Whether you’ve changed your mind about the name or artwork on your tattoo, or the ink simply didn’t turn out right, laser tattoo removal can make it disappear. But it’s not without its risks.
The pulses of light from the laser that break up your tattoo ink can also break up melanin in your skin. This can create patches of lighter skin called hypopigmentation.
How It Works
Laser tattoo removal uses high-intensity light beams to break up ink particles beneath the skin. The ink pigment colors absorb the laser beams’ energy, which causes them to heat up and shatter.
Different color inks require different wavelengths of laser energy to shatter them. Black ink is the easiest to remove, as it absorbs all laser wavelengths. Other ink colors, such as green and red, are more difficult to treat. These colors require lower repetition rates when firing the laser.
The laser’s light energy causes your skin to sting or burn, depending on where the tattoo barrie tattoo removal is located and the type of laser used. The pain can feel similar to a bee sting or a rubber band snapping against the skin. Your dermatologist may prescribe an ice pack or ointment to ease the pain and help your skin heal after each treatment session.
Sometimes, your skin may have a temporary change in color, which is called hyperpigmentation. This occurs when pieces of the ink clump together and make a darker patch of skin.
Side Effects
The tattoo pigment will be cleared by the immune system in the weeks following laser treatment. This may result in a temporary increase of itchiness, redness, scabbing and blistering, which are all normal.
Some patients require selective removal, in which a certain part of the tattoo is erased while leaving the rest intact. This is a common request for name tattoos. It also can be used to remove a mistake made by a tattoo artist, or to clean up parts of a larger tattoo that the patient no longer likes (such as an ex-boyfriend’s name).
The pain from a laser treatment session is generally mild and brief; many people say it feels similar to a snap from an elastic band. Some people may need to use ice packs or take over-the-counter analgesics such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to manage pain during the procedure. It is important to disclose all medical history and medications to your practitioner.
Cost
The cost of laser tattoo removal varies depending on factors such as skin tone, age and tattoo color. Older tattoos are more challenging to remove and require more treatments, influencing the overall cost. Additionally, certain ink colors are more difficult to break down, such as blue and black.
Treatment area size can also affect the number of sessions required to achieve a desired result. Lastly, some people’s skin is naturally thinner or thicker, which can influence the way a tattoo responds to laser treatment and how well it fades.
When choosing a laser provider, it is important to have a dermatologist who has the medical training to consider all of these factors and help prevent side effects. A qualified practitioner will offer a detailed assessment, answer all questions and provide clear pricing upfront. They will also have access to advanced technology such as the Q-switched Nd:YAG laser which is effective on all skin types and ink colors.
Aftercare
The healing process of laser tattoo removal depends on your body’s immune system, which is vital to the overall health of your skin and to achieving optimal results. In order to give yourself the best chance of a positive outcome, it is important to prepare your immune system in advance of each session. To do so, drink plenty of water, which hydrates the body and helps to boost immune function. In addition, be sure to exercise regularly and eat a diet rich in immune-boosting foods like citrus fruits and ginger.
Immediately following your treatment, the treated area may be red, swollen and sensitive. Blistering and scabbing are also common as the body’s natural healing processes take effect. It is essential to avoid scratching the blisters or scabs as this can cause infection and delay healing.
It is recommended to apply an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment three times daily and dress the treated area with a non-stick bandage dressing. It is also very important to keep the area covered with a thick layer of sunscreen whenever going outdoors, as sunlight can seriously damage the treated skin.