Tattoos are designed to be permanent, so removing them is a delicate procedure that must be done by trained professionals. Advances in laser technology have made laser tattoo removal a safe method that helps many individuals rid themselves of unwanted tattoos with a minimum of downtime during healing.
Procedure
Laser treatment is an effective tattoo removal procedure and should be performed by highly qualified specialists. Tattoo removal is performed by intense lasers that vaporize the pigments of ink from the tattoo, according to The Patients Guide Tattoo Removal website. The tattoo progressively fades as the pigments are broken down by the body's lymphatic system. A typical laser removal procedure may take only a few minutes or up to 2 hours depending on the size of your tattoo. There are various laser wavelengths used for different color pigments that are determined by the surgeon. Darker pigments such as black, red and blue respond better to laser removal than lighter colors, according to the Patients Guide.
Multiple Treatments
There are various factors that are involved in tattoo removal such as pigment, tattoo size and skin type. Tattoos located on thin skin are typically harder to remove than those on thicker skin. Generally, multiple laser treatments are needed to completely remove tattoos. TattooHealth.org reports that typical laser treatments may require three to eight treatments, with one-month intervals between each treatment.
Healing and Recovery Time
TattooHealth.org reports that patients experience high success rates with laser removal procedures. Following successful treatments, patients are able to perform their daily routine activities right away. Specialists often recommend avoiding direct sun exposure and physical activity to promote healing. Following the first or second treatment, swelling, crusting and blistering of the treated area might occur, according to Skin Care Guide.com. Scabs typically disappear after a couple weeks following laser treatment. Antibiotic ointments are recommended to promote healing and prevent infection. Acetaminophen pain relievers are also suggested after treatment to reduce swelling of the treated skin.
Risks and Side Effects
Laser tattoo removal remains relatively safe for patients if performed by a trained specialist. There is always a risk for scarring, infection or pigmentation because of the sensitivity of certain skin types, according to TattooHealth.org. To reduce risks, it is necessary to seek the best trained medical professionals with the most experience. Laser treatment remains the most effective and safest of all tattoo removal methods, according to doctors at the University of North Carolina.
Cost
Laser tattoo removal may vary in cost depending on certain factors such as size, location and color of the tattoo. Typical prices may start at $100 to $150 per square inch. Medical insurance companies do not typically cover tattoo removal costs because it is considered a cosmetic procedure.
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