Laser tattoo removal

Compared to the surgical method of getting rid of permanent drawings on the skin, as well as dermabrasion and chemical peeling laser tattoo removal is considered less invasive and more effective.

Indications for the procedure

Tattoo removal is considered a cosmetic procedure and in most cases is a personal choice of the individual. A survey was conducted in some countries, according to which 19% of British adults with tattoos, 14% of Americans and 11% of Italians - for various reasons - regret having one.

And medical indications for laser tattoo removal can be associated with the development of an allergic reaction to the used pigment (ink). Such a reaction (with rashes, itching and swelling) is possible immediately after the procedure of its application, and after consultation with a dermatologist can be made removal of fresh tattoos by laser.

But more often carry out removal of old tattoos by laser, and to the medical indications for it may include manifestation of autoimmune diseases in particular, sarcoidosis, as well as exacerbation of eczema or psoriasis. [1]

Preparation

What is the preparation for this procedure? Before the procedure, specialists recommend:

• avoid exposing your skin to sunlight (or use a sunscreen with SPF 30) and do not visit a tanning salon for a month before the procedure;
• For the healing process to be successful, it is better to limit smoking or quit smoking for the same three to four weeks;
• Three days before the procedure, stop external application of any medications on the treated areas, including any anesthetic ointments;
• take a shower, but without detergents containing oils or fragrances;
• shave off the hair on the area of skin with the tattoo.

You should also wear roomier clothing so that it does not press on the laser-treated areas of skin. [2]

Technique of the laser tattoo removal

The technique of this procedure is based on the effect of concentrated light waves of ultra-short duration (in the nanosecond range) on the particles of coloring components in the skin, which as a result of heating are fragmented - disintegrated into microscopic particles that are gradually removed by the cells of the lymphatic system. Therefore, complete tattoo removal is not usually achieved in one session, and at least six weeks must elapse after each treatment - to allow the skin to heal.

In order to reduce pain during the procedure, simple cooling of the area (using a skin cooler), local anesthetics (in the form of creams or gels), and Lidocaine injection are used.

The laser beam is passed over the tattoo, and the minimum duration of each procedure is 15 minutes, but it all depends not only on the size of the tattoo, but also on the type of ink that was used in its application, as well as the type of skin. And the stages of laser tattoo removal are each session during which the laser beam destroys the dye that is deeper or of a different color.

Pigments used for tattoos differ in their light absorption spectrum, for example, yellow, all pastel colors and fluorescent inks are more difficult to remove than darker ones (black, blue).

At the end of the session, a gauze dressing is applied to the treated skin area to protect the wound. [3]

Tattoo removal lasers

It is difficult to name the best laser for tattoo removal, because, as experience shows, 100% guarantee of pigment removal from the tattoo gives virtually no laser beam.

However, it should be noted that the technology of tattoo removal during several repeated visits by lasers with modulation of optical switches (Q-Switched) is effective; such devices are characterized by internal crystal rods. [4]

The so-called Q-Switch laser for tattoo removal delivers energy in ultra-short pulses - depending on the specific wavelengths needed for different pigments. And only Q-Switch lasers are capable of removing both dark and bright tattoos. [5]

Shorter wavelengths are required for warm-spectrum pigments closer to the skin's surface (these include red, yellow, pink, orange and brown. While darker tattoo inks penetrate deeper into the skin and longer wavelengths are required to remove them.

Neodymium laser tattoo removal is performed with the help of Q-Switch neodymium laser on yttrium-aluminum garnet (Nd: YAG) with a wavelength of 1064 nm; it is primarily used to remove black, blue and purple tattoos. Dark green pigment can be treated with Nd: YAG Q-Switch Q laser with a wavelength of 755 nm, and for dyes of brown, red, pink, orange and yellow colors Nd: YAG laser with a wavelength of 532 nm is used.

For removal of colored tattoos by laser for treatment of green and blue (turquoise) color Q-Switched Ruby Laser with synthetic ruby crystal (wavelength 694 nm) is used. Alexandrite Q-Switched laser with a wavelength of 510 nm is effective for removal of multi-color tattoos, including those with red pigment. [6]

To remove green, black, blue and red pigments, specialists also use an ultra-fast PicoSecond laser or picosecond laser for tattoo removal - with a neodymium-doped yttrium-aluminum garnet crystal (wavelength 532 nm or 1064 nm) or alexandrite crystal (wavelength 755 nm).

Contraindications to the procedure

Laser tattoo removal is contraindicated in case of high body temperature; patients with oncology, AIDS and hepatitis; diabetes mellitus; acute infections (bacterial, viral or fungal); in the presence of hematologic diseases and during exacerbation of dermatologic diseases; epileptic patients; during pregnancy and lactation; in cases of hypersensitivity to laser exposure.

Complications after the procedure

Most people feel discomfort and soreness after laser tattoo removal, there is a white-gray discoloration of the treated area, erythema of varying intensity, meaning the treated area of skin may become red and also swollen. This is considered a common reaction that varies from patient to patient and subsides fairly quickly.

Complications and consequences include blistering, development of severe edema, severe skin hyperemia and temporary darkening of the tattoo. In addition, there may be inflammation of the skin (as a result of infection), hyperpigmentation or discoloration of the treated skin, changes in its structure and the formation of scabs and scars. Scarring is more likely to occur in areas with thin skin. [7]

Care after the procedure

What is included in the care after laser tattoo removal? Analgesics, such as Paracetomol, are taken for pain and ice packs are applied at half-hourly intervals.

Once a day you should wash the laser-treated area with water and mild soap, and blot it dry. As recommended by experts, in case of severe redness, you can apply ointment Levomekol, Aquaphor (Eucerin Aquaphor), Panthenol (Dexpanthenol), Neosporin, 10% Methyluracil ointment and cover with a non-sticky dressing for several days or until the skin lesion heals.

It is necessary to avoid exposure to sunlight on the laser-treated area, physical activity for a few days to minimize, do not take a bath and do not swim in a pool or natural bodies of water, refuse alcohol and do not smoke.

If the tattoo is on the lower limb, you should keep the leg in an elevated position to improve circulation and speed up healing.

And each subsequent stage of laser tattoo removal is done at least six to eight weeks after the previous one. And each time the tattoo will fade until the optimal result is achieved.