Tattoo removal clinics throughout the country are offering a range of services to help clients achieve their tattoo removal goals. From laser tattoo removal and dermabrasion, to chemical peels and creams, there is a removal method for everyone. Still, despite there being quite a few tattoo removal options, laser therapy has become the "gold standard" because it is most effective and if performed by a trained specialist, will result in little to no side effects. But before you go out and have the procedure, it's key to do your homework.
How do lasers remove tattoos?
Lasers work by directing energy toward ink in the skin with highly concentrated colored light beams. These laser beams break up ink particles into tiny fragments, which are later cleared up by the body's scavenging cells. This process of fragmenting the ink particles requires numerous sessions depending on the depth of the ink level. The procedure is bloodless and no incisions are made. The laser selectively targets the pigment of the tattoo without damaging the surrounding skin. With deeper penetration of the skin and multiple sessions, however, the heat generated by the lasers may cause pain and blister formation. Even though laser technology is refined, the chance of scarring is always present with multiple treatments. This is not only true for laser tattoo removal, but with nearly all tattoo removal methods.
Who is a candidate for laser tattoo removal?
Individuals with fair skin and superficially placed tattoos on the arms, chest, buttocks or legs are the best candidates. Tattoos on dark-skinned individuals, or tattoos on the ankles or fingers (areas where there is less body fat), are the most difficult to treat and results are more variable. A thorough discussion with a tattoo removal specialist can better determine the potential success rate of laser tattoo removal for any given tattoo and skin type. Consulting with a professional and reputable tattoo removal specialist who is experienced and understands the procedure is important to ensure proper treatment and candidacy.
Can all tattoos be removed?
Unfortunately, not all tattoos can be removed completely, but the majority can be. Tattoos are meant to be permanent, and with recent ink technology and professional tattoo artists improving their skills, tattoos imprinted in the last decade are very difficult to remove. Even with the best technique, some residual scarring remains in a few cases.
What determines the success of tattoo removal?
Complete removal of a tattoo is based on several things. The size, location, application, age of the tattoo (newer tattoos are generally more difficult to remove), and color of the tattoo all factor in, as well as the health of the patient. A patient's health is a determining factor because it will determine how well the body is able to heal after the procedure.
Does tattoo removal hurt?
Unfortunately, tattoos are painful when they are placed on the skin, and they are just as painful when they are removed. The lasers generate rapid pulses that may feel different to each patient, but are generally uncomfortable and feel like the snap of a rubber band to the skin. To minimize the pain, the physician will recommend taking Tylenol a few hours before the procedure. Pain medications that thin blood and promote bruising are not recommended. To further decrease the pain, the physician may apply a local anesthetic ointment on the tattoo a few hours before the procedure. In some cases, the physician may inject a local anesthetic into the tattoo before the procedure.
How long does each treatment take?
Laser treatment usually does not take more than a few minutes, yet this time frame varies greatly depending on the tattoo. However, multiple sessions are required to remove most tattoos. The multiple sessions are usually split over 4-8 week periods, depending on the size and complexity of the tattoo.
What happens at the tattoo removal clinic?
Once the individual is ready for treatment, protective eye shields are worn to protect the eyes from the laser. The skin's reaction to the laser is tested to determine the most effective energy. This is followed by the physician activating a small probe against the tattoo. Treatment continues with rapid pulses from the laser. Depending on the size of the tattoo, 10-30 pulses of the laser may be required in one session.
What happens after each treatment?
After each laser treatment, ice is immediately placed on the tattoo to minimize swelling. After about 30 minutes, a topical antibiotic ointment is placed on the tattoo, followed by a sterile dressing. The skin site should be left dry for a few days and should be cared for like sunburned skin. Other care instructions will be given to the patient, and they should be followed as directed to ensure proper healing.
Does the procedure have any side effects?
Side effects of laser procedures are generally few but may include hyperpigmentation (excessive color) or hypopigmentation (excessive fading) of the skin. Other possible side effects include infection and a small chance of permanent scarring. The area may appear sunburned for a few months, and ultimately this will pass.
What is the cost of laser tattoo removal?
Tattoo removal is considered a cosmetic procedure and is usually not covered by any medical insurance plans. Tattoo removal is much more expensive than tattoo placement. Laser tattoo removal can range from several hundred dollars to thousands of dollars depending upon the size, type, and location of the tattoo and the number of visits required. Prior to treatment, discussing the costs of the procedure from start to finish is a great way to clarify the expense of the procedure upfront.
How many treatment sessions are required?
Most simple tattoos are removed in 2-4 treatments and are scheduled about 4-8 weeks apart. Removing complex tattoos often requires a series of treatments that are spaced approximately eight or more weeks apart. Professional tattoos usually require 6-10 treatments for complete clearing. A large, professional color tattoo can cost thousands of dollars to remove, and the success of the procedure may not be guaranteed.
Are there other tattoo removal methods?
There are other methods of tattoo removal, though most of them are generally ineffective at permanent removal and may result in a greater risk of scarring. Today, laser therapy has replaced most other treatment options and most tattoo removal specialists utilize laser technology as the sole tattoo removal treatment option. Some of the other methods include dermabrasion, camouflage, and excision of the tattoo. These methods may result in more damage to the skin and excess scarring. These techniques are usually used when laser is not an option. There are also tattoo removing creams on the market, but they are not proven to work. They are thought to assist with sloughing off skin cells and thus the tattoo layer by layer, which usually takes a long time and still may not reach the depths of the tattoo ink.
