Getting a tattoo has been an increasing fad for the past few years. Most people get a tattoo done out of an impulse and when the sentiment changes, the need for tattoo removal arises. Tattoo removal can be done by various methods such as dermabrasion, excision, and laser. Laser tattoo removal, however, is the most effective treatment with the least side effects.
How does laser tattoo removal work?
Tattoos can be black or colourful. The laser works by breaking the pigment colours of the tattoo by directly emitting a high-intensity light beam. Black tattoo pigment absorbs all laser wavelengths whereas other colours can only be treated by selected lasers. This makes black the easiest colour to treat.
Does laser tattoo removal hurt?
Well, the procedure is not exactly smooth. However, a patient may feel slight discomfort since the laser beam has a pricking feeling on the skin. We advise topical anaesthesia to be applied for an hour before the procedure. Soon after the procedure, applying ice pack helps in soothing the treated area.
Can laser remove tattoos completely?
Laser treatment for tattoo removal can take up to 6 to 8 sittings, with each sitting 4 weeks apart. The efficacy of the treatment depending on factors such as: how old the tattoo is, the size of the tattoo, the colour(s) of the tattoo and of one’s skin to name a few.
Some tattoos respond better to laser than others. We have already established it for black colour tattoos. Same goes for colours such as dark blue. Yellow colour pigment, on the other hand, has the least response.
While some tattoos go away completely, there are cases where tattoos fade away to a very large extent.