Tatoo Removal by Laser
Thanks to the rapid advances in laser technology, tattoos can now be removed more easily and in fewer sessions.
Tatoo removal techniques from the past to the present day:
- Cauterization,
- Decolorization using acid,
- Application of bird faeces,
- Scraping of the skin,
- Pressing hot bread,
- Surgical removal are the first to come to mind.
- The common feature of these methods is that the tattoo is partially or completely removed, leaving a scar in the tissue and / or causing a difference in the skin tone.
Today, all of the abovementioned methods have been abandoned with the use of the Q-Switched lasers and the addition of new technologies.
The main mechanism of action of the laser is to separate colour pigments into smaller particles in the skin with a very fast and short term warming by applying effective intense light to the colour pigment of the dye in the skin in a very short time. Fragmented colour pigments are removed from the body over time. This process progresses very slowly. Therefore, it is necessary to wait an average of 4-8 weeks between sessions for the removal of the fragmented dye from the skin. This process is also necessary for the repair of the tissue damage occurred during the breakdown of the dye in the skin.
The tattoo pigments of different colours can be removed with separate wavelength lasers. Recently, we see different wavelengths on a single device.
Pigment colours and effective lasers
Black, navy and brown tattoos: 1064 nm Q-Switched Nd:YAG, 694 nm Q-SW Ruby or 755 nm Q-SW Alexandrite lasers.
Red and purple tattoos: 532 nm Q-Switched Nd:YAG (frequency-folded Nd:YAG).
Blue tattoos: Are treated with 532 nm Q-Switched Dye laser.
Green tattoos: 650nm Q-Switched Dye and 694 nm Q-Switched Ruby.
Yellow tattoos: There is unfortunately no laser system effective for yellow pigment.
White tattoos: Are not affected by tattoo removal lasers since pigments directly reflect light.
Skin colour tattoos: Turn into black after laser’s reaction with the titanium element they contain. This colour difference may last for a very long time, and sometimes even be permanent. Therefore, the problems caused by removal with laser in the areas corrected with skin colour can be corrected with repeated sessions, but sometimes permanent darkness cannot be removed despite every effort.
Light blue tattoos: Can be easily removed with 585 nm wavelength Q-Switched lasers.
Green tattoos: Can be easily removed with 650 nm Q-Switched lasers.
Fotona Starwalker MaQX Laser
FAQs
Are laser treatments painful?
A slightly painful application. Pain is diminished by applying local anaesthetic cream and cold air.
Duration of tattoo removal session
Duration is between 5-30 minutes depending on the area to be treated. For very large tattoos, for example, tattoos covering the whole arm or half of the body, it is more comfortable to apply the treatment in 2-3 days instead of treating the whole area in the same session.
Recovery time after treatment
There is no problem to restart working after the procedure for small tattoos. In case of large tattoos, you need to rest on the day of treatment.
The upper eyelid may swell when the eyebrow contour is removed. This swelling can sometimes take 24-48 hours. In general, bathing is not allowed on the day of treatment. Afterwards, there is no harm.
Causes of tattoo removal
The following are among the most common reasons for tattoo removal:
- For a new job; some institutions and organizations do not want tattoos in visible parts of the body.
- To have the old one removed in order to get a new tattoo.
- Allergic reactions in tattoo; the dye used can sometimes react.
- Regret over the tattoo.
When to remove a tattoo
Previously, it was considered that better results could be achieved if tattoos were old. However, we see that early laser tattoo removal applications are effective in a shorter time. It can be removed 7-10 days after tattooing.
Are tattoos completely removed by laser?
Tattoos can not always be removed. Yellow and white ones may not respond well to treatment.,
- Yellow tattoos: There is unfortunately no laser system effective for yellow pigments.
- White tattoos: Are not affected by laser tattoo removals since pigments directly reflect light.
Are multicolour tattoos treated?
We use 5 different wavelength Q-Switched lasers to remove multicolour tattoos.
What should I look out for before tattoo removal?
- Prevent tanning of the application area. Protect it from sun or solarium for 1 month.
- Blood thinners or light-sensitive drugs should be discontinued at least three days before the day of treatment.
- If you are using a different medication, you should tell your doctor before treatment.
What should I look out for after tattoo removal?
- Bathing or contact with hot water is inconvenient on the first day.
- On the second day, cleaning with warm water and a soap or cleaner can be done without using fibres.
- The application area can be closed or left open by applying the recommended cream.
- No swimming in the pool or sea for five days.
- Application area should be protected from sun or solarium for about 1 month.