The tattoo removal is done with the Q-Switched laser. This laser can generate very high energy with a very short pulse duration. When the pigment (ink particles) absorbs the laser beam, the energy of the laser pulse will fragment the ink particles. When the tattoo particles have become small enough, they will be removed from the skin by the immune system.
Tattoo ink is an exogenous pigment that can be of various colours, various compositions, can be put in different layers and depths in the skin. All of these influence the number of sessions needed to remove a tattoo with a laser.
When do I see results?
Depending on the number of colours and type of ink used, the size, the quality (professional or amateur) and the location of the tattoo, the number of treatments varies from 4 to more than 10 sessions, with an interval of about 8 to 12 weeks, to achieve the desired result.
Too often, people stop their treatment before seeing optimal results. Each treatment removes more ink (blurs your tattoo). A laser cannot safely break down all pigment layers in one session. This process takes time. In some cases, the full resolution of the tattoo cannot be achieved.
Colors that respond best to laser treatment are dark colors such as black and dark blue. Removing multiple color tattoos can be more challenging. In some cases, we combine Q-switched laser with the ablative CO2 laser to ‘vaporise’ tattoo particles out of the skin.
Is it painful?
Removing a tattoo can be painful. If desired, the treatment area is locally anesthetized in advance with a cream. During the treatment, cold air is used to create the greatest possible comfort.