It is estimated that close to 25% of the U.S. population has some sort of
tattoo. Eventually, as many as 50% of individuals with tattoos may want to have
their tattoos removed.
There is good news for those who have an unwanted body design: Newer laser
tattoo removal techniques can eliminate or lighten your tattoo with minimal side
effects. Lasers remove tattoos by breaking up the pigment colors with a
high-intensity light beam. Black tattoo pigment absorbs all laser wavelengths,
making it the easiest to treat. Other colors, such as red, selectively absorb
green laser light. Various colors can only be treated by selected lasers based
upon the pigment color.
Who can benefit from laser tattoo removal?
Because each tattoo is unique, removal techniques must be tailored to suit each
individual case. In the past, tattoos could be removed by a variety of methods
but, in many cases, the scars were more unsightly than the tattoo itself.
Patients with previously treated tattoos may also be candidates for laser
therapy. Tattoos that have not been effectively removed by other treatments or
through home remedies may respond well to laser therapy, providing the prior
treatments did not result in excessive scarring.
How do I find a doctor to removal my tattoo?
You want to make sure you find a reputable dermatologist to ensure proper
treatment and care. If possible, you should obtain a recommendation from your
family physician for a dermatologist or skin surgery center that specializes in tattoo removal.
What can I expect during the laser tattoo removal?
Depending on the size and color of your tattoo, the number of treatments will
vary. Your tattoo may be removed in four to six visits, although many more
sessions might be necessary. You should schedule a consultation, during which a
trained professional will evaluate your personal situation and inform you about the process.
Treatment with the laser varies from patient to patient depending on the age,
size, and type of tattoo (amateur or professional). The color of the patient’s
skin, as well as the depth to which the tattoo pigment extends, will also affect the removal technique.
In general, this is what will happen during an office visit for tattoo removal using the newer lasers:
- The patient wears protective eye shields.
- The skin’s reaction to the laser is tested to determine the most
effective energy for treatment.
- The treatment itself consists of placing a hand piece against the
surface of the skin and activating the laser light. As many patients
describe it, each pulse feels like a grease splatter or the snapping of a
rubber band against the skin.
- Smaller tattoos require fewer pulses, while larger ones require more. In
either case, the tattoo requires several treatments and multiple visits.
After each treatment, the tattoo should become progressively lighter.
- Most patients do not require any anesthesia. However, depending on the
location of the tattoo and the patient's pain threshold, the physician may
elect to use some form of anesthesia (topical anesthesia cream, local
anesthesia injections).
- Immediately following treatment, an ice pack is applied to soothe the
treated area. The patient will then be asked to apply a topical antibiotic
cream or ointment. A bandage or patch will be used to protect the site. The
treated area should also be covered with a sun block when out in the sun.
What are the possible side effects?
There are minimal side effects to laser tattoo removal. However, you should
consider the following factors in your decision:
- The tattoo removal site is at risk for infection.
- Incomplete pigment removal is relatively common as some colors of tattoo
dye resist laser removal and some pigment is too deep for current lasers.
There is a slight chance that the treatment can leave you with a permanent scar.
- You may also risk hypopigmentation, where the treated skin is paler than
surrounding skin, or hyperpigmentation, where the treated skin is darker
than surrounding skin.
- Cosmetic tattoos like lip liner, eyeliner, and eyebrows may darken
following treatment with tattoo removal lasers. Further treatment of the
darkened tattoos usually results in fading.
Is laser tattoo removal safe?
Thanks to newer technology, treatment of tattoos with laser systems has become
much more effective with very little risk of scarring. Laser treatment is often
safer than many traditional methods (excision, dermabrasion, or salabrasion)
because of its unique ability to selectively treat pigment involved in the
tattoo. In many cases, certain colors may be more effectively removed than
others. It is known that blue/black tattoos respond particularly well to laser
treatment — the response of other colors is under investigation.
Remember, the information provided here is designed to provide general
information only and is not a replacement for a physician’s advice. For details
pertaining to your specific case, please arrange a consultation with a physician
experienced in the use of tattoo lasers.
Does insurance cover laser tattoo removal?
Since tattoo removal is a personal option in most cases and is considered a
cosmetic procedure, most insurance carriers will not cover the process unless it
is medically necessary. Physicians or surgery centers practicing tattoo removal
may also require payment in full on the day of the procedure. If you are
considering tattoo removal, be sure to discuss associated costs up front with the physician.
References
Adatto M. Laser Tattoo Removal: Benefits and Caveats. Medical Laser Application 2004; 19(4): 175-185.
Bernstein, EF. Laser treatment of tattoos. Clinics in Dermatology 2006; 24(1):43-55.
Laumann A. Body art. In: Wolff K, Goldsmith LA, Katz SI et al, editors. Fitzpatrick’s Dermatology in General Medicine. 7th ed. New York, NY: McGraw Hill Medical; 2008:Chap 100.
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