Summary
This type of treatment uses laser light to break up the ink particles that form a tattoo, gradually lightening the appearance of the tattoo and eventually making it fade away completely. Generally, multiple treatments are required. The number of treatments depends on the skin type, age and color of the tattoo.
Preparation
Before laser treatment, the skin is cleaned and sterilized, and a local anesthetic may be administered.
Procedure
The doctor uses a laser to bombard the tattoo, which breaks the ink particles inside the skin into particles small enough to be absorbed by the body. The laser causes the skin on the surface to turn bright pink and tender, while some mild bleeding may occur, however.
End of the procedure and follow-up care
Once the session is completed, the doctor may apply an ointment or cream and medicate the skin. Over the next few days, a scab forms on the skin, which will then fall off on its own. The treated area may be pink and swollen for a few weeks, but it gradually returns to its normal color. Most people require multiple laser treatments, spaced a few months apart, to completely remove one or more tattoos.
Overview
This procedure uses laser light to break up the inkparticles that form a tattoo, gradually lightening theappearance of the tattoo and eventually causing itto fade away completely. Typically, multipletreatments are required. The number of treatmentsdepends on the skin type, age and color of thetattoo.
Preparation
Before the laser treatment, the skin is cleansed andsterilized and a local anesthetic may beadministered.
Procedure
The physician uses a laser to bombard the tattoo.The laser breaks up the ink particles within the skininto particles that are small enough to be absorbedby the body. The laser causes the skin at thesurface to become bright pink and tender, and maycause bleeding.
End of Procedure and Aftercare
Once the session is complete, the physician mayapply an ointment or cream and dress the skin.Over the next few days, the skin will form a scabthat will eventually fall off on its own. The treatedarea may be pink and swollen for a few weeks, butit will gradually return to its normal color. Mostpeople require multiple laser treatments, spaced afew months apart, to completely remove the tattoo.
