Laser Tattoo Removal – Top Health Today

Tattoos are a very popular part of modern culture and millions of Americans have tattoos. Despite how many people are getting tattoos, however, there is also a large percentage of people who are looking to get their tattoos removed. Thankfully tattoos don’t have to be a permanent mark anymore for those who either have a change of heart or are seeking a lifestyle adjustment. Laser tattoo removal is one course of action which many people choose to take in order to get rid of their tattoos, for one reason or another. Although laser tattoo removal is the most popular and effective choice, there are other options, such as chemical creams and peals, and dermabrasion.

Lasers are highly concentrated light beams which work by focusing energy right at the ink. The lasers essentially work by breaking up ink particles into smaller and more manageable fragments. These fragments can be removed naturally by the body and its cells.

When you first get a tattoo the components used in the ink include metals such as manganese, copper, and lead. These metals make tattoos permanent. Whenever a person gets a tattoo the body will respond by fighting off the ink with white blood cells. These blood cells take the foreign element, the ink, into the liver to be processed and removed from the body. Obviously the white blood cells are not able to completely eradicate the ink because if they were tattoos would not have any permanency. Many ink particles are quite a bit bigger than the white blood cells themselves, so they are unable to carry away all of the ink. For this reason a person who gets a new tattoo will see that it will fade faster at first but won’t entirely vanish.

This is where the lasers enter the scene. The lasers break down those larger particles that were too large for the white blood cells. As the ink is broken up into smaller fragments it becomes easier for the white blood cells to completely or mostly remove the tattoo. The lasers used to remove tattoos are very hot, but mostly they are also extremely fast in order to break down the ink. The heat makes the ink expand but the speed of the zap operates so fast that part of the ink remains cold.

The colors, size, and depth of the tattoo will all play a role in how many sessions are required in order to break up the tattoo. Even so, laser tattoo removal does not involve incisions or blood. The lasers are able to target the ink in the tattoo without damaging or affecting skin surrounding the area. The procedure may still be painful, especially if multiple sessions are required. The heat from the lasers may cause blisters to begin forming. As with most other tattoo removal options, there is also a chance that there may be scarring after the procedure is over. Not all tattoos can be completely removed with laser tattoo removal, but many can be. Each session does not usually take more than several minutes but this also depends on the particular tattoo.

There are a variety of reasons that a person may consider laser tattoo removal. Sometimes it comes down to changing style preferences. Although at one point getting a particular tattoo may have fit right into a person’s style preference, a few years down the road their preferences may evolve and change. Bodily changes are another possibility. Physical changes like aging, gaining weight, or pregnancy may affect the appearance of a tattoo. If a tattoo has gone downward in quality one may seek to remove it. Another possibility it career concerns. Often times tattoos hinder career options which are available to an individual. Some people may get a tattoo and then later on realize they would like to pursue a particular profession which may be difficult with some tattoos, especially those which are not ordinarily hidden under the clothes.

There are newer laser tattoo removal techniques which are better than those previously used. A high-intensity light beam is used to break up pigment colors which make up the tattoo. Black tattoo pigments are very easy to treat because they absorb all laser wavelengths, but other colors may be more challenging. The exact pigment color will determine the selected lasers which need to be used. Every case is different and thus the removal techniques used are always unique and individualized. It is important to work with a cosmetic surgery center or dermatologist who is reputable and trustworthy.

As mentioned previously, every tattoo and individual is different. Many factors may affect the treatment course. Aside from size and color, age, and tattoo type—professional or amateur—are also important. The depth of the tattoo pigment and the patient’s skin color will also play a role. The number of treatments required to remove a tattoo will depend on the color(s) and size of said tattoo. Sometimes it may only take two treatments, but for more challenging cases 10 treatments may be required. A consultation should help an individual to understand how to proceed with their specific situation.

First, protective eye shields are used in order to protect that patient’s eyes. A test is conducted to determine the skin’s specific reaction to the laser. This will help to determine the most useful energy. The pulse of the laser is described as a snapping rubber band or grease splatter. The smaller the tattoo the fewer pulses which are required. As treatment goes on the tattoo will appear lighter. After the treatment is over an ice pack will be used over the treated area to sooth the skin. Antibiotic ointment or cream will also be used, and then a bandage will be placed over the area. Anesthesia is not generally used, but in some cases either painkiller injections or anesthesia cream may be implemented.

There are a few side effects which may be possible, but they are minimal. One may develop an infection at the removal site. There is also a risk that the tattoo may not be completely removed. Permanent scarring is also possible. Hyper-pigmentation and hypo-pigmentation are other potential side effects. The first causes the skin to be darker than surrounding skin, and the latter causes skin to be paler. The removal of cosmetic tattoos on the face could lead to darkened skin at first.

What is Laser Tattoo Removal?

Laser Tattoo Removal Information