up and clear with time.
How many treatments?
This depends on location, how long the tattoo has been carried, color of the inkand how it was applied. An average of 8-10 treatments are needed, but lighter skin colors might need more sessions because of transparancy. In between the sessions there is 4-8 weeks time, depending on loacation and reaction of the skin.
Side effects
After each treatment the skin might become red, slightly swollen and tender.This is a normal inflammatory reaction and part of the skin heating process. During and after the session the skin will be cooled with either ice packing or the Zimmer to reduce swelling and to lower discomfort. The skin might remain red for a few days following your treatment and the swelling depending your skin condition (sensitive or not) and location. Sometimes it can break up a little or blisters might appear, this is also normal, considering the skin getting heated up because of the laser.
Guidelines and suggestions
Avoid the sun exposure as much as possible and cover up the tattoo area from the sun. A good sunblock with a SPF30-50 is recommended during exposure to sun. During pregnancy you are not allowed to be treated.
With an intake appointment you will get additional information about the treatment and what to expect. You will get the chance to ask questions and have your doubts cleared. Make use of this to ask any questions. You may ask anything before, during or even after your sessions if any question might come up.
If anything needs to be clarified, please do not hesitate to ask.
Frosting effect.
This is a temporary reaction on the skin during the treatment with laser. It is a white snow-like effect when the laser breaks up the ink particles. Carbon dioxide will be released and will appaer on top of the skin. This effect is called frosting and looks like chalk or ice when appearing. This appearance is just for a few minutes and will not last long, but beautiful to look at.
