How is laser tattoo removal performed?

A doctor, or assistant, will cleanse the area on and around the tattoo to remove oils on the skin. During the procedure you’ll feel intense emissions of light penetrate the tattooed area. You’ll hear noise as the laser does its work, both from the machine itself and from the fans that operate continuously to reduce heat in the room and clean the air.

How long does the procedure take?

Laser treatments take from ten to twenty minutes. Several treatments are needed to achieve the desired results -- the number will vary depending on the depth and color of the tattoo, but eight to twelve treatments for one tattoo are not uncommon.

What can I expect after tattoo removal?

The area may be red, as if mildly sunburned, for several weeks. There may be some bruising, and with deeper tattoos bleeding is not uncommon. The area may be treated with an antibiotic ointment and a bandage applied.

Recovery times depend on the extent of the treatment and the individual’s capacity to heal. Redness and sensitivity may continue for several weeks, and there may be discoloration and a change in skin texture in the area, which will gradually improve. You should avoid exposing the treated area to the sun, as this may retard healing. You may not notice significant results until several treatments have been completed.

In general, who are the best candidates for laser removal of tattoos?

• Are physically healthy
• Are psychologically stable
• Do not smoke
• Want to change their appearance
• Are willing to commit a substantial amount of time to the process
• Do not have fluorescent colors in their tattoo
• Do not have unusual scar formations, such as keloids, or scars in the tattooed area
• Do not have connective tissue disorders, such as lupus
• Are not taking Accutane, nor have taken it for the previous 18 months
• Have not had other cosmetic surgery in the tattooed area
• Are well informed about the procedure
• Hold realistic expectations about the outcome
• The above is only a partial list of the criteria that your doctor will consider in determining whether or not this procedure is appropriate for you.

What are the Risks and limitations?

With modern lasers, extensive scarring is quite rare, although some changes in skin texture and color are common. The area treated by the laser may become hardened or rough, and the skin may become lighter or darker than the surrounding skin.

Laser treatment can also cause the development of small superficial cysts in the skin. If necessary, these cysts can easily be removed through minor surgery. Lasers can also cause burns or other injuries. To reduce the risks involved in this procedure, carefully follow all of your doctor’s instructions, both before and after the procedure.

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