Laser Tattoo Removal

Are you regretting the tattoo you received a few years or even decades ago? It is important to know that complete laser tattoo removal requires as many as 8 to 12 treatments, typically spaced at least 8 weeks apart. At each session, some but not all of the tattoo pigment particles are effectively fragmented, and the body removes the smallest fragments over the course of several weeks. The result is that the tattoo is lightened. Remaining large particles of tattoo pigment are then targeted at subsequent treatment sessions, causing further lightening. The number of sessions and spacing between treatments depends on various parameters, including the area of the body treated and skin color. Forearm and ankle tattoos generally take longest.

The amount of time required for the removal of a tattoo and the success of the removal varies with each individual. It is often difficult to predict the number of treatments required. Factors influencing this include: skin type, location, color, amount of ink, scarring or tissue change, and layering.

Laser tattoo removal when performed with local anesthesia is painless. Prescription strength topical anesthetic creams or injections of anesthetic solutions are usually used to manage pain, although some patients forgo any type of anesthesia.

Depending on the patient’s pain threshold, and while some patients may forgo anesthesia altogether, most patients will require some form of local anesthesia. Laser tattoo removal for small or moderate size areas can be formed with local anesthesia and is painless. When treating large areas, pre-treatment might include the application of an anesthetic cream under occlusion for 45 to 90 minutes prior to the laser treatment session. If complete anesthesia is desired, it can be administered locally by injections of 1% to 2% lidocaine with epinephrine.

Multiple factors contribute to the success of laser tattoo removal one of which is a patient’s own immune system. A healthy patient will get the best results. Adequate hydration, eight hours of sleep a night, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a well balanced diet.