Most in Mill Creek, Washington and throughout the country have heard of laser tattoo removal. They know that the procedure is commonly used to provide relief from embarrassing, offensive or otherwise unwanted tattoos. However, while most understand that lasers are somehow involved, most do not understand how the procedure works and what makes the tattoo go away. There are also several myths surrounding tattoo removal that should be answered before patients with unwanted tattoos take up laser tattoo removal.

For one, it takes more than just a single session to remove an unwanted tattoo. In many cases, it takes several sessions depending on the size, color and age of the tattoo. Some may choose to fade the tattoo so that another can be placed over it, and even this may require several sessions before the area is faded enough.

Also, tattoo removal may cause pain and is generally uncomfortable. People have different thresholds for pain and may react differently to tattoo removal procedures. Some choose to take Tylenol or other over-the-counter pain relievers a few hours before the procedure to help control pain. Aspirin and other mediations that promote bleeding and bruising should be avoided, however. Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine.

Unfortunately, not all tattoos are able to be removed. This is due to the advancements in the tattooing industry. Remember, tattoos are meant to be permanent. The majority can be removed, however, although some may leave some degree of scarring.

Patients with fair skin who have tattoos on their arms, legs, buttocks or chest are usually the best candidates for tattoo removal. Patients should be in good overall health, as the ability of the patient's body to heal may factor into the success of the procedure. Talk to a removal specialist in the Mill Creek area to determine if your tattoo is a good candidate for laser removal.

During the procedure, the laser energy is directed toward the skin with a highly concentrated beam of light. The energy from the laser breaks down the ink particles into tiny fragments and the body's immune system and scavenging cells will remove them. There are no incisions made during laser tattoo removal and the procedure is bloodless, which attracts many patients to this procedure instead of certain surgical methods.

The surrounding skin is not damaged, as the laser targets only the pigment from the tattoo. Multiple sessions may cause blistering and pain in some cases, however. Multiple treatments may also lead to an increased chance of scarring. Talk to a laser tattoo removal technician or skincare professional for more information about this procedure and to determine if it is right for you.

Ice will be placed on the treated area once the procedure is complete. About a half hour later, a topical ointment will be placed over the area and then a sterile dressing. Patients are encouraged to keep the area dry and should properly care for the skin in the weeks following treatment.

Possible side effects of laser tattoo removal include hypopigmentation (loss of pigmentation), hyperpigmentation (excessive color), infection and scarring. Some patients report that the area appears sunburned for several months. Appointments are usually scheduled about 4 to 8 weeks apart and optimal results are usually not reached until after 2 to 4 treatments, although this is variable.

Laser tattoo removal is now considered the gold standard for tattoo removal among many technicians and skincare professionals. Consult a technician at a reputable clinic in the area to learn more about this procedure, as this is often the best resource for further information regarding candidacy and the number of sessions required.

Learn more about laser tattoo removal in Mill Creek, Washington.