Laser tattoo removal, technology and how it works

Laser Tattoo Removal

When a person decides to get a tattoo or perhaps has some regrets about one they got decades ago, there may come a time when they decide they would not have liked to have it done originally and are considering whether laser tattoo removal is right for them.

How does laser tattoo removal work?

The laser emits ultra-short pulsed waves of high concentration. The tattoo pigment absorbs these pulses. The tattoo pigment is broken down into small particles. They are absorbed by macrophages, cells of the body's immune system. The macrophages are excreted into the lymphatic system, then into the bloodstream, into the liver, where they are destroyed and excreted through the kidneys. This is a natural and harmless process for the body, so it is cleansed of bacteria and other unnecessary substances for the body.

The laser emits ultra-short pulsed waves of high concentration. The tattoo pigment absorbs these pulses. The tattoo pigment is broken down into small particles. They are absorbed by macrophages, cells of the body's immune system. The macrophages are excreted into the lymphatic system, then into the bloodstream, into the liver, where they are destroyed and excreted through the kidneys. This is a natural and harmless process for the body, so it is cleansed of bacteria and other unnecessary substances for the body.

It uses infrared light to create thermal energy and vibrate the pigment particles in the skin. This ultimately leads to the aforementioned cell death and removal of unwanted ink. If a tattoo is fresh, performing this procedure less than six months after it is done can result in complete removal of its ink memory, assuming all laser treatments have been completed.

Which laser is best for removal?

The choice of laser depends on your skin type and tattoo:

Coal

Charcoal peeling is suitable for the removal of recent tattoos. The layers of the epidermis are removed using a gel and laser radiation. The gel molecules are combined with pigment, heated with a laser and destroyed along with the dead cells. The pigment reaches the deep layers of the dermis in 1-2 weeks. The deeper the paint, the more difficult it is to remove with charcoal peeling.

Alexandrite

Removes well the dark color pigment which is in the middle and surface layer of the skin. It differs in high working speed. Does not handle red and orange inks well. Can be used on 1-2 skin phototypes (very light).

Neodymium

It has color restrictions, such as: pale pink, yellow. Minus - high price.

Picosecond (picosure)

The laser creates an acoustic wave that crushes the ink pigment. Such particles are smaller than under the action of other types of lasers. They are removed faster with the lymph, so the number of procedures needed is less than with other types of tattoo removal. The skin does not have time to heat up, so the client feels no pain. The picosecond laser removes tattoos of any color, it is effective where other lasers have failed.

Does laser tattoo removal hurt?

It depends on the degree of sensitivity. Most often, the procedure is performed without additional anesthesia.

Some clients compare the tattoo removal process to the application, the feeling of being hit with a rubber band or the sensation of removing hair with an epilator. Permanent makeup and intimate area tattoos are more painful to remove, but they are small areas of skin, so the procedure is quick.

For anesthesia we use cooling systems during the procedure and a cooling cream after the procedure.

Possible Damage from Laser Removal

Laser removal is a safe procedure. However, in extremely rare cases, complications are possible:

• Discoloration or hyperpigmentation (darkening) of the treated skin;
• Temporary changes in skin structure;
• Darkening of the tattoo
• Scar formation.
  

The main cause of complications is an incompetent specialist or low quality tattoo ink.

Seek help with tattoo removal only from certified cosmetologists or clinics! In medical clinics, specialists with higher medical education and only high-quality equipment work. 

What does the skin look like after tattoo removal?

After the procedure, the treated area of the skin shows hyperemia (redness) and slight swelling. It passes quickly. After a few hours or days, the tattoo may look brighter. This is fine. For a few more weeks, the destroyed pigment particles will be excreted from the body. During this period, the tattoo begins to fade. The maximum effect is noticeable after 30 days.

The structure and color of the skin at the site of the previous tattoo does not differ from the skin in other areas.

Are there any scars/scars left after tattoo removal?

Not after laser removal. Cosmetologists set the device to powerful ultra-short pulses that act on the pigment in a timely manner. It is so fast that the skin simply does not have time to heat up and burn. Therefore, there is no scarring after the procedure, if you follow all the doctor's recommendations for the healing period of the skin.

Can a tattoo be completely removed?

In most cases, yes.

The result depends on the depth of application, color and pigment density.

How many sessions are necessary for a complete tattoo removal?

In a single session it is not possible, even if it is small and not very bright, it is difficult to remove it with a laser in a single procedure.

The number of procedures depends on the size of the tattoo, the color of the ink, the depth and the site of application. Most tattoos are removed in 5 to 10 treatments. Between sessions, breaks of 4 to 8 weeks are required.

The specialist will indicate the number of procedures required for complete tattoo removal during the consultation. Prognostic accuracy around 80%

Blistering/burning after laser tattoo removal

Laser radiation works with fast flashes at a certain depth of the dermis. The pigment absorbs waves of a certain wavelength, but the skin does not. Therefore, only the tattoo is removed, without damaging the surrounding tissues. This is a fast process, the skin does not have time to burn.

It can burn if you have very sensitive skin. It turns out the peculiarity when applying a tattoo or in other circumstances before visiting a beautician. Such clients know what they are getting into and are ready to take risks. These are extremely rare cases.

In addition, burns can be after the work of unqualified physicians who put too much energy.

Itching at the tattoo site after tattoo removal

Yes. Redness, swelling and itching are normal skin reactions to laser tattoo removal.

How to take care of your skin after tattoo removal

In the first days after the procedure, the skin should be treated with chlorhexidine and regenerative (healing) creams for sensitive skin (panthenol) should be used.

The first 1-2 weeks after the session, do not damage the skin in the treated area: do not scratch, do not rub, do not remove the hair there.

The cosmetologist will give you more information about the rehabilitation period during the consultation.

Tattoo removal in intimate places

The sensations of the procedure depend on the pain threshold. In intimate places, removing a tattoo is a little more painful than in other areas.
The main gradation of pain by body parts:

• It hurts: nipple areola, groin.
• Slight tingling: buttocks.

During menstruation and a week before it, women have increased sensitivity, so removing a tattoo during this period will be very painful.

The tattoo is removed many times faster than it is filled, so the procedure is easily tolerated, despite the discomfort.