Tattoo removal by laser
Q switched ND-Yag is used for tattoo removal. It produces the 1064 nm and 532 nm wavelengths, which are the most popular wavelengths used in tattoo removal. The 1064 nm wavelength is ideal for treating darker ink colors (black, blue, green) and the 532nm wavelength is effective against brighter ink colors (red, orange, yellow, brown, violet).
MECHANISM
Two key processes break up the ink:
The pigment in your tattoo will absorb the energy from the laser and breaks into smaller pieces, and (2) the incredibly fast pulse of energy from the laser (at just 6 billionths of a second!) has a shockwave-like effect that assists the ink shattering. As an outcome, the ink breaks into smaller granules.
Procedure
- The area is numbed with a numbing cream for 30-45 Min. Thereafter, laser shots are given to the tattoo area. The time required for the session depends on the size of the tattoo. It varies from 15-45 Min.
- What to expect after a laser session?
- Mild redness, swelling lasting for 1-2 days.
- No pain is felt after the session.
- Fading may be seen in next 4-8 weeks.
- Multiple Treatments.
- All tattoos have layers of ink, stacked on top of each other within the skin. The thick concentration of pigment particles cannot be completely broken down in one session. Each session will produce some level of fading.
Number of sessions
- The number of sessions needed to remove the tattoo depends on three factors: the age of the tattoo, the color of the ink, and the density of the ink.
- Type of ink: Professional tattoos take longer time than amateur tattoos. On an average 4-14 sittings may be required to remove a tattoo.
- Age: Older tattoos can be removed with fewer treatments than newer tattoos.
- Color: Certain colors are more easily removed than others. Black and red tattoos are the easiest to remove.
- Location: Because tattoo removal depends on the body to flush away the shattered ink particles, areas of the body with less circulation often take more time to show outcomes. The toes, fingers, ears, and nose are areas that may show slower outcomes.
- Ink Density: Shading in a tattoo is easily removed.