The depth and density of the ink is probably the biggest determining factor involved in successfully removing a tattoo. With each treatment, the laser fragments more ink and penetrates a little deeper into your skin; blistering and scabbing often follow. Taking care of the treated area is the most important factor in removing a tattoo without a scar. Post laser treatment will determine the success rate. Since using the laser cannot regulate the speed of the fading process, it's better to treat more conservatively than aggressively, allowing the surrounding tissues to relax during the weeks between treatments.
Who is a Candidate?
Good candidates for tattoo removal without scarring are those with medium to fair skin, dark but not dense ink, and a superficial ink depth. The preferred locations include arms, chest, buttocks, and anywhere else on the body with good circulation. Medium- or fair-skinned patients react well because the light will be able to selectively target the ink instead of the dark skin. Dark ink that is not dense is favorable because the light is more attracted to darker colors so darker ink is fragmented better than yellow ink. Density is also a factor; the more ink, the more there is to fade. Superficial ink is also favorable because it is closest to the surface of the skin so the laser doesn't need to penetrate so many skin layers to get to it. Results are quicker. Areas such as the arm or chest have more blood flow and are a better vehicle for the immune system which is what removes the ink. Areas such as the ankle or fingers have poor circulation and are tougher to treat.
Is it Painful?
The unfortunate thing about tattoos is that both getting them and having them taken off can be uncomfortable. The impact of the energy from the laser's powerful pulse of light has been described as similar to being snapped by a thin rubber band. Because black pigment absorbs all laser wavelengths, it's the easiest to remove. Other colors, such as green, selectively absorb laser light and can only be treated by selected lasers based on the pigment color.
In preparation for a laser procedure, doctors recommend that non-aspirin products, like Tylenol, be used prior to the procedure. Aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents such as Ibuprofen are not recommended because they can produce pronounced bruising after treatment.
Further pre-treatment steps might include the application of an anesthetic cream two hours before the laser begins. It is wiped off just before laser begins. Other patients prefer to have a local anesthetic injected into the tattoo prior to laser therapy. |
