Tattoo removal with lasers

Posted on Posted in Anatomy, Any Body Area, Cosmetic, Skin, Surgery

Laser tattoo removal

Laser tattoo removal

Tattoos are created by using a needle to deposit pigment in the dermis of the skin. They are removed using medical lasers, leaving little or no scarring.

Lasers produce beams of intense light which can be precisely focused. This light passes through normal skin tissue without damaging it. But when it touches pigmented cells, its energy is absorbed and converted to heat, fragmenting the pigment. This happens quickly and surrounding tissues suffer little damage. Over time, the body’s own defense systems carry away the damaged, pigmented material. Successful removal usually requires four to twelve treatment sessions.

Different lasers for different colors (chart)

Laser type/Tattoo colors

Ruby* / Black, blue, purple and green
Nd:YAG* / Black, red, orange and pink
Alexandrite* / Black, blue and green
Pulsed dye / Orange and yellow

LABELS:
Epidermis
Sub-cutaneous layer
Muscle
Dermis
Laser beam
Tattoo pigment
* All Q-switched

Yellow and green are the most difficult tattoo colors to remove.

Text and illustrations by Kevin T. Boyd

Acupressure for tattoo pain
Whether getting a new tattoo or having one removed, for tattoo pain, look for acupressure points for the body part tattooed, e.g. Arm, Ankle, Breast, Chest, Face, Fingers, Foot, Forearm, Hand, Head, Leg, Neck, Shoulder, Thigh, Wrist on PointFinder.org. Also try Skin, Burns.
If this is your first time, please read the instructions. Don’t use acupressure to replace standard emergency procedures or licensed medical treatment. If you are seriously injured or have acute symptoms seek urgent medical treatment.