Laser Tattoo Removal – Get Rid of Your Past

Laser tattoo removal is a safe, yet effective way to remove tattoos that are no longer wanted. Understand how and why it works in this article.

Many people have heard of tattoo laser removal as the most effective way to get rid of unwanted tattoos on the skin. Whilst commonly, people tend to associate unwanted ink with tattoos that relate to a specific time or person in their past, with more and more people opting for cosmetic tattoos recently laser tattoo removal can be done for a variety of reasons.

How Does Laser Tattoo Removal Work?

Of course, there are several different machines and clinics all over that offer laser tattoo removal and whilst the technique might differ very slightly depending on the practitioner, overall, the way in which the actual technology works is often consistent. The process uses specific laser technology that directly targets the ink pigment in the skin to identify and break down the tattoo pigmentation, whilst leaving the unmarked surrounding skin unphased. This breakdown allows for the pigmentation to be fragmented into very small particles that are then naturally eradicated through the body’s own immune system.

This non-invasive method of tattoo removal is not only safe, due to the precisely targeted laser not harming the surrounding skin, but it is also highly effective.

What Skin Colours Does Laser Tattoo Removal Work On?

When considering laser tattoo removal, one of the most frequently asked questions is whether it works on all skin types, particularly on darker skin. The short answer is yes, however, there are different challenges associated with each skin type and it’s very important to discuss the specifics associated with your skin with your practitioner beforehand.

Generally, when it comes to laser-based tattoo removal treatments it can be more challenging when working on darker skin types as due to the higher levels of melanin, the laser can sometimes remove skin pigment alongside the ink if the technician is not careful. Since the melanin absorbs energy and heat, using the laser on darker skin for too long or too high can cause permanent damage such as hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation and scarring. The key takeaway is that whilst laser tattoo removal can work on all skin types, it is essential that you visit an experienced practitioner and have a detailed consultation before undergoing any treatments.

How Many Sessions Does Laser Tattoo Removal Take?

In order to remove an unwanted tattoo on the skin using laser, there often needs to be a number of sessions depending on the size, colour and age of the tattoo. Due to the fact that tattoos are often applied in layers, it’s very rare that a tattoo is completely removed in just one session. It’s important to bear in mind that generally, it can take 5 – 10 sessions for a tattoo to be removed, although an experienced professional will tell you the exact number of treatments needed once they see your tattoo. Researching ‘laser tattoo removal near me’ or ‘tattoo laser removal near me’ / in my area, can help alleviate the amount of travel time needed to get to the treatment sessions and make the overall process smoother. The length of each session will depend on the earlier mentioned factors regarding size, colour, age etc therefore it’s essential you leave adequate time for each appointment.

The Process of Laser Tattoo Removal

Make no mistake, whilst laser tattoo removal is a very safe and effective treatment, the process itself is lengthy and there is no instant fix available. As with all things regarding tattoo laser removal, there is no fixed process and the actual procedure time heavily depends on the overall design, size, age and colour, it is not a one size fits all treatment. However, there are some elements of the total process that are essential and whilst the detail may differ depending on the practitioner or your specific needs, you can follow the below steps.

Consult a Doctor or Tattoo Removal Specialist

It is essential that before you undergo any laser tattoo removal sessions, you consult with a doctor or practitioner that is well experienced when it comes to this particular treatment. If you have specific skin concerns or any conditions, this is the time to address them and ensure that these are noted beforehand. They will also check your overall health to determine whether it’s safe for you.

Understand Your requirements for Your Specific Tattoo

In the consultation, the doctor or specialist will take a look at your tattoo(s) and tell you how many sessions will be required, as well as any risks or concerns associated with your skin type.

Use Sunscreen Before the Tattoo Removal

In general, it’s heavily advised to avoid direct sun exposure at least two weeks before the tattoo laser removal treatment to minimize the associated risks.

Prepare for Your Aftercare in Advance

Similarly, to avoid sun exposure prior to your treatment, it’s equally as important to wait at least four weeks before sunbathing after your laser tattoo removal session. Your practitioner will advise you on specific aftercare, however, you cannot apply any heavy creams or makeup on the treated area for the first few days.

Attend Each Session Without Fail

The more sessions you attend, the quicker and more effective the laser tattoo removal treatment will be. Therefore it’s essential that you attend all the agreed sessions in order to meet your treatment plan expectations.

Watch Your Tattoo Slowly Fade Away

Whilst there is no way for your tattoo to completely disappear overnight, you will start to see some fading from the first session.

The Most Popular Laser Tattoo Removal Machines

There are a number of different tattoo laser removal machines on the market, however, some have improved technology that maximises the output for increased patient satisfaction. Lumenis, offer a range of devices that have the ability to specifically treat unwanted tattoos on the body.

Stellar M22

Lumenis’ Stellar M22 is known for being a powerful modular multi-application platform that enables the device to treat over 30 different skin conditions. The Q-Switched Nd:YAG handpiece is perfect for non-invasive tattoo and pigmentation removal as it provides enhanced treatment safety thanks to the avoidance of bulk heating using homogenizer.

M22

A staple within the Lumenis portfolio, the M22 is also highly effective when it comes to the removal of dark tattoos on skin. The handpiece used for laser tattoo removal also works with a homogenous beam profile for enhanced treatment safety and efficacy.

Laser Tattoo Removal Risks

Pain

The procedure generally isn’t completely pain-free, though often it is described as minor by both patients and practitioners alike. The pain tends to subside within a couple of hours of the treatment and eases with each session as you get used to the sensation.

Scarring

It is rare that laser tattoo removal results in scarring, though the risk is higher in darker-skinned individuals due to the differences outlined earlier. In order to prevent scarring, it is imperative to follow the aftercare advice given by your doctor or specialist practitioner.

Scabs

Scabbing can occur after a tattoo laser removal, however, this is not always the case and is mainly dependent on the colour and density of the tattoo pigment. As with scarring, it’s important that you’re administering the correct aftercare after each session to ensure that it doesn’t lead to anything else.

Infection

Infections are very rare after undergoing laser tattoo removal, however, it’s very important that you discuss the signs of an infection with your practitioner beforehand to ensure that you’re able to effectively get the relevant medical support should you develop any symptoms.

The Cost of Laser Tattoo Removal

As with all things related to this treatment, there is not one singular way to answer how much is laser tattoo removal. The overall cost will heavily depend on your individual case and location, therefore it’s advisable to check with a few different options before proceeding. The key thing is to ensure that the practitioner is experienced and trained, sometimes this may cost more however it reduces the risk.

The Bottom Line of Laser Tattoo Removal

All in all, laser tattoo removal is a highly effective and safe choice for getting rid of any unwanted ink on the body. Whilst there are some risks associated with the treatment, going to an experienced practitioner who is well trained, will significantly minimize these and produce the desired results.

About Lumenis
Lumenis is a global leader in the field of minimally-invasive clinical solutions for the Surgical, Ophthalmology, and Aesthetic markets, and is a world-renowned expert in developing and commercializing innovative energy-based technologies, including Laser, Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and Radio-Frequency (RF). For 50 years, Lumenis’ ground-breaking products have redefined medical treatments and have set numerous technological and clinical gold-standards. Lumenis has successfully created solutions for previously untreatable conditions, as well as designed advanced technologies that have revolutionized existing treatment methods. visit:  www.lumenis.co.uk