|
Tattoo removal is far more painful and expensive than getting them done
but with laser treatment, removal is easier and less painful. Amongst
other methods of tattoo removal, laser treatment is the most effective
and expensive one. However, it is the safest and takes less time than
the other methods. This method can be used in any kind of tattoo
including professional ones and bears very little chance for side
effects after using.
Laser treatment is a very new advancement in the field of tattoo removal
leaving no or less scar after removal. But the latest techniques of
getting tattoo are also advanced and difficult to remove. Even the best
laser treatments sometimes leave few scars on the place of your once
dear tattoo.
Workings of laser treatments
Laser treatments deliver light quickly in nano-seconds at a very high
energy that breaks the colour pigments into small particles that the
immune system of the body is able to dispose off. All the colours used
in your tattoo can be removed by laser treatment. Nowadays, extensive
research is done to find out the right frequency for each colour.
The black or dark blue colour is removed first as it tends to absorb all
kinds of lasers. The laser treatment has different kinds of sensation
for different people and the position of the tattoo. Generally, no
anaesthesia is required but doctors recommend applying an anaesthetic
balm for 2 hours before the session, for sensitive areas. Generally, a
small number of sessions of few minutes each at an interval of 4-8 weeks
are required for complete removal process.
Steps to be taken after the treatments
After the laser treatment is done, ice is applied to the area to
avoid the swelling. Soon an antibiotic ointment is applied on the
effected area followed by a dressing by the doctor. The doctors would
ask you not to take any kind of aspirin painkillers for headaches and
pains after the treatment. You are allowed to take a bath only after
24-hours of the treatment. The area should be kept dry and should be
treated as sunburnt skin.
Effectiveness of tattoo removal with laser
Body parts having high fat are the places where it is easy to remove
the tattoo like arms, chest, buttocks or legs. Ankles or fingers are
tough sites for tattoo removal for their less fat content and success
largely vary. Tattoos on fair skin are easier to remove than in darker
skin. The success of tattoo removal greatly depends on factors like
size, location, application, age, and colour of the tattoo. The health
and the immune system of the individual are also factors for the same.
Discussions with the professional can help you greatly to determine the
level of success in the removal process.
Cost and time involved
The cost involved is quite high and depends on the size, location,
application, age, and colour of the tattoo. One session of tattoo
removal with laser treatment may cost around 250-1500 USD and is not yet
covered by insurance. So discussing the complete cost with the concerned
professional before the treatment is a better option.
Again, the time taken also depends on the above mentioned factors.
Smaller tattoos take 2-4 treatments 4-8 weeks apart. This may be
extended to 6-10 treatments 8-10 weeks apart depending on the
conditions.
Probable side effects that may occur
However, the laser treatment has no or minimal side effects, there
are some cases where some after effects may occur. Apart from the pain,
you may have hyper-pigmentation, where the laser treated skin is
darkened and hypo-pigmentation, where the affected skin is lightened
than the normal tone of your skin. Infections and incomplete removal of
the pigments are always possible not to forget the permanent scarring in
some cases.
|
