Treatments that Can Be Combined with Laser Tattoo Removal

Laser tattoo removal is one of the safest and most efficient tattoo removal procedures. In order to make a tattoo, the artists inject ink in the middle layer of the skin. The laser tattoo removal involves the use of laser beams which acts on the ink or pigments which are used in the making of the tattoo. Depending on the depth of the skin where the ink penetrated and the type of pigment used, some tattoos are easier to remove while other need more sessions or cannot be removed completely. Laser is also used for a series of other dermatological and cosmetic procedures such as skin rejuvenation, scar removal, hair removal or correcting pigmentation irregularities. In some cases, the specialist would choose to combine different laser therapies for better results or for treating several problems. Laser tattoo removal procedures can be combined with skin fractional resurfacing, laser hair removal procedures or laser enhancement peeling.

Fractional Resurfacing

Laser tattoo removal is a procedure based on the action of the laser beam on the ink pigments in the tattoo. The laser only targets the pigments and breaks them down, without affecting the surrounding healthy skin cells. Fractional resurfacing is also a laser-based procedure which is used to treat a series of dermatological problems, from wrinkles to acne and pigmentation irregularities. Using laser tattoo removal procedures in combination with laser fractional resurfacing (both ablative and non-ablative), enhances the chances of better results in tattoo removal. The combination of the 2 treatments has better results in pigment clearance and the risk of hypopigmentation following laser tattoo removal procedure is reduced. Studies showed that the risk of blisters is also reduced. The ablative fractional resurfacing procedure helps remove the surface pigments. It also triggers a healing response which facilitates the filtering of the pigments broken down by the tattoo laser removal procedure. Non-ablative fractional resurfacing procedures prevent the risk of hypopigmentation because they stimulate the activity and migration of melanocytes. Besides improving the outcome and diminishing the risk of side-effects, the combination of these treatment methods allow for shorter recovery period.

Laser Hair Removal

Laser tattoo removal procedures can be combined with laser hair removal procedures. This way, the patient can get rid of an unwanted tattoo and of the extra hair altogether. The laser energy emitted during the treatment targets and breaks the hair pigment damaging the hair follicle without causing serious damage to the surrounding skin cells. Even if hair removal is not permanent, this procedure reduces hair growth considerably.

Laser Enhancement Peel

Laser enhancement peels are a new variant of chemical peels. Chemical peel exfoliates the skin correcting surface minor abnormalities such as different textures, pigmentation spots, wrinkles and fine lines. Chemical peel can be performed before laser treatments, such as tattoo removal, to improve its outcome. Laser enhancement peel implies the use of patient-specific solution, designed according to the individual specifics of the patient. It prepares the skin for the laser tattoo removal therapy, reduces the risks of side effects, and also has a rejuvenating effect on the area.