What happens in laser tattoo removal?

Posted on 14 Jan, 2011

Laser tattoo removal treatments depend on many factors. The size and colour of your tattoo helps in determining the number of treatment sessions you will need to completely remove it, as will the type of treatment you choose or are prescribed to use.

The type of laser used will be chosen according to the person’s age, health and specifications of the tattoo. The patient’s skin tone is also a major factor.

What are the steps you will go through in laser tattoo removal?

Protective shields are placed on sensitive areas such as the eyes. The response of the skin is tested before administering laser treatment to ensure that the laser used is of the appropriate intensity.

The laser itself feels similar to snapping rubber bands on the skin’s surface, so it should only be a minor discomfort. Small sized tattoos can be removed with lesser laser emission but large ones take more time and more frequent pulses. The larger ones also need more sessions. You know that the treatment is working if your tattoo becomes lighter after every session.

After the treatment, an ice pack is placed to cool down and soothe the area. An antibiotic cream is applied to the area to eliminate the risk of infection. A covering patch will be attached so as to protect the area from the sun. In some cases, local anaesthesia may be applied depending on the location of the tattoo.