Frequently Asked Questions About Tattoo Removal
- Am I candidate for laser tattoo removal?
- What is laser tattoo removal?
- What does a typical laser tattoo removal consultation entail?
- How is laser tattoo removal performed?
- What are the different lasers used in laser tattoo removal?
- What should I expect after laser tattoo removal?
- Does laser tattoo removal hurt?
- How long does it take to remove a tattoo with laser?
- Is there a lot of swelling involved with laser tattoo removal?
- When can I return to work?
- When will I be able to see the results?
- What are the risks of laser tattoo removal?
- Can I go in the sun after laser tattoo removal?
1. Am I a candidate for laser tattoo removal?
If you are in good health (no serious health concerns), have realistic expectations and do not have problems with hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, or keloid scarring in your personal or family history, you may be a good candidate for laser tattoo removal. Of course, you also have to have a tattoo that you want removed.
Other forms of tattoo removal include dermabrasion, salabrasion (a form of dermabrasion using salt crystals, and in some cases of very small tattoos, surgical removal. Dermabrasion for a tattoo usually leaves some scarring.
2. What is laser tattoo removal?
In this kind of tattoo removal, a laser is used to penetrate the skin and break up the ink particles that were implanted into your skin when you got the tattoo. Various types of lasers or intense pulsed light therapy machines are used depending upon the color of the ink. This procedure has been greatly improved. It once took about 2 years to fully remove a tattoo and even then it was not guaranteed to work. Although modern lasers and light systems can remove a tattoo in less time, the process is dependent upon the laser type, number of sessions and the patient's body's ability to rid it self of the ink, and the depth and type of the tattoo.
3. What does a typical laser tattoo removal consultation entail?
Usually a laser technician or doctor will discuss the prices, details, explain the laser function and take before photos at the consultation. You may even watch a video of this procedure being performed. The risks should be discussed as well.
4. How is laser tattoo removal performed?
The laser or pulsed light is "applied" with pulses lasting micro-seconds. Sometimes it is accompanied by a short burst of cooling spray or other freezing agent shortly before to minimize pain. It takes about 180 pulses to remove a small tattoo. You will wear special protective glasses or goggles over your eyes while you are being treated.
5. What are the different lasers used in laser tattoo removal?
Different types of lasers emit different wavelengths (or colors) of laser. Different colors of laser are absorbed by different colors of pigment, which is why one laser won't work on all parts of a multicolor tattoo. Ask your doctor regarding the different machines that will be used, if more than one is prescribed for your treatment.
6. What should I expect after laser tattoo removal?
The treatment area will be swollen, red, and more than likely be very tender. It is really like a burn. Blisters may form. You may be instructed to ice it down for the first 24 hours and thereafter for comfort. The skin area treated will crust up and this crust eventually fall off. Do not pick at the skin. Let it heal naturally.
7. Does laser tattoo removal hurt?
Yes and there is no getting around that. Some people report it hurts more to get rid of the tattoo than to get the tattoo. You will feel some discomfort, although some doctors offer anesthetic or even a sedative for a very large tattoo. Local injections can be given but most patients go without. It has been described as being similar to small splashes of hot popping grease.
8. How long does it take to remove a tattoo with laser?
It varies with the size and coloration of the tattoo. A big tattoo may take several sessions of treatments. It may take several months to 2 years for the tattoo to disappear with treatments possibly every 4 months. If you want to remove a tattoo faster there is always dermabrasion although it usually leaves a scar in the shape of the tattoo you once had.
9. Is there a lot of swelling involved with laser tattoo removal?
There is moderate swelling of the treatment site that may last for several days. The treatment area may remain tender for up to 4 days. However, swelling can be alleviated with putting cold compresses on the treatment area periodically.
10. When can I return to work?
You may return to work immediately. There is no "down time" for this procedure, unless you were given a sedative.In that case, you will need someone to drive you home.
11. When will I be able to see the results?
You will notice some gradual fading over the course of 8 months. It is so gradual that you may not think that it was a waste of time and money. That is the purpose of the before photos. Most surgeons suggest having a treatment no more than every 4 months. It takes the body time to dispose of the broken ink particles and frequent treatments may be a waste of time and money.
12. What are the risks of laser tattoo removal?
Severe burns are very rare but possible, as is infection of the scabbed areas. You may develop hypopigmentation (dark areas) or hyperpigmentation (pale areas).
13. Can I go in the sun after laser tattoo removal?
You can go out in the sun after a treatment as long as the treated area is protected from the sun. Do not expose your treatment area to the sun for at least 2 weeks, and even then, apply a strong sun block. The laser literally evaporates some of the layers of skin as it removes the tattoo, so you will have little natural protection from UV exposure. UV exposure could exacerbate any hyper or hypopigmentation of the treatment area.