Choosing the Right Clinic: What to Look for in a Laser Tattoo Removal Specialist

Tags : Laser Tattoo Removal tattoo removal

Choosing the Right Clinic: What to Look for in a Tattoo Removal Specialist

More than 200 million people around the world have at least one tattoo on their body.  Tattoos are especially very popular among the millennials . but not all of them are happy with their tattoos. The history of tattoo dates back to more than 6000 years ago and in the ancient times it was used as a mark of power and identification. As the generations have passed tattoos have become a fashion, a show of personality and intelligence and sometimes a sign of rebel too. about 31% of people who have a tattoo feel that tattoo adds to their sex appeal. Another interesting fact about tattoo is that more women regret getting their tattoos than men. The two most important things that people think about getting a tattoo is its personal means and the tattoo cost. Among all of the people with tattoos, about 25% regret getting the tattoo.

If you are also among those people who no longer wish to keep the tattoo or want a new one in the place of the old one then the good news is that the laser treatment for tattoo removal can not only significantly reduce the appearance of the tattoo with minimal side effects but also give you a smoother skin.

Why is laser tattoo removal so popular?

The use of Q-switched lasers has been in practice since the 1990s. Multiple sessions of the laser treatments are needed to have the tattoo completely. Q switched lasers emit short bursts of high energy that breakup the ink molecules in the skin into small particles. These particles are flushed out of the body’s immune system naturally in a few weeks. Each additional treatment of the tattoo will see it fading more till you can no longer see it.  Tattoo removal is typically done in multiple sessions spaced several weeks apart to allow the skin to heal and the body to clear away the fragmented ink particles. The number of sessions required depends on factors like the size, colour, depth, and age of the tattoo. Since the energy burst is in short pulses, the heat does not damage the skin surrounding the tattoo and hence the skin damage is next to minimal.

The latest innovation added to laser tattoo removal is the picosecond lasers, which give off energy that is hits the skin only for billionths of the second. This is more effective and reduces the number of sessions needed for tattoo removal. For different colours in the tattoo different types of lasers is used. Some laser wavelengths have affinity to particular tattoo ink colours and low affinity to the normal skin and hence laser treatment for tattoo removal has minimal effect on the surrounding skin.

Lasers for different pigment colours

There are several types of Q-switched lasers used for tattoo removal, each targeting different colours of tattoo ink:

• Q-Switched Nd:YAG Laser: This laser is one of the most commonly used for tattoo removal. It emits light at two different wavelengths (1064 nm and 532 nm) to target different ink colours. The 1064 nm wavelength is effective for darker colours like black and blue, while the 532 nm wavelength is used for red, orange, and other lighter colours.
• Q-Switched Ruby Laser: The Ruby laser emits light at a wavelength of 694 nm, primarily targeting blue and green ink colours. It’s less commonly used today compared to other Q-switched lasers due to its limited versatility with other colours.
• Q-Switched Alexandrite Laser: This laser emits light at a wavelength of 755 nm and is effective for targeting black, blue, and green tattoo pigments.
• Q-Switched Picosecond Lasers: These newer lasers deliver even shorter pulses of energy in picoseconds and are designed to break down tattoo ink into smaller particles, which can potentially lead to faster and more complete clearance of tattoos. They often work well on a broader range of ink colours and are used in cases where traditional Q-switched lasers might not be as effective.

Modern lasers are also effective in removing all kinds of tattoos such as cosmetic tattoos  or permanent makeups done on eyebrows, eyelids and lips and traumatic tattoos. Laser can also be used to get rid of traumatic tattoos that are often caused because of automobile accidents.

How is laser tattoo removal done?

Laser treatments are done in the surgical clinics by the approved dermatologists or cosmetologists only. It is a relatively painless procedure but the technician will apply a numbing cream on the area that is to be treated.

• You will be given protectively eyewear to wear to shield the eyes from laser
• The laser for tattoo removal device is a small hand held device that the practitioner will direct on the tattoo. In case of cosmetic tattoos there is risk of colour shifting and hence it is necessary to do the patch test first. In such cases the cosmetic surgeon will first use an Erbium laser at it vaporises the thin layer of skin which has tattoo in it.
• The tattoo ink will absorb the light and cause it to break down in the smaller segments. It feels like touching a hot iron but only for a fraction of a second.
• Once the session is over, the surgeon will apply an ice pack or soothing cream to the treated area. this will help reduce the swelling and discomfort.
• You can go home after the session but keep the area clean and avoid sun exposure
• In the following weeks, you will see the ink fade a bit as the body removes the defragmented ink. Redness, swelling, blistering, scabbing and crusting on the tattoo are a part of the normal process.
• Your surgeon will tell you when to come in for the next session depending on many different factors.

What factors influence the number of sessions needed for laser treatment for tattoo removal

Generally, it is difficult to get the tattoo to fade completely in just one session. The more the colours and delicate designs the more tough it is to get the tattoo out. Single colour and amateur tattoos are relatively easy to remove. Usually, 10-20 treatments are needed for professional coloured tattoos. Therefore, you should factor that in when going for the treatment. Factors that determine how many sessions of laser tattoo removal will be needed for your tattoo also affect the tattoo removal cost in India and these include

• The skin type: Tattoo removal is easier for pale skin as the laser light can easily distinguish the contrast of the colour. The darker the skin type the more difficult it is to compare the target for the laser. For darker skin the aesthetician will use a lower laser energy setting and hence more sessions will be needed.
• Placement of the tattoo: The tattoo ink drainage system includes the body’s immune system and the lymphatic drainage system along with the blood supply. Since this is different for various body parts. This network is strongest in the neck, head and trunk area and less in the ends of legs and hands. Therefore, the tattoos in high blood supply area are more quickly faded than others.
• Colours used in the tattoo: Black is easiest to remove and the colours like green, yellow or tattoos with combination of colours will take the longest and hardest to remove.
• The amount of ink used: The amount of ink deposits will determine the number of sessions needed for tattoo removal. Tattoos with just outlines or minimal inks will be easier to remove than the solid tattoos.
• Scarring: Many people get tattoos to cover any existing scarring on the body. or often the tattoos can leave scars on the body or some changes in tissues that can make it difficult to remove with laser. Also tattoo removal procedures don’t remove the preexisting scars, they only remove the tattoo ink.
• Laying of tattoos: if you have had one tattoo over another then the number of treatment sessions will increase because of the added ink.

The duration of removal of tattoo varies for every person. In some people it can take up to a year to get the full removal as minimum of 4-6 weeks are needed before the next sessions and even more for darker complexions. Doing laser tattoo removal treatments too close to each other can damage the skin as the body is not recovered fully.

Recovery from laser tattoo removal treatment

Immediately after the laser treatment the tattoo might appear a little raised and white in colour and the skin around it can become red. Some even notice some bleeding at the side. The doctor will give you some antibiotic cream to apply on the area. keep the area try and don’t try to touch or scratch the tattoo as it heals. It will take about 1-3 weeks to heal completely.

Before considering laser tattoo removal, schedule a consultation with a qualified dermatologist or medical professional who specializes in the procedure. They will evaluate your skin, your tattoo, and your medical history to determine if you are a suitable candidate for the treatment. They can also provide you with personalized recommendations based on your individual circumstances.

Who should not get at a laser tattoo removal?

Laser tattoo removal is generally a safe procedure, but there are certain individuals who might not be suitable candidates for the treatment or who should approach it with caution

• Pregnant or Nursing Individuals: Individuals with Certain Medical Conditions, such as immune system disorders, history of keloid or hypertrophic scarring, or certain skin diseases, might not be suitable candidates for laser tattoo removal
• Individuals with Certain Skin Types: Laser tattoo removal works best on individuals with lighter skin tones and dark tattoos. People with darker skin tones might have a higher risk of pigment changes (hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation) after treatment, and the effectiveness of the laser can be reduced on tattoos with white, light blue, and certain other lighter colours.
• Recent Sun Exposure or Tanning: Tanned or sunburned skin is more sensitive and prone to adverse reactions after laser treatments. It’s recommended to avoid sun exposure and tanning beds before and after each treatment session.
• Certain Medications and Topical Products: Some medications or topical products, like certain antibiotics or retinoids, can increase the risk of adverse reactions to laser treatments.
• Individuals with Active Skin Infections or Lesions: If you have an active skin infection or open sores in the tattooed area, laser treatment should be postponed until the infection has cleared up.
• Individuals with History of Allergic Reactions: If you have a history of allergic reactions to tattoo ink or other substances, you should inform your medical professional before undergoing laser tattoo removal.

Tattoo removal cost in India

Tattoos are easy to remove and you just need a bit of patience to let the treatment work. Laser tattoo removal cost in India depends on the type of laser used, the skin type, the size of the tattoo, the colours used and how your skin responds to tattoo removal. Tattoo removal cost in India also varies with the surgeon’s expertise and experience. But since it is a cosmetic procedure, it is not often covered by insurance. Hence you should check with your doctor after the patient of the treatment before starting the treatment.

5 Frequently Assumed Myths Dispelled About Laser Tattoo Removal

Tags : Laser Tattoo Removal tattoo removal

5 Frequently Assumed Myths Dispelled About Laser Tattoo Removal

When you are young or getting through a phase in life it seems like quite the in thing to get a fancy tattoo. Many people get tattoo as a symbol of love too. But what happens when there is a heart break or you no longer believe in the quote that you had tattooed on your body. Then everyday becomes a reminder of a bad decision. The simple and modern way is to get the latest tattoo removal i.e., laser tattoo removal.

Removing unwanted tattoo ca be done easily however there are some myths associated with laser tattoo removal that need to be debunked to put your mind at ease about the procedure, recovery, and benefits. Many people are often afraid to go for cosmetic procedures like this because of the lack of clear understanding of the procedure and recovery post laser tattoo removal. This lack of information removes creates confusion about expectations and outcomes.

What is laser tattoo removal?

Lasers are light beams of energy that work by breaking down the tattoo pigments under the skin. When you sit for a tattoo session the tattoo pen delivers the ink to the deepest layers of the skin. Laser shatters this ink under the skin starting from shallow layers of the skin to the deepest. The small particles of the ink are then removed by the natural immune system of the body. It takes multiple sessions of the treatment depending on the dept the ink has penetrated under your skin.

The strength of the laser treatment depends on the colour of ink used. Dark or bold tattoos need more treatments than shaded tattoos. The tattoos become lighter with each session and slowing become barely noticeable. It is a simple procedure and cost-effective treatment to get rid of the tattoo that you no longer want. Don’t be mislead by the myths. Here is a list of 5 popular myths about laser tattoo removed dispelled for your ease

Myth 1: Tattoo removal is invasive and more painful than getting a tattoo

Getting a tattoo is quite painful but removing it is not. Laser devices are highly controlled light emitting devices. During the tattoo removal process the discomfort is going to be minimal and the specialist always use a numbing cream on the areas to reduce your discomfort. Laser tattoo removal is so much less painful than actual ink. The max pain you might feel is like a rubber bank snapping on your skin.

At the same time, keep in mind that it is not exactly painless either. If your specialist is promising you a painless procedure then the technology used might not be a quality one and you run the risk of get a blemish or scar on the site of the tattoo. If you have a low tolerance for pain then ask for local anaesthesia or the cooling fan. Lasers is a fast procedure.

Myth 2: You will see the result in just one session

It is false information and if any clinic is promising one time complete removal, then they are wrong. There is no one shot answer to how many sessions tattoo removal will need. It does take more than one session though. Anywhere between 3-12 treatments is quite normal. This depends on the size of the tattoo, the ink density, location of the tattoo, the quality of the work, your skin types, general health, capacity to heal and you regular you are with the sessions.

Not all tattoos are created equal and the colour plays and important role in its removal. Different colours need different wavelength for example black tattoo is easiest to remove generally because lasers work very effectively on them, green and blue tattoos are harder, and white, pink and flesh coloured tattoos are the most challenging because the laser needs to precisely target and there is not much of contrast to work with. You should take full treatment to avoid ghosting of the tattoo.

Myth 3: There will be scarring

Scarring with laser tattoo removal is very rare and uncommon. Since the light only targets the tattoo ink, there is no permanent damage to the skin unlike other tattoo removal methods. However, there are few things to remember such as

• Makes sure that the technician uses the right intensity of the light and pulses to remove the tattoo.
• Lasers will not remove the existing scars because of tattoos. If the tattoo has caused the scarring, then even when the colour is removed you will still see the previous scarring
• Take great care of the area during the recovery phase to ensure there is no trauma and damage to the skin.
• Make sure you get the tattoo assessed by an expert dermatologist to make sure you known what you will get from the treatment.
• There are some side effects of the laser tattoo removal such as redness, bruising, swelling, hyperpigmentation, blistering, hypopigmentation and infection which will fade away in little time. Again, good post procedure care and avoiding the sun will keep the side effects to minimal.
• It takes about 2-6 weeks for the body to remove the broken tattoo ink through the natural lymphatic system. Therefore, your appointments will be scheduled accordingly.

Myth 4: You can get the tattoo removed anywhere where there is a laser machine

Lack or more stringent laws has made it an easy way for laser clinics to mushroom around the world.  The truth is that laser tattoo removal is a very precise and concise procedure only to be done by experts who are trained in this area. The clinic or facility that you should be licensed and provide you with the right safety gear. Don’t be afraid to ask for the credentials of the practitioner and reviews by the other patients. Don’t fall for a bargain offer, it can damage your skin. Ask direct questions to the clinic about the equipment they will be using, training of the staff and post procedure care.

Take some time to research and ask as many questions to the doctor as you want. Take your time and then make a decision. This will put your mind at ease for the procedure and help determine if laser removal for tattoo is good for your skin or not. Knowing the facts will make it easier to manage your expectations and get the results that you desire.

Myth 5: You will not be able to get a tattoo at the same spot again

Is it a wrong information. Many people believe that removing the tattoo will make the skin too sensitive to get another tattoo. The truth is that if you give yourself enough time to heal and take good care of skin, the underlying skin will effectively accept the tattoo ink in future. In fact, many people use the laser tattoo removal as the means to remove the undesired tattoo and get one that they like. Your skin will be normal in few days’ post the tattoo removal and you can go ahead and plan the next one easily.

Tattoo removal is a personal decision. If you really don’t like the tattoo anymore than it is worth the cost and effort to get it removed permanently. Don’t worry about the myths, instead focus on the facts and getting the best result from the tattoo removal procedure. If you are planning to get hair removal done too or another other laser procedure then keep in mind that every laser is different and ask your doctor which procedure should go first.