How long does each Laser procedure take?
Laser treatment usually does not take more than a few minutes. However, multiple sessions are required to remove most tattoos. The multiple sessions are split over 4-8 weeks, depending on the size and complexity of the tattoo
What happens at the physician’s office?
Once you arrive, your eyes will be covered by eye shields to protect against the laser rays. The doctor will test your skin’s reaction to the laser to set the right amount of energy. A pen like laser device is then activated and the laser is fired along the tattoo. Each burst of laser feels like a needle sting. Depending on the size of the tattoo, 10-30 pulses of the laser may be required in one session. For those who hate needle stings, this is real fun.
What happens after each laser treatment?
Once the treatment is completed, ice is applied immediately on the treated tattoo to minimize the swelling. After about 30 minutes, a topical antibiotic ointment is placed on the tattoo followed by a sterile dressing. The skin site should be left dry for a few days. It should be treated just like sunburn.
How long is each session?
On average, each laser treatment takes from ten to twenty minutes. Most individuals require at least several treatments for the best result
What are side effects of laser treatment?
Side effects of laser procedures are generally few but may include:
Depigmentation: Some individuals may develop fading of the skin (hypopigmentation). This hypopigmentation may resolve in 2-3 months, but in some cases it is permanent. Others may develop darkening of the skin. However, these dark spots are difficult to resolve and require some of bleaching agent
Texture change: Often an individual will feel changes in texture of skin. The skin will appear rough and scratchy. These textural changes usually resolve in a few months. However, in some cases the changes may be permanent. Skin textural changes resolve over 6-8 weeks in most cases. Tattoos of face and neck respond faster but are also more sensitive to tissue damage.
Allergic reactions: Some individuals may develop a localized allergic response to some of the tattoo pigments after laser treatment. However, these allergic responses are more common with some lasers only. The allergic response can be treated with steroids.
Ink darkening: Sometimes cosmetic tattoos with red or flesh colored tattoos can darken with laser treatment. This is usually a chemical reaction from the heat generated from the laser. Therefore, a test will be conducted by the physician to determine how things will work out. Some individuals may use this ability of the laser to darken the eyeliner tattoos. This is a permanent reaction.
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