For years, ablative laser treatment has been the preferred method for removal of tattoos. The treatment is, however, very extensive, seeing as it removes the upper layer of the skin entirely, risking formation of unsightly scars. Today it is therefore only used in rare cases.
About tattoo Removal with Ablative Laser
An ablative laser works by performing a controlled and very accurate burning of the different layers of the skin.
The method can be used to remove a tattoo by specifically targeting the pigmentation - that being the ink particles, which make up the tattoo.
The treatment is very effective, because it removes the upper layer of skin completely along with any ink layered in it. Unfortunately there is a big risk of ugly scar formation, as the body creates the new skin on the treated area.
Before the non-ablative lasers, which only remove the tattoo's pigmentation but leave the skin intact, appeared, ablative laser was the most well known method for removal of tattoos.
These days, most doctors would recommend the non-ablative treatment for tattoo removal.
Generally on ablative Skin Laser
Suitability
The ideal candidate for the treatment has got fair, non-greasy and healthy skin. Persons with a dark complexion, olive, or black skin, are in higher risk of developing pigmentation changes.
Persons, who have been taking Accutane within the last 12-18 months, have a tendency to develop keloid-like tissue, or who suffer from a skin infection, should not undergo the treatment.
The procedure
Using the laser, a highly controlled burning of the skin is performed, removing the skin's different layers with the accuracy of one-hundredths of a millimetre.
The duration of the treatment varies from a few minutes to over an hour, depending on the size of the area to be treated. Sometimes 2 or more treatments will be necessary. If necessary, a second treatment can be done after a minimum of 6 months.
Side-effects
Side effects include swelling from 3 days to 3 weeks, discomfort, itching, tiny white buds in the skin, maybe renewed outbreak of acne, and pigmentation blotches.
The treatment will leave the patient with a wound on the treated area. This will fade after 7-12 days. Redness may last for 1-4 months.
Risk of complications
There is a risk of unintended burns and damage to the skin, caused by the heat of the laser.
Risk of infection from bacteria, virus, or fungus. An infection will show as reddening, soreness, and swelling of the skin, and possibly fever.
There is a risk of herpes breaking out, if you have had a cold sore before.
There is also a risk of abnormal changes to the skin colour, along with the formation of undesirable scar tissue.
Healing and recovery
Work may be resumed after 2 weeks time. It is advised not to start on any strenuous exersise until after 4-6 weeks. Hereafter, the upper layer of the skin will usually have healed completely and will thereby have gained back it's normal strength. It is also advised to avoid strong sunlight for several months.
Duration of the result
Once a tattoo has been removed, it will never re-appear.