There is good news for those who want to remove tattoos.. Newer laser tattoo removal techniques can eliminate your tattoo with minimal side effects. Here’s how it works: lasers remove tattoos by breaking up the pigment colors of the tattoo with a high-intensity light beam.

Black tattoo pigment absorbs all laser wavelengths, making it the easiest to treat. Other colors can only be treated by selected lasers based upon the pigment color.

Lasers use a powerful burst of energy to shatter the pigments, or inks, within a tattoo into tiny particles which are then easily removed.

Benefits:

• Laser light doesn’t leave scars – The laser light doesn’t damage healthy skin cells. Compared to removal methods that require “sanding” the skin, there is little risk of scarring.
• Tattoo fading and removal – Laser removal is an effective method for fading and removing tattoos without leaving the lasting effects associated with other methods.
• For a  few days after laser tattoo removal treatments, your skin needs to be protected from ultraviolet rays. Post treatment some redness and tenderness may persist.
• Laser tattoo removal can remove specific tattoos or completely remove tattoos from your body.
• Infection risk is minimal, side effects are few and comfort levels are high during treatment.

How it’s Done?

• Treatment with the laser varies from patient to patient depending on the age, size, and type of tattoo (amateur or professional). The color of the patient’s skin, as well as the depth to which the tattoo pigment extends, will also affect the removal technique.In general, this is what will happen during a visit for tattoo removal using the newer lasers:
• Protective eye shields are placed on the patient.
• The skin’s reaction to the laser is tested to determine the most effective energy for treatment.
• The treatment itself consists of placing a hand piece against the surface of the skin and activating the laser light. As many patients describe it, each pulse feels like a grease splatter or the snapping of a rubber band against the skin.
• Smaller tattoos require fewer pulses while larger ones require more. In either case, the tattoo requires several treatments and multiple visits. At each treatment, the tattoo should become progressively lighter.
• Immediately following treatment, an ice pack is applied to soothe the treated area. The patient will then be asked to apply a topical antibiotic cream or ointment. A bandage or patch will be used to protect the site and it should likewise be covered with a sun block when out in the sun.Most patients do not require any anesthesia. However, depending on the location of the tattoo and the pain threshold for the patient, the physician may elect to use some form of anesthesia (topical anesthesia cream or painkiller injections at the site of the procedure)

PRE-PROCEDURE CARE:

• If you are considering laser tattoo removal, you will first have a consultation to discuss your cosmetic goals.
• You will also discuss your medical history, including previous surgeries, present and past health problems, medications, as well as nutritional and herbal.
• The doctor will discuss risks, benefits and likely outcomes of laser tattoo removal during the consultation. Photographs may be taken to compare before and after results

POST-PROCEDURE CARE:

• After the procedure, you may experience swelling and possibly blistering or bleeding.
• It is very important to keep the area as clean as possible by washing and using a petrolatum ointment for several days to promote healing.
• You must also keep the area covered with a clean, sterile bandage for about one week following treatment until the skin heals.

FAQ’S

1.How Often You Should Take it?

Each session is usually taken a month apart. Normally 6 to 8 sessions are required.

2. Is it Painful?

Depending on the depth of the tattoo it may be painful.if numbing gel or cream is not enough the area can be injected with lignocaine to numb it completely.

3. What is the down time?

It may take upto a week after the session for the tattoo to reduce & heal.

4. How much time is required for the procedure?

6 To 8 sessions.

5. How many sessions are required for a tattoo removal?

Depending on the size and color of your tattoo, the number of treatments will vary. Your tattoo may be removed in two to four visits, though many more sessions may be necessary. You should schedule a consultation, during which time a trained professional will evaluate your personal situation and advise you on the process.