Laser tattoo removal is not as easy as the construction of a tattoo, but today, thanks to laser technology, it is possible to erase permanent tattoos from the skin. The performance of the tattoo removal process varies according to the characteristics of the tattoo and many different factors.
In this article, we will touch on all the curious points related to laser tattoo removal.
What is the Laser Tattoo Removal Process?
Tattooing is a permanent painting technique that is applied to the skin by creating shapes with a needle. It can be built both for cultural / traditional purposes and for ornamental purposes. Laser tattoo removal is an application made to eliminate the existing tattoo.
Tattoo removal treatment breaks the dye under the skin into small pieces and thus makes it easily ingestible by the cells. How laser tattoo removal treatment will be applied varies depending on factors such as whether it will be applied to light or dark skin and whether the tattoo is colored or colorless. ND Yag and Q Switched lasers are the most effective systems for removing permanent tattoos.
Since laser tattoo removal breaks the dye under the skin into small pieces, the cells can swallow the dye and the dye can be removed from the body by lymph circulation. During the dark tattoo removal process, the temporary white color of the tattoo means that the laser has been successful.
Some tattoos, on the other hand, cannot be completely erased despite many sessions. This depends both on the brand and substance of the paint used and on the size and colors of the tattoo. The most successful results are obtained with tattoos that are black and blue colors. Colors such as green and red, on the other hand, are erased more difficult and late. For this reason, it should not be forgotten that each tattoo removal process is actually individual. In other words, the success of laser tattoo removal varies from person to person. Whether it worked for someone else or not may be related to the characteristics of that person's tattoo and the center where the procedure was performed.
How Many Sessions Does Laser Tattoo Removal Take?
The number of sessions required for laser tattoo removal varies from tattoo to tattoo. 4 or 5 sessions are sufficient for amateur tattoos, while 7 – 8 or more sessions may be required for professional tattoos.
Sessions should be applied at December intervals of 3 – 4 weeks. When the tattoo is done is also a determining factor on the number of sessions. Tattoos made a long time ago can be erased more easily, while recently made tattoos require more sessions because they are more vivid and darker.
What are the Difficult-to-Erase Tattoo Paints?
Purple, yellow, green and red colored tattoos are the most difficult to treat dyes.
The ideal conditions for laser tattoo removal are as follows:
- The patient has fair skin
- The tattoo should be dark in color (blue - navy blue)
- The tattoo must be at least one year old
Which Laser is Suitable for Dark-Skinned People in Laser Tattoo Removal?
The most suitable laser choice for people with dark skin is the Q-Switched and Nd:YAG (1064nm) laser. This laser has the ability to go deep. The probability of damage to the skin, such as discoloration, in dark skin is also low compared to other lasers.
In red tattoos, a wavelength of 532 nm is used, while in blue and black tattoos, a wavelength of 1064 nm is used. It is preferred to use a wavelength of 1064 nm, especially in deep-seated areas. In this way, it is possible to achieve successful results in the December of 3 – 6 sessions.
Is Laser Tattoo Removal a Painful Procedure?
Laser tattoo removal is a more difficult procedure than tattoo removal, as we mentioned above. The area to be treated is anesthetized by applying an anesthetic effective cream. In this way, it is ensured that there is no pain during the procedure. However, the pain felt also depends on the person's pain threshold.
Can a Tattoo Be Literally Erased?
Amateur tattoos can be easily and literally erased from the skin. Again, dark and old tattoos can also be easily erased in the same way so that there are no traces left. However, professional tattoos require long sessions. Sometimes, despite the long sessions, the tattoo can remain in the shadow.
The Process After Laser Tattoo Removal
- After the procedure, complaints such as bleeding, crusting and water collection may be seen in the area where the procedure is performed for up to 5 – 10 days.
- Bathing can be done 24 – 43 hours after the procedure.
- The area where the procedure is performed should not itch sharply.
- 2 Weeks after the procedure should be protected from the sun's rays.
- sunscreen creams should be used for up to 6 weeks.
- After laser tattoo removal, care should not be neglected, a cream with antibiotics and skin repair should be applied to the area.
Will Scars Remain After Laser Tattoo Removal?
The probability of leaving spots or scars on the skin is less than 5%, even in sensitive areas. In this regard, the choice of the doctor and the center that will perform the procedure is of course also important.
