Many people have a different perspective on getting a tattoo done. Getting a tattoo is a common trend worldwide, and these tattoos serve as a symbol of trend, pledge of love, devotion (tradition, religion), and body decoration. But many people want to get rid of their tattoos for a variety of reasons. But before talking about tattoo removal methods, let’s understand the types of tattoos.
Tattoos can be categorized as:
Amateur tattoos: Composed of black ink, and they are not present in the deep skin layer.
Professional tattoos: Coloured tattoos that contains green, red, blue, black, and other colour ink. They are present in the deep skin layer and are not very easy to remove.
The laser-assisted technique of tattoo removal works the best. In this method, the laser breaks the dark pigment present in the tattoo using a high-intensity beam of light of precise wavelength. The success of laser tattoo removal depends upon the type of tattoo, colour of tattoo, and the intensity of depth the tattoo ink is present in the skin.
In this method, the particular wavelengths of laser light pass through the skin, and it breaks up the tattoo ink that is present underneath the skin. The tattoo pigment is then removed from the body by the immune cells. Different wavelengths of lasers are used to break different colours of tattoo ink, and dark colour like black tattoo ink is most easiest to remove, as they absorb all types of laser light wavelengths.
The laser is a safest and low-risk method that helps one to get a tattoo-free skin. It is a bloodless technique that can remove stronger, lager, coloured, and complex tattoos by targeting an intense beam of light that break the tattoo ink pigment without leaving behind any scar on the body.
Benefits of Laser Tattoo Removal
* Non surgical
* Highly effective results with minimal to no side-effects.
* No scarring as a laser beam is used to remove tattoos.
* This method is clinically proven, and the laser beam is converted into heat energy, which helps to break the ink particles.
* As the laser beam is targeted for a very small duration of time, the surrounding skin tissue remains unaffected.
Note: The tattoo must be 4 to 6 weeks old before undergoing any tattoo removal treatment
Multiple sessions of laser tattoo removal may be performed to get the optimum result. The sessions of laser tattoo removal are determined according to the size of the tattoo, age of the tattoo, location of the tattoo, colour present in the tattoo.
The Procedure of Laser Tattoo Removal
Laser tattoo removal can be performed using different types of lasers like Q-Switched Nd: YAG or Ruby laser. Protective eyewear is provided during the treatment, and the skin expert first tests the skin reaction towards the laser by doing a patch test. This helps to find out the intensity and appropriate laser energy to be used during the treatment. Then a high powered light beam targets the outer layer of skin and these layers pass the skin layer without causing any damage to the surrounding skin and the laser light is absorbed through the tattoo ink or the pigment. The absorbed light is instantly converted into heat that raises the temperature and destroys the laser tattoo ink and pigment into small particles. These particles of tattoo ink or pigments are then removed off from the skin and cleared form the lymphatic system and white blood cells of the body.
Aftercare
* Do not rub or scratch the affected area.
* Keep the treated area clean and dry.
* Do not wear tight clothing in the treated area.
* Apply antibiotics to protect the area from infections.
* Use a cool compress or ice pack for 24 hours after surgery.
* Apply moisturizer or aloe-vera cream (as prescribed).
* Patients should avoid strenuous activities for about 24 hours.
* Apply sunscreen to protect the treated area from direct sunlight.
* Avoid using harsh skincare products on the skin.
* Proper care is essential to avoid any infection or scarring.