How does a laser result in tattoo removal?

Although tattoo removal is almost as old as tattoo’s themselves; it has been less than successful and usually resulted in a scar that was worse than the tattoo in the first place. With new technology there is now ample hope in getting rid of unwanted ink. Lasers, although they too have been around since the 1980s have now been refined to the point where incredible high energy light, focused for no more than a fraction of a second, breaks down the colored pigments that were used. Over time, these pigments are removed from the body by its immune system. Although it may take several treatments, laser tattoo removal is completely successful in removing the unwanted tattoo.

There are rarely any long lasting side effects to the procedure which is done by a dermatologist or a doctor who specializes in skin care and skin related issues. The treatments, of which there will be several, are quite short. There is some initial preparation that must be done including the wearing of protective eyewear and perhaps, a pain medication. Once ready, the individual performing the procedure points the laser directly at the tattoo. The high energy light goes through the skin and reaches the ink which is below the surface. The rapid pulses of light break down the pigment.

The easiest color to eliminate is black as black absorbs all the light. To completely remove tattoos which have been done using red ink or green ink, a different color laser light must be used. After each session the customer will see the tattoo getting lighter and lighter, eventually it will be gone completely with no damage to the skin.

It hurts during the process, but then having the tattoo done in the first place hurt as well. The sensation is similar to scratching or stinging and sometimes the skin surface will show evidence of redness and swelling but this disappears. Although it is extremely rare, there may be somewhat of a lightening or darkening of the skin when compared to the surrounding natural skin color.

Tattoos which strongly contrast with the skin color are excellent candidates for laser tattoo removal. This is because the high contrast makes it easy for the laser light to target the ink, if the color of the tattoo is close to the color of the skin it will usually take more treatments to eliminate it.

There are other methods that simply do not work, creams may lighten the skin but they have no effect on the ink below the skin; dermabrasion usually leaves a scar. Laser tattoo removal is the most common and popular method used.