How Does Laser Tattoo Removal Work?

Most people imagine that laser tattoo removal involves 'burning' the tattoo out of the skin. The reality is much simpler in method and far less painful than most people think. Laser tattoo removal is carried out using a simple process of employing short bursts from a laser, which create intense pulses of light. Each pulse passes through the top layers of the skin and is absorbed into the tattoo pigments that sit below.

The energy created by the laser breaks up the pigments, which are later removed naturally by the body's immune system, with the white blood cells 'flushing out' the fragments. Thanks to intensive research carried out over the last few years into the optimum frequency to carry out this operation, the original and natural pigment of the skin remains untouched, minimizing scarring.

Laser tattoo removal will not remove the entire tattoo in one go. Because the pigments break up at different intensities, several sessions may be required to remove a tattoo completely. Usually the black pigments clear first because black absorbs all types of laser wavelengths. Other colours only absorb certain wavelengths for example red tattoo ink absorbs green laser light and consequently those specific wavelengths have to be used to remove other colours. There is usually a minimum four week gap between each treatment to allow the immune system to absorb and remove the pigment, so laser surgery isn't instantaneous - it may take many months for the treatment to be completed.

Laser tattoo removal sessions are relatively short, usually only lasting a matter of a few minutes. Once the procedure has finished the doctor may dress the area worked on with an antibacterial ointment and sterile dressing to protect the skin against the risk of infection. The area should then be kept clean but not bathed until at least 24 hours after the procedure.

As with all laser surgery, laser tattoo removal can result in hyper-pigmentation, which causes the skin to darken, or hypo-pigmentation where the skin whitens. With tattoos that have been in place for a considerable time, incomplete pigmentation removal may leave some traces of the original tattoo. There is also the possibility of scarring as a result of the procedure, particularly if the treated area becomes infected.

Laser tattoo removal doesn't usually hurt as such, but may be considered to be an uncomfortable procedure. It has been likened to being repeatedly snapped by a thin rubber band or having hot drops of wax or fat dropped onto the surface of the skin. In comparison to the original pain felt during the tattoo's placement on the skin it is about parable.

The tattoo is an expression of one's personality, and the best course of action is to think very carefully about having a tattoo in the first place. If you feel that you will still be happy with it in 20 years' time, then it can be a worthwhile and meaningful addition to your body. If, however, you fall out of love with your body art, laser tattoo removal offers you the opportunity to reverse what was previously considered to be a permanent alteration of the skin surface.

Dr Sean Lanigan -Consultant Dermatologist - sk:n was established in 1990 and is the UK's leading provider of skincare conditions treatment and products including: laser hair removal, laser tattoo removal & acne treatments.

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