Tattoo Removal Laser Style

by Tattoo Removal on June 1, 2010

Tattoos used to be considered permanent. However, ever since people have begun putting body ink art on, they have sought ways to take it off. In fact, some jurisdictions in America will even pay for the removal of gang tattoos.

If you’re seeking tattoo removal, laser might be the best way to go. Consider some of the alternatives:

  • Dermabrasion- Most tattoos are ingrained deep in the skin. In order for the tattoo to disappear, the skin with all the ink in it needs to be removed. If you decide to use dermabrasion, the skin and ink is removed layer by layer with a fine grit surgical sandpaper or tool. A local anesthetic is usually used.
  • Salibrasion- This method is very old. The tattoo is rubbed away with salt. This is also performed under a local anesthetic.
  • Excision- The results of using this method are immediate but may leave scars. The tattoo is cut out of your skin. The wound is sutured. The process is simple and works best with small tattoos.
  • Creams- You can also remove your tattoo using topically applied creams. The treatment usually takes about two months and can be done at home.
  • Saline Injections- These can blur the tattoo. Some tattoo removal experts suggest this if the area will be getting a cover up tattoo, anyway.

What is Tattoo Removal Using Lasers?

The natural body process is to expel foreign objects. One such foreign object is ink. Tattoo removal using lasers involves the penetration and fracturing of the ink particles lodged in your skin. It essentially accelerates the natural process of rejecting foreign substances.

The tattoo removal laser procedure uses a variety of intense, rapid lasers light pulses to disintegrate the ink. The ink is then is absorbed by the skin. This used to take up to two years to complete. But now, with the advancement of laser technology, it can take from four to twelve sessions.

Tattoo Removal Laser Influences

As suggested, tattoo removal using laser is extremely effective. But a number of factors will influence the tattoo removal laser process. They include:

  • The Ink Colors- Different inks remove differently. For example, blacks remove easily. Reds and greens can adhere more stubbornly to the skin pigment.
  • The Tattoo Size- The larger the tattoo the harder it is to remove
  • The Type of Lasers Used- Usually, several different lasers are used to remove tattoos. This is because different colors and light intensities emit from each type of laser. They react differently to different colors.

Factors for Successful Tattoo Removal Using Lasers

For tattoo removal, laser light pulse success depends on the following factors:

  • The light color must penetrate into the skin enough to reach the tattooed pigment.
  • The laser light color has to be more absorbed by the ink pigment than the surrounding skin. This means that different tattoo ink colors require different laser colors. As an example, red laser light is most easily absorbed by green pigments.
  • The laser pulse duration must be very short. This is so the inked pigment gets heated to the temperature where it can break up before the heat gets to the surrounding skin, which can cause scars.
  • In addition to short, rapid laser bursts, enough energy must be emitted during each pulse to sufficiently heat the pigment so the pigment can fragment. If the energy is not powerful, the pigment will not fragment. Therefore no tattoo removal will occur.

For tattoo removal with lasers, consult a skilled dermatologist or tattoo removal expert to determine the length of time between sessions and the time it will take the overall tattoo removal laser process to be completed.

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