It is estimated that about 10% of the total U.S population has tattoos on their body and about 50% of those people want to remove their tattoos through laser therapy. Those having an unwanted tattoo, can now remove it with latest laser techniques, with minimum or no side effects at all. It works like this: high intensity light beam breaks up the pigment colors of the tattoo and makes it vanish.

All laser wavelengths are absorbed by black tattoo pigment which makes it relatively easy to remove. Selected laser beams are used according to the color that needs to be treated. There were several techniques used in the past to remove tattoos, but in several cases, the remaining spot in place of the tattoo was more disturbing, that the tattoo itself.

To remove a tattoo, you should look for a reputable dermatologist or center for cosmetic surgery to get proper treatment. You may also consult your family doctor –he’ll be able to suggest a dermatologist or a center for skin surgery, which is specialized for this type of treatments. The number of treatments may differ depending on size and color of the tattoo. You can get your tattoo removed in two to four sessions – in some cases, it may take longer that than. Ultimately, it all depends on the tattoo itself.

Laser treatments vary for different people depending on their age, size of the tattoo and either if the tattoo is professionally made, or made by an amateur. The removal techniques also depend upon the color of the skin and depth of the ink. Most people are not given anesthesia, but it’s ultimately down to the physician to either give an anesthesia or not. This mostly depends upon persons pain tolerance and the body part which needs to be treated.

Possible Side Effects of Laser Tattoo Removal

Laser removal technique has minimum side effects, but you should be aware of them, while you are taking a removal decision:

Infection may develop at the area where the tattoo was. Not all pigments may be removed and there is a small chance of a permanent scar. Hypo-pigmentation or hyper-pigmentation may develop. In the first one, the skin that is treated becomes paler than the surrounding skin, while in the second one, the skin that is treated becomes darker than the surrounded skin. The lip liner, eyebrows, eyeliner and other cosmetic tattoos may become darker after treating with lasers. If so, further treatment is needed for these tattoos to fade completely.

The latest laser technology has become more popular, as well as effective in removing the tattoos, and having very low chances of scars. It is much safer than old methods of removing tattoos like excision and salabrasion (use of moist gauze pads filled with a solution of salt to scrape away the area where tattoo is).