Laser Tattoo Removal
Due to advancements in laser technology, permanent tattoo removal by lasers is now the most popular method to remove tattoos. In this procedure, laser beams of different wavelengths are passed on the tattoos to turn the ink into tiny particles. Furthermore, with developments in Q-switched laser technology, it is possible to get rid of tattoos with minimal risk of scarring and pigmentary alteration. And Dr Agarwal’s Clinic is among the few tattoo removal centre with Q-Switched Nd:YAG laser machine offering laser tattoo removal in Siliguri.
What is laser tattoo removal?
Laser tattoo removal is a method to remove tattoos using high-intensity laser beams. These beams break up the tattoo pigments into tiny particles. When light energy enters into the skin, tattoo ink particles selectively absorb the light. These ink particles are then shattered into very small fragments. The shattered ink fragments then enable the body’s immune system, which remove these tiny particles over a period of time. Dermatologists use laser beams of different wavelengths depending on the color of the tattoo ink.
Types of lasers for removing permanent tattoos
There are three types of lasers used for removing tattoos. They are Q- Switched Ruby laser, Q-Switched Nd:YAG laser, and Q-Switched Alexandrite laser. And these lasers are distinguished based on the wavelengths of the laser beams.
Effect of color of tattoo on laser tattoo removal process
Color of a tattoo is important and the success of laser tattoo removal procedure depends a lot on the color of ink particles.
Q-Switched Nd:YAG laser operated at wavelength of 1064 nm is the treatment of choice for removing dark black and blue tattoos in dark-skinned patients.
Whereas, Q-Switched Alexandrite laser operated at wavelength of 755 nm is effective for removing dark black and blue tattoos in light skin patients.
Q-Switched Nd:YAG laser operated at wavelength of 532 nm is the best laser for red ink tattoo removal for light skin patients.
And Q-Switched ruby laser operated at wavelength of 694 nm is the best laser for green ink tattoo removal for light skin patients.
Single wavelength laser beam cannot remove multicolored tattoos. Hence, they are to be treated with different lasers, with beams of different wavelengths, each targeting ink of different color.
How long does it take to remove the tattoo completely with laser?
Tattoo removal process is largely dependent on the body’s ability to remove ink from the skin.
Factors such as skin type, location, size, age and color of a tattoo, amount of ink applied, tattoo layering and pre-existing scars determine how fast our body can get rid of a tattoo. Due to this it may not be possible to remove a tattoo in a single session. Also, six to eight weeks are required for a treated area to heal and for the body’s immune system to flush away the ink.
As a result, it may take several months and sometimes more than a year to remove a tattoo completely with laser.
Is it possible to completely remove a tattoo with laser?
There are a number of factors that determine our body’s ability to remove ink from the skin. For this reason, the number of sessions required and final results of the laser procedure will always vary. Consequently, it may not be always possible to completely remove a tattoo with laser.
So, before you start tattoo removal treatment with a dermatologist, you need to know that the doctor cannot give you a guarantee of complete clearance of a tattoo.
Are there any side effects of laser tattoo removal?
Permanent tattoo removal by laser do have some side effects, but they are mostly temporary.
There may be initial skin whitening with mild bleeding, swelling, tenderness and redness. They usually go off within two or three days of treatment.
Blisters may appear within 24 hours of treatment. Sometimes, these blisters are very large in size and look alarming. It is completely normal and may take around a week to heal.
Few patients develop hyper-pigmentation or hypo-pigmentation but they usually resolve naturally with time.
Things to do before and after treatment
You should not excessively expose the treated area to sun for at least a week before and after treatment. Also, you need to apply the medications and follow the advise of the dermatologist.
FAQs on Laser Tattoo Removal
Yes, Dr Agarwal’s Clinic is one of the few tattoo removal clinic in Siliguri to offer permanent tattoo removal by laser.
The cost of laser tattoo removal in Siliguri will depend on the size of tattoo and method of removal. If the size is big the cost increases significantly. It is better to consult the dermatologist to get the exact idea on the cost of permanent tattoo removal by laser in Siliguri.
Some level of pain and discomfort may be associated with laser tattoo removal process, but it is usually bearable.
No, it might not be possible to remove the tattoo in a single session.
Laser tattoo removal requires multiple sessions. Generally, 5 to 12 treatment sessions are required for a desirable result.
Yes. It is easier to remove black tattoos compared to other colors because black pigment absorbs laser beam of any wavelength.
Tattoo removal process is largely dependent on the body’s ability to remove ink from the skin. It may take several months and sometimes more than a year to remove a tattoo completely with laser.
Yes, tattoo removal by laser is mostly safe and effective if done by a qualified dermatologist.
You need to call the reception desk at 9832229559 or 9547612556 to book an appointment with dermatologist for laser tattoo removal service.