Laser Tattoo Removal

The trend of Laser Tattoo removal is increasing. Variety of tattoos removal methods were used in the past, but the risk of excessive scarring was a major concern. Emerging newer laser tattoo removal technique are being developed which can remove your tattoo with less side effects. This article will review those several types of Lasers which are specifically used in specific tattoos.

Previously used lasers were carbon dioxide lasers and argon lasers, but with these lasers results were not good. In a search for better options of tattoo removal while minimizing the side effects and risk of scarring, specific tattoo removal lasers were developed, so called Q-switch lasers. Based on your tattoo color, size and its complexity, these lasers specifically targets your pigment color of a tattoo and breaks it.

There are three types of Q-switched lasers, namely: Ruby, Alexandrite and Nd:YAG lasers. They have been reported in successive removal of tattoo but several treatment sessions may be required. The choice of these lasers is dependent of your tattoo color.

Depending on tattoo color following lasers works the best:

Ruby Lasers (Wave length: 694nm): Black, blue or green color tattoo.
Alexandrite Lasers (Wave length: 755nm): Black, blue or green color tattoo.
Nd:YAG lasers ( Wave length:1064nm): Black and dark blue color tattoo.
Frequency doubled Nd:YAG Lasers ( Wave length: 532nm): Red purple and orange color tattoo.

It should be kept on mind that any of these three laser tattoo removal methods don’t clear up your tattoo in just one treatment. It needs several treatment sessions. The results may not be same on every individuals, it differs from person to person. This is because, the lasers do not remove the pigment from tattoo directly, what it does is break up the pigment ink into smaller fragments then the microphages act on it and digest the pigment. So it depends on the efficiency of macrophages in your body and as well as amount and density of pigment ink.

The result may also vary with amateur and professional tattoos. Professional tattoo tends to have different variety of mixture of ink and chemical. So the more the color and its complexity the more treatment is required. Usually, amateur tattoo requires 4-6 treatment session and professional tattoos requires 6-10 treatment sessions.

Generally, laser tattoo removal is safe and the risk of scarring is minimal 1-2% if done with especially trained professionals. The recovery time is two to three days after each treatment sessions. You may notice pinpoint bleeding on the first day, in some cases blistering and scabbing may be noticed but they just last 2-3 days. Overall they are safe and effective methods of tattoo removal.

If you have any suggestions and questions regarding Laser tattoo Removal Feel free to ask us at Cosmetic, Plastic Surgery Talk Section of our Community.