What to Know About Laser Tattoo Removal
Of those living in the U.S., nearly 30% of people have one or more tattoos. Statistics also show that about half of millennials have a tattoo. However, many people are not pleased with the decision they made. About 25% of those with tattoos wish they didn’t do it. But the good news is that a technique known as laser tattoo removal can remove tattoos with few side effects. But many people are wary of laser tattoo removal because they believe it can cause cancer. Here are some facts about the procedure and why there’s no need to worry.
Understand the Procedure
Laser tattoo removal works by breaking up pigment using very fast pulses of energy. Black pigments absorb all energy frequencies, which makes them the easiest to remove. Other colors require special laser frequencies depending on the pigment color. With the PiQo4 system, this can be customized to your unique pigments.
Before you undergo the procedure, our laser tattoo removal specialists will evaluate your tattoos and advise on the best action to take. We can then create the best treatment plan for you depending on the color(s), age, and size of your tattoo. The removal technique will also be affected by your skin color and how deep the tattoo pigments go.
What to Expect
Here are a few things to expect during laser tattoo removal:
- The specialist will give you protective eye shields
- The technician will check how your skin reacts to the laser. This will help them know the right frequencies for treatment.
- The handpiece is used to administer intense light pulses through your skin. The light is only absorbed by the tattoo pigments.
Large tattoos require more pulses and treatment sessions to get rid of than smaller tattoos. Either way, you will have to go for several treatments for all your tattoos to be removed. Each session leaves your tattoos lighter. The process can be uncomfortable, but some patients do not require anesthesia. You may have to use topical anesthesia before you go for your first laser tattoo removal session. Immediately after the treatment session, take an ice pack and use it to sooth the treated area, spread an antibiotic cream on it, and bandage for protection. Whenever you want to go outside, make sure to cover it with SPF.
Negative Effects
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- The area where the tattoo is being removed could get infected if not taken care of properly.
- Your tattoo may not be completely removed or may need more treatments depending on the pigment. Often, some colors, such as black and blue, respond well to this treatment. Others, such as green, are more difficult to get rid of.
- The result may leave you with slight hypopigmentation. This means that the treated skin becomes paler than the surrounding skin. You may also end up with hyperpigmentation that leaves the treated section darker than the surrounding skin.
- Cosmetic tattoos such as eyeliner, eyebrows, and lip liner may darken after treatment, but additional sessions could help them fade.
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