02/10/2020
How Does Laser Tattoo Removal Work?
Breaking Up the Ink
Laser treatment breaks up the ink droplets in your skin into smaller particles that can be picked up by your immune system’s phagocytes. The lasers produce short bursts of intense light at wavelengths which are mostly absorbed by the ink and not by skin cells. The high energy in the light causes the ink particles to heat up, vibrate, and break apart while leaving surrounding skin cells intact.
Treating Multicolor Tattoos
Different pigments in the ink absorb different wavelengths of light, and the pigment must absorb the energy of the light to be broken up. Treatment of multicolored tattoos thus requires treatment with a variety of laser wavelengths.
Natural Waste Removal
Your immune system’s phagocytes surround and absorb the smaller ink particles and move them to the lymph nodes. The lymphatic system then has the job of removing the ink particles from the body through excretion. It can take up to six weeks after each appointment for your body to remove all the ink particles loosened by one treatment session. One Layer at a Time
A good tattoo artist will place ink at various depths in the dermis to achieve a detailed image. Laser treatment is done layer by layer. When the ink from the topmost layer has been flushed out, we can treat the next layer.
Since we are working with a natural process, laser tattoo removal is done gradually, at six-week intervals over a period of time.
How Long Does Tattoo Removal Take?
Usually, it takes four to twelve sessions, spaced about six weeks apart, to remove a tattoo. Many factors, including the size, color, location, age, and type of tattoo, affect the speed of tattoo removal. Your general health is another significant factor.
Where Is the Tattoo Located?
Because your body’s own systems must collect the treated ink particles for excretion, tattoos located closer to the core of the body and the heart take less time to remove than those on the extremities. A tattoo on your chest, for instance, will fade more quickly than one on your lower What to Expect at Your Appointment
When you come in for laser tattoo removal in Buffalo, you will have an initial consultation when we will discuss your medical history, examine the tattoo you want removed, and develop a treatment plan. This is a good time for you to ask questions so you can make an informed decision about laser tattoo removal and other options available at our clinic.
At your laser appointments, you will be given goggles to protect your eyes from the intense light of the laser. If you need it, a local anesthetic, applied topically, may help you feel more comfortable during treatment. You will also have a cooling device available to apply as needed. Most people find that tattoo removal causes much less discomfort than the original tattoo application.
Usually, we begin with lower laser settings to make sure we know how your skin responds to the laser. You should begin to see your tattoo fading after two to three sessions.
Aftercare for Effective Tattoo Removal
Just as you had to care for your tattoo when it was first applied, you do have to care for your skin as you progress through laser tattoo removal. The removal process will be more effective and more comfortable if you follow the instructions we give you for aftercare.
Keep the Area Clean and Dry
If your doctor applies a bandage immediately after your session, keep the area bandaged with a thin layer of antibiotic ointment for the first few days. Wash the skin when necessary and keep it clean with antibacterial Keep the Skin Cool
We will recommend a soothing cream to apply after laser treatment. If you feel some discomfort following treatment, you can apply a cool compress to the treated area. Some patients find a dose of Tylenol during the first 24 hours helps to reduce any discomfort after treatment. Avoid aspirin since it can increase the potential of bleeding or bruising.
Keep the Circulation Moving
Moderate exercise, such as a half-hour’s walk, can help your circulatory and lymphatic systems work more effectively in removing the ink from your body. Drinking plenty of water will also help your body flush ink and toxins out, so stay hydrated! You should avoid very strenuous activities or contact sports while your skin is healing.
Protect the Area from Sun
Following treatment, you may feel like you have a mild sunburn. Protect your skin from actual sunburn by keeping the treated area covered.
Wear Loose Clothing
Following your appointment, wear loose clothing that doesn’t rub on or irritate the treated area. Wear clothing without tags if you are having a tattoo removed from your
If you are suffering from tattoo regret, laser tattoo removal is the most effective method to eliminate your tattoo ink without scarring. It is safe for all skin tones and works on virtually all inks.
