Scuba diving off Langkawi Island

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Tattoo Removal FAQ's

What’s the best way to remove a tattoo?

Although a tattoo looks like a simple painting, it’s actually a series of ink deposits deep within the skin – designed to last forever. Today it’s increasingly common for people to seek tattoo removal – for personal or professional reasons. Early methods carried a high risk of scarring, were painful and not very effective. The introduction of Q-Switched lasers greatly improved the process, allowing physicians and nurses to eliminate most tattoos with a high degree of success and very low risk of scarring. The Q-Switched Nd:YAG lasers that use PhotoAcoustic energy are the gold standard lasers for tattoo removal, with a strong history of efficacy worldwide.

How does the laser remove the tattoo?

Lasers target tattoos with a very specific wavelength of light energy – in fact, a separate wavelength is needed for each ink color. The popular Q-Switched lasers use PhotoAcoustic energy to gently penetrate the skin and target tattoo ink. The light energy gently vibrates and shatters the tattoo ink into micro-particles that are eventually eliminated through the body’s natural processes. Because the laser delivers the energy in a very precise ‘beam,’ physicians and nurses can trace the design without damaging the surrounding skin.

How many laser treatments are needed to remove a tattoo?

Laser tattoo removal requires several sessions. On average, professional tattoos need 6 to 15 treatments, while amateur tattoos need four to five treatments, spaced approximately four to eight weeks apart. The number of treatments depends on the size of the tattoo, the amount and type of ink used, and the depth of the ink in the skin. The location of the tattoo will also affect the clearance rate. Cost varies according to anatomical region and size.

Will the tattoo completely disappear?

After the first treatments, you’ll notice a temporary whitening of the treated area. Over time, the tattoo will fade and the skin returns to normal color. Lasers will generally eliminate about 95% of the tattoo.

Can all lasers remove colored tattoos?

Most lasers have at least two wavelengths to target dark (blue, black) and red inks. Advanced lasers with four wavelengths can target most multi-colored tattoos, including dark colors, red, orange, green, sky blue and yellow. Dark (blue, black) and red inks will resolve the best. Oranges and purples usually fade as well. Green, sky blue and yellow inks are the most difficult to remove, and additional treatments are needed to produce significant fading.

Does laser tattoo removal hurt?

The Q-Switched lasers with PhotoAcoustic energy emit light in very short pulses. Patients say the pulses of light feel similar to snaps of small rubber bands on the skin, followed by a feeling of warmth. Because the tattoo ink absorbs the laser energy, some patients may feel mild discomfort as the nurse traces the design. The skin is cooled first with ice or or cold air. Topical anaesthetic creams can also be used.

What type of post-treatment care is necessary?

An ointment and dressing will be applied immediately after treatment and the area must be kept clean. Follow the post treatment instructions provided to you. You can take a shower the next day, although the treated area should never be scrubbed. If a scab forms it is important that you do not pick or scratch it.

Which laser is best laser for tattoo removal?

The RevLite laser represents the most advanced laser for removal of black and multi-colored tattoos from the company that pioneered the technology. The proprietary PTP setting (PhotoAcoustic Technology Pulse) harnesses up to 60 percent more power for increased efficiency in treating a wide range of tattoos.