How Well Does Laser Tattoo Removal Work?

How Well Does Laser Tattoo Removal Work
Does Laser Tattoo Removal Really Work? – The first question everyone wants to know about potentially using lasers to remove unwanted tattoos is whether the procedure really works. In short, laser tattoo removal is the safest and most effective method for getting rid of that old ink available today.

What is the success rate of laser tattoo removal?

Factors That Determine How Quickly A Tattoo Can Be Removed – General Health A strong immune system is your greatest ally when it comes to quick tattoo removal. Laser treatment uses heat to break down ink particles in your tattoo. These particles must still be cleared by your body.

  1. The more active your immune system, the more quickly these broken-down ink particles are carried away;
  2. Ink color: Typically green, blue, and black inks are easier to remove, while red, orange, yellow, and white inks are progressively more challenging;

New devices, such as the PiQo4 laser , have improved the efficacy and efficiency in treating these tattoo colors. A recent study demonstrated that 1-2 treatment sessions led to at least 75% clearance of blue and green pigments with the PiQo4 device, with more than two-thirds of tattoos approaching 100% clearance.

Another 2012 study also showed 75% clearance in black pigment as early as 2-4 treatment sessions. Tattoo Age: Older tattoos are prone to pigment fading and may be more easily removed compared to newer tattoos.

Tattoo Size: One variable that is undisputed is that larger tattoos require more treatments than smaller tattoos. A 2010 study published by the Journal of the American Medical Association noted that tattoos over 12 inches in diameter were least successfully removed after 10 treatments.

Professional vs Amateur Tattoo Professional tattoo artists intend for their tattoos to last. They use ample ink which is placed deeply into the skin. The deeper the ink, the more difficult the removal. While an amateur artist might use less ink, their tattoos tend to scar more.

If your tattoo has scarred over, it’s more difficult to remove because the ink gets buried further into the skin. Smoking: The study mentioned above also directly linked the negative effects of smoking on tattoo removal. Subjects who smoked regularly had a 70% lower rate of removal after 10 sessions compared to their non-smoking counterparts.

This lower success rate is most likely related to smoking’s direct effects on wound healing. Skin Color: Tattoo removal is more effective for individuals with lighter skin (specifically Fitzpatrick type 1 or 2 skin types).

Because lighter skin does not significantly absorb laser light, most of the laser energy is focused on the tattoo pigment. In contrast, dark skin siphons a portion of laser light from the tattoo. Also, most laser operators use lower energy settings on patients with darker skin types, as they are more susceptible to unwanted side effects.

  • If you have darker skin, less powerful lasers are used to avoid scarring or discoloration of the top layer of skin;
  • Using less powerful lasers means it will take more time to penetrate the dermis and remove your tattoo ink;

If you have lighter skin, there’s less risk of damage to the epidermis when a high-powered laser is used. Tattoo Location Tattoo removal is harder in areas that have a limited vascular supply and slower healing. Thus, tattoos on the feet, lower legs, or hands require more treatments than tattoos in areas like the chest or back.

Because tattoo removal requires the participation of your body’s own immune system, tattoos on the back, face and neck are easiest to remove. These areas of your body experience greater blood flow and proximity to lymph nodes, which means your body will clear out the pigment here more quickly.

Extremities such as your legs, hands and feet are further from your lymph nodes. These areas take longer to heal and may require more sessions before your tattoo is completely removed. Amount of Ink: The amount of ink used is another parameter that affects laser tattoo removal.

Professional tattoos have a greater density/volume of pigment that resides deeper in the skin. On the other hand, amateur tattooing is usually uneven, superficial, and done with dramatically less ink. Scarring or tissue damage: Some people, especially those with dark skin types, are at risk for developing scars or other tissue damage during the tattooing process.

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Ink pigment that resides under scar tissue is much more difficult to remove and requires more treatments. Scarring can also be a result of poor tattoo aftercare. If your tattoo never healed properly, the ink could be embedded in scar tissue. It’s more challenging to remove ink from scar tissue than healthy skin.

  1. Layered Tattoos (Cover Ups): Layered tattoos (which often occur when a patient tries to cover up their initial tattoo with another one) are difficult to remove and require significantly more treatments than singular tattoos;

Most tattoo ink is translucent, meaning it is necessary to use darker ink tones to cover previous tattoos. Since the new layer is larger and darker (and layering increases the overall volume and density of ink), full removal can be very difficult.

Can laser get rid of tattoo completely?

Can Lasers Remove Tattoos Completely? – Yes, lasers can remove tattoos completely. In fact, lasers are the safest, most effective tool to remove unwanted tattoos with. However, you may need to receive several sessions before the tattoo is removed completely.

How long does it take for laser tattoo removal to work?

Initial Laser Tattoo Results in As Little as 18 Weeks – The amount of time it takes for you to see your laser tattoo removal process starts to fade depends on how your body responds to the treatment. The kind of ink used is also a major factor. Getting rid of a tattoo completely takes multiple sessions, but the results accumulate with each one.

Is tattoo removal ever successful?

Does tattoo removal work? – Absolutely—if you choose the right technique. Laser removal is a highly effective and safe way to remove a tattoo. For most people, it can completely eliminate an old tattoo, although in some cases, the client and specialist may determine that substantial fading will meet the client’s goals best.

What are the disadvantages of laser tattoo removal?

Why is my tattoo not fading after laser treatment?

When you have a tattoo that you regret, it’s natural that you want it removed quickly and effectively. But sometimes the results aren’t as impressive as you were hoping for. Here are the top ten reasons why your laser tattoo removal might not be working as well as you expected. How Well Does Laser Tattoo Removal Work More modern lasers such as the QX-MAX laser , are far more likely to remove your unwanted tattoo completely and quickly without causing any unwanted side effects such as burning or scarring. Medical opinion based on extended clinical research says that tattoo removal of pigments are ideally removed by using a Q-switched laser such as the QX-MAX from Fotona. The ultra short nanosecond pulses generate powers in the Megawatt range producing a powerful yet contained photo-mechanical effect in which pigment particles shatter and destroy the cells they are contained in; effectively removing the pigment.

For safe and effective laser tattoo removal, the laser used has to be powerful enough to break down ink pigments in the quickest amount of time possible. Many of the standard lasers used are just not powerful enough and don’t break up the ink enough to achieve the desired results.

Different laser wavelengths are needed to remove different colors of ink. Dark colors are easier to remove than lighter ones, with black being the easiest of all – a 1064nm laser is the right choice for removing an all-black tattoo. However, this is the only laser offer at many tattoo removal clinics, and it isn’t effective for removing colored tattoos.

Blue and green inks tend to be particularly more difficult to break down – a 585nm laser for blue and a 650nm for green is the most effective for removing these colors, while red and orange inks require a 532nm laser.

So if you have multicolored tattoos your best option would be to choose a laser clinic like Premium Tattoo Removal  which can treat all colors. How Well Does Laser Tattoo Removal Work The skill and experience of your laser technician have a profound impact on the success of your treatment, as well as ensuring your skin is protected. If a tattoo isn’t responding well to treatment, an inexperienced or poorly trained technician may keep treating the same spot for too long. This won’t remove the tattoo any faster or more efficiently – it is actually highly dangerous as it causes heat to build up in the skin, resulting in burns and scars. How Well Does Laser Tattoo Removal Work As laser treatment causes heat to build up in the skin, it is essential that the skin is cooled immediately after each session to ensure all excess heat is removed and prevent the skin from burning. You can also assist the healing of your skin by taking a number of precautions for 48 hours after each session – try to avoid getting the area too hot or wet, wear loose clothing and don’t participate in activities such as contact sports that could result in skin damage. How Well Does Laser Tattoo Removal Work More aftercare tips. Tattoo removal treatments should be spaced at least six weeks apart if you are treating the same area of skin. Any less than this will not give your skin sufficient time to recover from the previous treatment. Laser it again too quickly is likely to cause damage.

An experienced, qualified technician will apply the correct amount of laser pulses over the area for safe and effective removal. Cosmetics and perfumes should not be used on the treated area. More information about laser tattoo removal during your recovery time.

The positioning of your tattoo on your body plays a major part in how effectively it can be removed. The face, neck, and back all have high blood and lymph node counts, which make tattoo removal easier. Good rates of success can also be seen on the arms and legs.

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However, the further down your body your tattoo is, the harder it will generally be to remove. The older your tattoo, the more easily it can generally be removed with laser treatment. Tattoos tend to fade over time.

This makes older ink pigment easier to break down with a laser, so an old tattoo will take fewer sessions to remove than a more recent one. What makes tattoos permanent is the fact that the ink penetrates the second layer of skin – the dermis – which is then protected by the epidermis, the outer layer. How Well Does Laser Tattoo Removal Work Lifestyle factors can also play a huge part in the effectiveness of your tattoo removal treatment – smoking, in particular, is known to make tattoo removal take a lot longer. Research shows that if you smoke, you are 70 percent less likely to see an effective tattoo removal over a ten-session treatment. How Well Does Laser Tattoo Removal Work If you are undergoing laser tattoo removal treatment, it is highly recommended that you avoid exposure to the sun before, during and after your treatment. This is because tattoo removal becomes more difficult if your skin is tanned, and laser treatment cannot be performed at all on burnt skin. If you absolutely can’t avoid exposure to the sun, try not to stay in it for longer than ten minutes at a time, and keep a loose covering over the area of your skin that is being treated. How Well Does Laser Tattoo Removal Work More information about sun exposure during laser tattoo removal. Looking for a reputable laser tattoo removal clinic? Contact Premium Tattoo Removal Today! Premium Tattoo Removal 3033 Chimney Rock Rd. 77056 Houston TX Email: [email protected].

How painful is laser tattoo removal?

Not feeling that flaming skull tattoo with your ex’s name across it anymore and wondering if you can stomach the pain of tattoo removal? Rest easy — while laser tattoo removal can hurt, chances are it won’t hurt as much as getting the tattoo did. Tattoo removal pain is comparable to the pain of a bad sunburn, and the laser pulses feel like a rubber band snapping against your skin.

What’s the best tattoo removal method?

Laser removal – Most experts consider laser removal to be the most successful and cost-effective way to remove tattoos. Often, lasers don’t completely remove a tattoo. Instead, they significantly lighten or fade it so it’s much less noticeable. Today, most tattoos are removed with a Q-switched laser, which sends out energy in one strong pulse.

This pulse of energy heats up the ink in your skin to dissolve it. You’ll need to receive a number of laser treatments over several weeks or longer to remove your tattoo. Older or less complex tattoos will require fewer sessions, while newer or more complex tattoos will require more.

If you have darker skin, you may want to consider Q-switched Nd:YAG laser treatment, which is less likely to change the color of dark skin than traditional Q-switched lasers. In general, it takes about 7 to 10 sessions to remove a tattoo with laser treatment.

  1. You’ll have to wait 6 to 8 weeks between sessions for best results;
  2. Following each session, you’ll want to follow any aftercare instructions you’re given;
  3. Usually, this will involve applying antibacterial ointment to your skin for several days;

The ointment will help heal your skin and reduce the risk of infection. Change the wound dressing each time you apply the ointment. For at least the next 2 weeks:

  • Keep the treated area clean and dry.
  • Avoid wearing tight clothing.
  • Avoid exposing the treated area to direct sunlight.
  • Don’t pick at any scabs or blisters that form.

Laser tattoo removal typically carries a lower risk of scarring than other removal options, just be sure not to pick at the area as it heals, as this can increase your risk of scarring.

Does tattoo removal leave a scar?

Does Laser Tattoo Removal leave scarring? – It is very uncommon for a patient to scar from laser tattoo removal treatment when the proper laser protocols and patient aftercare are followed. If the skin already has irregularities such as scarring expect that to remain after laser tattoo removal.

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Can a tattoo be 100 percent removed?

Answer: 100% clearing` While we cannot assure 100% clearing of tattoos, we do see this in many people. Variability is density and depth of ink used and how your body is able to absorb and remove the ink. The laser’s job is to break up the ink particles small enough for your body to do this effectively.

How many sessions does it take to remove a black tattoo?

How Does Laser Tattoo Removal Work? | Dr. Kirby at LaserAway

How many sessions does it take to remove a tattoo? – As soon as Dr. Saxena determines that you are a good candidate for laser tattoo removal, we will prepare the treatment area by cleaning it and applying a topical anesthetic. We will then pass the device over the skin as it emits the laser energy.

The session time may vary based on the size of the tattoo, but this will be discussed during the consultation with Dr. Saxena. Sometimes, patients require multiple appointments before obvious results can be seen.

At this time, you will learn how many sessions it takes to remove a tattoo. Laser tattoo removal looks different for everyone since each person and their tattoo is unique. Although it is not possible to predict the number of sessions required for complete removal, most patients generally need 6 – 8 sessions.

Are old tattoos easier to remove?

Remove Old Tattoos – The age of your tattoo is a factor in how easy it is to remove. Older tattoos do tend to be removed more easily because they have typically already had some fading over time. For this reason, older tattoos will often take fewer sessions to remove than a newer tattoo would.

How big of a tattoo can be removed?

–> If you have a very large tattoo that you’d like to have removed, you probably have a lot of questions—like whether removal is even possible. Fortunately, laser tattoo removal can remove a tattoo of any size. Removery’s laser specialists can handle any type of tattoo, no matter how large or where it’s located on your body.

How can I speed up tattoo removal?

What percentage of tattoos are removed?

High Rates of Tattoo Regret – Reports for rates of tattoo regret vary, but the we’ve seen statistics that place the number between 17% and 50%. Considering that there are nearly 50 million tattooed Americans, there are millions of people looking for a solution to their unwanted ink.

Is laser tattoo removal cancerous?

Laser Tattoo Removal and Cancer – Some people have a fear that laser tattoo removal can cause cancer. While the treatment itself cannot lead to cancer, if a person has a suspicious lesion on their skin that they have since covered with a tattoo, getting the treatment can worsen it if it is skin cancer.

How painful is laser tattoo removal?

Not feeling that flaming skull tattoo with your ex’s name across it anymore and wondering if you can stomach the pain of tattoo removal? Rest easy — while laser tattoo removal can hurt, chances are it won’t hurt as much as getting the tattoo did. Tattoo removal pain is comparable to the pain of a bad sunburn, and the laser pulses feel like a rubber band snapping against your skin.

What is the most effective tattoo removal?

Laser removal – Most experts consider laser removal to be the most successful and cost-effective way to remove tattoos. Often, lasers don’t completely remove a tattoo. Instead, they significantly lighten or fade it so it’s much less noticeable. Today, most tattoos are removed with a Q-switched laser, which sends out energy in one strong pulse.

  1. This pulse of energy heats up the ink in your skin to dissolve it;
  2. You’ll need to receive a number of laser treatments over several weeks or longer to remove your tattoo;
  3. Older or less complex tattoos will require fewer sessions, while newer or more complex tattoos will require more;

If you have darker skin, you may want to consider Q-switched Nd:YAG laser treatment, which is less likely to change the color of dark skin than traditional Q-switched lasers. In general, it takes about 7 to 10 sessions to remove a tattoo with laser treatment.

You’ll have to wait 6 to 8 weeks between sessions for best results. Following each session, you’ll want to follow any aftercare instructions you’re given. Usually, this will involve applying antibacterial ointment to your skin for several days.

The ointment will help heal your skin and reduce the risk of infection. Change the wound dressing each time you apply the ointment. For at least the next 2 weeks:

  • Keep the treated area clean and dry.
  • Avoid wearing tight clothing.
  • Avoid exposing the treated area to direct sunlight.
  • Don’t pick at any scabs or blisters that form.

Laser tattoo removal typically carries a lower risk of scarring than other removal options, just be sure not to pick at the area as it heals, as this can increase your risk of scarring.