How to Remove a Tattoo With Laser Treatments

Laser therapy for removing tattoos has been around since the late 1980s. Laser treatment is the most commonly used method for removing tattoos. Different types of lasers are available, depending on your skin color and the color of the tattoo. Three different types of lasers are available; Q-Switched ruby laser for green ink and dark-skinned people; Q-Switched Nd: YAG for black, blue, red and orange ink; and Q-Switched Alexandrite laser for green and blue ink.
  1. Process

    • High-concentrated color light beams direct energy toward the ink in the skin. The color beams break the ink into tiny fragments.

    Clinical Sessions

    • To complete removal, you must repeat the process several times. The concentration of the ink in the tattoo determines the number of sessions you need. If your tattoo has high concentrations of ink, you need more sessions.

    Time Frame

    • Laser treatments usually end in a matter of minutes. A bigger tattoo requires a longer time. The treatment sessions are broken into 1 treatment a week over a period of 4 to 8 weeks.

    First Stage

    • The first stage in removing your tattoo is testing the reaction of your skin to the laser, to determine the most effective amount of energy to use.

    After Treatment

    • Ice is put on the tattoo area to reduce swelling. In 30 minutes, antibacterial cream is placed over the tattoo.

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