Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHow It WorksPainBenefitsRisks and LimitationsSafetyPreparationProcedureAftercare and RecoveryScarringAlternatives
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
How It Works
Pain
Benefits
Risks and Limitations
Safety
Preparation
Procedure
Aftercare and Recovery
Scarring
Alternatives
Tattoosare a popular type of body art in the United States, with approximately one-third of the population having at least one tattoo.While tattoos are considered permanent, there is a procedure calledlaser tattoo removalthat can lighten or remove the tattoo ink.
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How Does Laser Tattoo Removal Work?
Lasersare used to remove tattoos through a process called selectivephotothermolysis. In this process, the laser breaks up the tattoo ink, and the immune system is triggered to remove the tattoo fragments, which causes the tattoo to lighten.
Does Laser Tattoo Removal Hurt?
Lasertattooremoval can feel like a rubber band snapping against the skin, and the discomfort can range from slightly uncomfortable to painful.
To help manage the pain, topical skinnumbing creamsand medications can be applied.
Benefits of Laser Tattoo Removal
One of the greatest benefits of laser tattoo removal is that it is the least invasive option for removing ink from the skin while still being very effective. Other methods likedermabrasion,chemical peels, and surgery are invasive.Other benefits include:
Risks and Limitations of Laser Tattoo Removal
While laser tattoo removal is generally well tolerated, there are potential side effects and risks associated with the procedure.
The risk of laser tattoo removal to the body include:
Tattoo removal is not typically accomplished in one session. It can take between six and 1,2 sessions. The number of sessions will depend on the tattoo size and colors used.
Is Laser Tattoo Removal Safe for Everyone?
While most people can safely undergo laser tattoo removal there are a few exceptions. To be a good candidate for laser tattoo removal you must have a healthyimmune system, should not bepregnant, and should not be breastfeeding.
Preparing for Laser Tattoo Removal
It’s important to properly prepare before getting laser tattoo removal. This includes researching a reputablehealthcare providerand going in for a consultation before the procedure.
Thehealthcare providerwill ask several questions and evaluate the tattoo. The consultation may include:
The Laser Tattoo Removal Procedure
Laser tattoo removal is typically done in a healthcare provider’s office.
The first step in the process is to apply a numbing cream. Some providers may use an injectable numbing medication. After the area is numbed, the provider will clean the site and have you and others in the room wear protective sunglasses. The laser will be placed against the tattooed skin. It emits a pulsed light that will break up the tattoo ink. The actual lasering will take approximately 10 minutes or less, depending on the tattoo’s size.
The area will be red and swollen right after treatment. Applying acold compresscan help alleviate symptoms.
The area that was lasered will be an open wound that needs to be cleaned and may requireantibiotic ointmentfor 10 to 14 days.
Does Laser Tattoo Removal Cause Scars?
Scarring is a possible side effect of laser tattoo removal. This is a rare side effect that tends to occur when the person performing the procedure lacks proper training.
Alternative Tattoo Removal Methods
Lasers are the gold standard for tattoo removal, but other methods include:
These methods are less common because they do not actually remove the tattoo ink but rather injure the skin around the tattoo, causing an immune system response. The results with these methods vary from person to person and come with a greater chance of scarring.
Summary
Lasers are the most common removal method for tattoos. The laser breaks up the tattoo ink, which prompts the immune system to take the ink from the skin. The procedure may take multiple sessions to see adequate results.Always consult a trusted healthcare provider before undergoing the procedure to determine your risks and benefits.
5 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Pew Research Center.32% of Americans have a tattoo, including 22% who have more than one.Ho SG, Goh CL.Laser tattoo removal: a clinical update.J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2015;8(1):9-15. doi:10.4103%2F0974-2077.155066American Society of Plastic Surgeons.Tattoo removal.Madison Wellness & Aesthetic Center.How laser tattoo removal works.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Tattoo removal: options and results.
5 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Pew Research Center.32% of Americans have a tattoo, including 22% who have more than one.Ho SG, Goh CL.Laser tattoo removal: a clinical update.J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2015;8(1):9-15. doi:10.4103%2F0974-2077.155066American Society of Plastic Surgeons.Tattoo removal.Madison Wellness & Aesthetic Center.How laser tattoo removal works.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Tattoo removal: options and results.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Pew Research Center.32% of Americans have a tattoo, including 22% who have more than one.Ho SG, Goh CL.Laser tattoo removal: a clinical update.J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2015;8(1):9-15. doi:10.4103%2F0974-2077.155066American Society of Plastic Surgeons.Tattoo removal.Madison Wellness & Aesthetic Center.How laser tattoo removal works.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Tattoo removal: options and results.
Pew Research Center.32% of Americans have a tattoo, including 22% who have more than one.
Ho SG, Goh CL.Laser tattoo removal: a clinical update.J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2015;8(1):9-15. doi:10.4103%2F0974-2077.155066
American Society of Plastic Surgeons.Tattoo removal.
Madison Wellness & Aesthetic Center.How laser tattoo removal works.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Tattoo removal: options and results.
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