FAQ: Tattoos
How do the lasers work to remove tattoos?
The intense laser light will pass through the top layer of the skin to the second layer of the skin, where it is selectively absorbed by the pigment particles within the skin. The energy emitted by the laser light when it is absorbed causes the targeted pigment to break into minuscule particles which are removed by the body’s immune “garbage collecting” system. Because of this guided missile-like capacity, the surrounding tissue remains intact significantly reducing the risk of scarring and pigment change.
Do the treatments with the laser hurt?
The light from the laser is emitted in pulses. Each pulse feels like someone has snapped an elastic band against the skin. People vary in their level of pain tolerance. And anesthetic cream, such as EMLA, can be obtained from a pharmacy and applied before the treatment for people with low pain tolerances.
How does the skin look and feel after a treatment with the laser?
Each pulse of the laser light leaves the targeted skin with a grey appearance. There may be some superficial bleeding. Subsequent blistering and crusting is resolved as the top layer of skin turns over. The length of time it takes for the crust to be sloughed depends on the depth of the pigment in the skin and the location of the tattoo on the body. The pigment does not necessarily fade evenly and several sessions may be required before all the pigment disappears.
How many treatments are required and what will it cost?
The number of treatment sessions depends on the size, location, depth and color of the tattoo. These factors also determine the cost. Professional tattoos usually require more sessions than amateur tattoos because of the complexity of the colors in the ink, and the depth at which the ink penetrates the skin.
Treatment sessions are spaced three to six weeks apart. This allows the garbage collecting cells of the immune system to gather up the maximum amount of left over pigment between each session.
Are the pigment removal lasers safe?
Yes, these lasers are safe. Safety goggles must be worn by both the patient and the laser surgeon during the procedure to protect the eyes from the bright light.
A potential complication with this procedure is hypo-pigmentation where the treated area ends up being lighter than the surrounding tissue. The risk of scarring is very low because the laser light is absorbed by the targeted pigment, leaving the surrounding tissue relatively untouched.
