As the demand for tattoo removal has grown, so as the number of available tattoo removal options. Within this continually expanding market, consumers have the ability to select from a variety of tattoo removal alternatives that range in cost, effectiveness, pain level and risk. In recent years, laser tattoo removal has become the preferred tattoo removal method. The below article describes the laser tattoo removal process and discusses other important factors, such as cost, treatment specs and risk, that should be considered when choosing a tattoo removal method.
How Laser Tattoo Removal Works
A tattoo’s successful removal is dependent on four factors:
The color of the light penetrating deep enough into the skin to reach the tattoo pigment
The color of the laser light being more highly absorbed by the tattoo pigment than the surrounding skin
The time duration (pulse duration) of the laser energy must be very short, so that the tattoo pigment is heated to fragmentation temperature before its heat can dissipate to the surrounding skin. Otherwise, heating of the surrounding tissue can cause burns or scar
Sufficient energy must be delivered during each laser pulse to heat the pigment to fragmentation. If the energy is too low, pigment will not fragment and no removal will take place(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tattoo_removal).
Laser Tattoo Removal Cost
The total cost of removing a tattoo using laser therapy is variable and dependent upon the experience of the doctor/technician, skin type and the size and color(s) of the tattoo. The removal of most tattoos requires multiple treatments, which can range from $80-500 per session.
Frequency of Laser Treatment Sessions
The number of sessions required to remove a tattoo varies considerably and is based on the size, color(s), age and type of ink used. An individual with a strong immune system and whose overall lifestyle choices promote health (e.g. non-smoker, exercises, etc) is more inclined to see rapid and positive results than an individual that leads a less healthy lifestyle.
Tattoo removal treatments should be scheduled in 4-8 week increments, so as to allow sufficient time for the ink particle to break down and the skin to heal fully.
Laser Tattoo Removal Risks and Side Effects
Laser tattoo removal treatments can be painful and may cause temporary swelling, blistering, redness, etc. to the affected area. More serious side effects, while rare, may include pigmentation/textural changes to skin (pigmentation typically normalizes in 6-12 months), secondary infection, scarring and allergic reactions to the topical anesthetic.
Individuals with immune deficiencies or disorders (e.g. diabetes, HIV), who form keloids or hypertrophic scars (elevated scar that is raised and stiffer than surrounding skin) or take certain medications are not ideal candidates for laser tattoo removal.
Pre and Post Laser Treatment Recommendations and Considerations
Individuals preparing to undergo laser tattoo removal should avoid smoking in the weeks preceding and immediately following the treatment. Professionals recommend that the affected area be treated in a similar manner to that of a new tattoo; avoid excessive heat, keep the skin clean, and apply ice to control swelling.
Laser tattoo removal is on the cutting edge of technology, carries an extremely low level of risk and is proven to be effective. As such, it is in the interest of anyone pursing tattoo removal to strongly consider laser therapy as their first choice.
Tags: Cost of Tattoo Reamoval, Frequency of Treatment Sessions, laser tattoo removal, patient care, Side Effects
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