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Get Rid of That Tattoo

Tattoo removal has become extremely popular as the aging population, who received tattoos in their youth, look to eliminate these unsightly images from their skin. The procedures are also common among former gang members who want to remove the gang tattoo they sported during earlier times in their lives.

Formerly, the only way to eliminate a tattoo was through a skin graft. For some patients and for certain types and color tattoos, this type of procedure may remain the only option. But new advancements in laser technology now allow the removal of the pigments from the skin by applying multiple treatments to the tattoo area.

How Does Laser Tattoo Removal Work?

During the laser tattoo removal treatment session, the laser beam is directed toward the skin. Pulses of light emanate from the laser and are designed only to affect the pigments in the skin and not to damage the skin. The laser light passes through the skin and is absorbed by the pigments in the tattoo. The laser light causes the pigments to break into smaller particles, which are then removed from the skin by the body's immune system. The effectiveness of the immune system to remove the small pigment particles depends largely on circulation in the area of the tattoo. Tattoos in areas with poor circulation, such as the feet or hands, may not respond well to treatment.

Black pigment responds best to the laser light and is the easiest to eliminate. This is because black includes all colors and thus more laser light energy is absorbed by the ink. The lighter colors, such as pink and green, are hardest to remove. These require targeting by lasers that use specific wavelengths of light.

To fully remove the tattoo may require as many as ten visits, with each treatment session lasting only a few minutes. During each successive treatment session, typically spaced by 4 to 8 weeks apart, the doctor focuses the laser light into deeper layers of the skin.

After Laser Treatment

After treatment, an anti bacterial ointment may be needed as well as a bandage over the treated area. If swelling occurs, you may be advised to keep the treated area elevated.

Review information about aesthetic plastic surgery, Botox, hair removal treatments, anti aging skin care and scar removal in other pages of this website.