Laser Tattoo Removal: The Basics

Tattoos have become commonplace in today’s society. tattoo parlors have reported record demand over the past five years, and the percentage of individuals with tattoos has increased significantly over that same time period. In recent times, an increasing number of women have been getting tattoos. While teenage girls are the average female customers, more women in their 30s and 40s are getting tattoos as well. And the reasons for getting a tattoo are as varied as the designs. While some individuals get tattooed to mark special occasions, some get them for no special reason at all.

But with this growing trend comes many who ultimately regret the decision. Some see their tattoo as a mistake immediately, while others become less satisfied with the body art over time. As we age, the breakdown of collagen in the skin leaves tattoos looking worn & unappealing. As sure as the tattoo craze has been growing, so to has the demand for tattoo removal.

Traditional methods of tattoo removal included dermabrasion, chemical treatments or Excision. While immediate and more economical, these procedures generally leave serious scarring which in many instances looks worse than the tattoo. But today, more & more dermatologists & cosmetic professionals are turning to lasers to fade & remove tattoos.

Everything from small, single-color tattoos to large, multicolored ones can now be significantly faded, if not completely erased, by the beams of light that new, special lasers produce. And, as importantly, there is little risk of the scarring or loss of pigmentation that the other procedures will cause.

In many cases, the tattoo will completely disappear. Greater than 95% fading of the tattoo may be accomplished with laser treatments. However, it is very important to know that over 100 tattoo inks are in use worldwide today, none of which are regulated by the FDA. Not knowing which tattoo ink, how deep or how much was used, makes it impossible for the physician to predict the degree of removal on any given tattoo.

Often times, it is the color of the tattoo itself that determines the success of the laser removal procedure. The type of laser used to remove a tattoo depends on the tattoo's pigment colors. The Q-Switched Nd:YAG laser has become the standard laser for tattoo removal. This laser effectively removes black, blue, purple and red tattoo pigment. The VersaPulse laser combines four lasers in one unit, including three proven Q-switched lasers (Q-switched ND:YAG, Q-switched Alexandrite, and Q-switched FD ND:YAG) and is shown effective in treating all ink colors including yellow and green, typically the hardest colors to remove.

Removing a small tattoo of one color may take two to six 10-20 minute laser treatments; multicolored tattoos may take up to 6 or more sessions depending on their size and types of ink. Sessions are usually spaced 4-6 weeks apart

It is advised that you consult a professional for information concerning tattoo removal to determine the best option for you.

By: R Grey

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