The decision of a lifetime, body art, such as tattoos, are generally permanent fixtures on the wearer. However, there are occasions when a body art aficionado may repent of his decision; in this situation, the options are limited to either a cover-up tattoo, or laser tattoo removal. Laser tattoo removal destroys the ink implanted in the skin during the tattoo procedure; once destroyed, the body will reject the ink naturally. Laser tattoo removal is a costly and painful procedure, which should only be performed by a professional.
Initial Consultation
Attend the initial consultation with the medical professional who will be performing the procedure. Along with medical history and background, the doctor will also evaluate the size, shape and ink quality of the tattoo. Since there are several varieties of laser treatment available, this is where the style of treatment will be decided. You may be told whether or not to expect scarring, and how many visits a complete removal may take.
Numbing
As the laser treatment can be painful, either a topical numbing solution such as Lidocaine or Prilocaine may be applied to make the procedure more comfortable. Alternately, some clinics will inject the area with a local anesthetic before beginning the laser tattoo removal. Another alternate method involves the use of a cryo unit, which intakes air, cools it to below freezing, and washes it onto the skin. This type of procedure is done concurrently with the tattoo removal.
Removal
The tattoo removal is done by directing the laser at the inked area. Commonly used lasers in tattoo removal treatments are Q-switched lasers, which deliver a high intensity pulsed beam to the inked area. The ink is damaged by the pulses from the laser, and can then be disposed of by the body's lymphatic system. The actual removal of a tattoo by laser treatment takes less time than getting a tattoo, in the first place. The tattoo will begin to fade with the first treatment.
Repeat Visits
Laser tattoo removal cannot be completed in one visit. The body's natural drainage and waste processes need to be given time to act on the deconstructed ink; visits are spaced a month to 8 weeks apart, depending on the patient's ability to heal. Certain colors of ink, such as black, respond well to laser tattoo removal treatment; ink colors such as green and teal may take more time to remove, due to the dye compounds used in manufacturing them. Tattoo ink is not currently regulated by the Food & Drug Administration, and there is no standard for manufacturing inks; therefore, there is no way to estimate the amount of time it will take for the ink to be damaged by the laser.
Aftercare
Just as the initial tattoo has an aftercare procedure, the laser tattoo removal has its own type of aftercare. Chief among the initial side effects is a noticeable swelling, which can be treated by applying ice to the area, and by use of Non Steroidal Anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen. A topical antibiotic may be prescribed for the area, and the patient may be told to avoid prolonged exposure to water, as this can disrupt lymphatic drainage, and increase the risk of scarring. It is also recommended to wear a sunblock of SPF 25 or higher on the treated areas, as the skin there is delicate, and easily damaged by UVB rays.
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