Cosmetic Laser Care: Laser Tatoo Removal

by Elisa Cruz

Many people have done it: had a tattoo put on only to wish they had thought twice. Tattoos are permanent and are designed to be, but they need not remain that way. Modern laser technology offers laser tatoo removal, a great way to dramatically lighten, diminish, and remove your tattoos. With the use of state-of-the-art lasers to stimulate the body’s immune system, tattoo inks are flushed out after a certain number of treatments.

Arriving at a tattoo removal clinic for a consultation which may or may not be free of charge (depending on the clinic, they may put the charge toward your first treatment with them), it is a great idea to make sure that you know whether or not your tattoo and your skin type are compatible with the lasers at that particular clinic. You may find it helpful to do some research on laser tatoo removal in your area to see what types of lasers are used. There are three common lasers used for modern laser tatoo removal.

Each laser is called a Q-Switched laser and each one has its own light frequency and wavelength operating options. Each laser works best with certain types of tattoo ink colors. For example, the Q-Switched Ruby Laser works best on green tattoos, while the Q-Switched YAG Laser has an option to alter the wavelengths for both dark blue or bald ink and red or orange inks. The Q-Switched Alexandrite Laser works best for green and blue-black inks. So each laser is only used if its wavelength capacity is best for the tattoo in question. Learning about the types of lasers being used and what will work best for your laser tatoo removal is a great idea.

Some laser tatoo removal clinics have all three lasers available to offer you the most thorough removal possible. Asking questions about what kind of laser they use and what skin colors they work best on is a good idea. Certain lasers may be better for lighter versus darker skin and vice versa. Asking plenty of questions is always a great way to learn about how laser technology can help you to remove your unwanted tattoo.

Once you have decided on what laser works for you and you have a treatment plan figured out, as well as the financial budgeting done to commit yourself to the number of necessary treatments, you may begin your first treatment. It is important to remember that caring for your skin exactly as prescribed by the removal specialist is very important if your skin is to repair itself and eliminate the old ink effectively and properly. Laser tatoo removal can cause scarring and unsightly skin in the area of the tattoo if you are not careful to keep your skin covered and very well cared for.

Remember that lasers are a very powerful tool used across many medical and cosmetic fields and the skin must be cared for properly if their beneficial powers are to work on you. When your treatments are finally done, you can revel in the dramatically reduced or completely eliminated tattoo area and see healthy skin.