Laser Tattoo Removal

 If you have a tattoo and you've decided you don't want to look at it anymore, laser tattoo removal might be an option you should consider. Studies have found that up to 50 percent of tattoo owners eventually decide that they'd rather remove them, so you're in good company.

Laser tattoo removal is currently the safest, easiest and least painful way to remove a tattoo. It might take up to 30 minutes for the entire tattoo to be eradicated. However, if the artist used several different colors of ink, you might not be able to remove the entire thing, or you might need to make several trips to finish the job.

Who Performs the Procedure?
If you want your laser tattoo removal to be effective, it is important that you consult with a licensed physician who has performed the procedure many times. The process should take place in a clinic where all of the necessary equipment is located, and you should make sure to verify the physician's credentials before you make an appointment.

Just like getting the tattoo in the first place, laser tattoo removal requires a competent professional who can deal with any complications and who will use safe, sterile equipment. In most cases, you will be able to get a free consultation with a specialist who can talk to you about your particular situation. He'll be able to tell you how long the procedure will take and how effective it will be based on your specific tattoo.

In most cases, you should be able to locate a physician through a referral from your family doctor, or you can research cosmetic surgery centers where the procedure is performed. In most cases, these physicians will perform other procedures that don't involve tattoos, so consider all possible cosmetic surgery offices.

How Should You Handle the Consultation?
When you first meet with a specialist about laser tattoo removal, it is important that you get all of the information up front and in writing, if possible. You should ask the physician how much it will cost to have your tattoo ink removed, how long it will take, how many sessions will be required and what type of results you should expect. A licensed, reputable physician will have no trouble answering these questions.

It is also important to realize that even a doctor cannot work miracles. If your tattoo is particularly intricate or if it covers a significant portion of your body, he may not be able to remove every scrap of ink from your skin. Lasers remove some types of ink (such as black) more easily than others (such as red).

How Should You Prepare?
Before laser tattoo removal, make sure that you have all of the information you need, and you'll need to follow your physician's instructions to the letter. In most cases, you'll want to take an over-the-counter pain medication prior to your visit, though laser tattoo removal is not considered intolerably painful.

Patients who have low pain tolerances or who request it in advance might be given a topical anesthetic to guard against pain. Most physicians would prefer not to do this, however, as it can increase the risks of complications.

What Happens During the Procedure?
Although the exact process will vary depending on the physician you choose, the basic guidelines are the same regardless of where you go. First, patients are given a pair of eye goggles to protect their eyes from the laser beams, and are usually positioned on a stool or bench where the physician has easy access to the tattoo.

Laser tattoo removal begins by testing the skin's reaction to the laser beam. This will probably involve several short pulses against one area of the skin while the physician tests various energy levels. Once completed, the physician will use a hand piece to guide the laser beam and will begin the tattoo removal process, which can take up to thirty minutes per session.

In some cases, a tattoo is removed in just two sessions, while larger tattoos with more colors might take up to twenty. With each visit, the tattoo itself should be noticeably lighter, until it disappears entirely. Following each procedure, you'll be given an ice pack that will help to guard against swelling and discomfort, and you'll be asked to apply a topical ointment for several days thereafter.

Is It Safe?
Tattoo ink can be stubborn, which means that laser tattoo removal isn't always effective, but the procedure itself is relatively safe with far fewer risks than tattoo application. Studies have determined that loss of pigment and temporary bruising are the most common side effects.

Depending on the type of laser used, you might also develop a scab over the area following laser tattoo removal, and some patients experience mild blistering that is soothed by the cream provided by your physician. If you experience any side effects at all, make sure you talk to your physician and schedule a follow-up visit as needed.

It is important to realize that laser tattoo removal is not a perfect procedure, and that you might never be entirely rid of the tattoo you now consider a mistake. However, by seeking help from a qualified physician, you may be able to remove the majority of your tattoo safely and easily.