Laser tattoo removal is performed using lasers that target the ink in the tattoo with high energy pulses to break it down so that it can be absorbed by the body. The laser will be targetted to the specific colours in the tattoo and also to the skin type and colour or the person requiring treatment and the depth of the tattoo.
Green, yellow and flourescent inks are more difficult for lasers to treat than the black or blue inks as they reflect more of the energy from the laser and so are harder to break down.
Tattoo removal normally requires between 6 to 12 treatments to disperse the ink and remove the tattoo but it can take further treatments for more stubborn tattoos. Treatments are normally spaced about 6 weeks apart. In each treatment session, some of the tattoo pigment particles are split and the body will absorb a small part of the fragmented particles. This will result in lightening of the tattoo. The amount of treatments needed will differ from individual to individual depending on various factors including skin type and colour, location of tattoo, size of tattoo, amount of ink used etc.
Tattoo removal can be slightly painful with the effects of the laser producing a mild burning or stinging feeling similar to that of a small rubber band being pinged against the skin. An anaesthetic cream can be administered to the skin if necessary to numb the area and make the treatment more comfortable.
Infection of the treated area after treatment is rare as the surface of the skin is not usually broken. However, care should be taken that the area treated is not exposed to strong uv light or sunlight after the procedure.
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