All About Laser Tattoo Removal

Having laser tattoo removal in California or anywhere else is a fairly big decision. It isn't cheap, and can be quite uncomfortable as well. But for people who regret their skin art for whatever reason, it is a big step up from previously available procedures.

Removing a tattoo with a laser is done by targeting the pigments in the art. The light then breaks down these pigments the same way that the sun does, just in an accelerated manner. The reason that body art often looks faded after long years of exposure to the sun is the same reason that this method of removing it works. After the ink is broken down, the body absorbs it naturally. Darker colors are the most easily targeted.

The number of treatments is variable with the size, color, and location of the art. Those on the forearms and ankles typically take the longest, and larger pieces take longer than smaller ones. During each session, only some of the ink is fragmented, and the body removes the smallest pieces of the fragment. Each subsequent session fragments more of the ink. Usually these sessions are spaced about 6 weeks apart.

People with healthy systems get the best results from laser tattoo removal. The light merely fragments the ink in the art; the body is responsible for removing it. The process can be counter-indicated in people with immune dysfunctions, and it is recommended that healthy patients eat well, sleep plenty, and drink enough water during the process.

A single pulse of the laser is typically described as about as painful as an elastic band snapping. But these machines can fire up to 10 pulses per second, which makes the experience more painful than most people can tolerate. Strong (prescription) numbing creams or injected local anesthetics are usually used. Injected anesthesia can lengthen the treatment process by one or two sessions because of the mild swelling it produces. A few people elect to have treatment without pain relief.

Following a treatment, the area is often slightly lighter in color and slightly raised. There may also be punctuate bleeding (small spots of blood under the skin). The area may ooze clear fluid, and will form a crust within a day or two. This crust should be allowed to fall off naturally, after about two weeks. Antibiotic ointment and a dressing are usually prescribed.

Serious side effects are rare, and the most common ones are aesthetic. Lightening or discoloration of the skin occurs sometimes, most often in patients with darker skin. If it does occur, most cases resolve themselves within 6 to 12 months, but on rare occasions, it can be permanent. Scarring is possible in susceptible patients, and is especially likely if the crust over the site is disturbed.

Depending on the country, about 11-18 percent of people with body art regret their decision. Before the invention of laser tattoo removal, there were no good options that did not result in serious scarring and other skin damage. Given the improved option, some areas have even elected to provide free removal of gang tattoos to people who wish to leave gang life.