Laser Tattoo Removal: The Procedure

Approximately ten percent of all Americans have at least one tattoo and it is estimated that nearly sixty percent of those people will want to have laser tattoo removal at some point in the future. Laser tattoo removal offers a relatively safe procedure for removing unwanted tattoos, and although there are risks and no guarantee for complete success, it is better than living with a tattoo you hate or trying one of the more risky procedures.

In the past, tattoo removal has resulted in terrible scars that are often hated even more than the tattoo itself. Laser tattoo removal sometimes leaves no lasting effects, though sometimes the skin pigmentation is altered slightly, producing a patch of slightly lighter or darker skin than the rest of the body. Now, laser tattoo removal can work even for those who have tried unsuccessfully to have their tattoos removed in the past and the surgery isn't nearly as expensive as it once was.

In some cases, laser tattoo removal requires more than one treatment to complete the job. This depends on the size of the tattoo, your skin type and the types of ink used on the tattoo. On average, most people require 2-4 sessions in order to completely remove the tattoo, but your doctor will be able to give you a more definitive estimate after your initial consultation. Each person will have a different treatment cycle depending on the aforementioned factors as well as the specific doctor who will be working on your tattoo.

Following is an explanation for the laser tattoo removal procedure:

1. Patients wear protective eye shields during the laser tattoo removal to protect them.
2. The doctor will test a sample area of skin with the laser to determine the energy level required to remove the tattoo.
3. After a hand piece is applied to the skin, the doctor will activate the laser and begin the tattoo removal process.
4. When the laser session is complete, the doctor will apply an ice pack to the skin.
5. Between treatments, the patient will need to apply a topical cream to keep the skin from becoming infected or irritated unnecessarily.