What to Expect during Laser Tattoo Removal

Laser tattoo removal is the most common and effective procedure to remove tattoos. The treatment is based on a laser light that is absorbed by the ink pigments of the tattoo. The laser breaks the pigments into smaller particles that are left in the skin. The particles are later on removed by your body’s immune system. The procedure is bloodless and no incisions are made.

Laser Tattoo Removal Procedure

Before you begin the removal procedure, you will get eye shields to wear to protect your eyes. The doctor will start the laser and direct pulses to the tattoo. The ink of the tattoo is fragmented by the short laser pulses that concentrate the light to the ink. The light is targeted only to the tattoo and, thus, it does not affect the surrounding area of skin. Different laser lights are used for the different colors of the tattoo. The entire treatment takes only few minutes and 10 to 30 pulses. You may feel warmth and pain as the laser targets the deeper layers of skin.

After the Treatment

After the treatment is over, ice will be immediately applied to the treated are to reduce swelling. After about 30 minutes anti-bacterial ointment is applied to the treated area and it is bandaged. Typically you need anywhere form one to ten treatments, four to eight weeks apart, to remove the entire tattoo. The number of treatments depends on the depth of the ink level. The success of the treatment depends on the size, location, age and color of the tattoo.