Laser Tattoo Removal

Finally, it happened. We swore in front of the whole world that it was forever, but here we are, this tattoo was done on a whim, for someone who has since disappeared from our lives, or simply for reasons that seem trivial 2, 5, 10, or 20 years after we took the plunge. Visually, it looked great at the time, but over the years, the lines have faded, blurred, and spread under the skin. In fact, was it a good idea to choose such a visible spot for a tattoo? Regardless, today it’s over, the decision is made: we can no longer stand that awful tattoo. And anyway, laser removal has become common, so why not go for it now? Apparently, excellent results can be achieved:

There are as many reasons to want to remove a tattoo as there are people with tattoos: weariness, degradation of the design, a lifestyle change, or not understanding the commitment a tattoo represents at the time. The only reliable solution today is laser tattoo removal. Plastic surgery techniques like dermabrasion are now obsolete and too harsh on the healing process, making laser treatment the ideal solution for tattoo removal. It is also worth noting that covering up (replacing an old tattoo with another by layering) can be greatly improved by a few prior laser sessions.

More effective and leaving fewer traces than ultrapulsed CO2 lasers like the Derma K laser, Nd Yag Q-Switched lasers are a relatively effective method for removing a tattoo cleanly and clearly. These lasers, also used for age spots or angiomas, destroy pigment particles in the dermis in the form of ink through a photoacoustic effect that preserves the skin’s texture by only targeting the pigmented particles.

In theory, most tattoos can be removed. In reality, this depends on a number of factors. There are factors that make tattoo removal easier, others that complicate it, and increase the risk of leaving a mark or scar.

Tattoos that are easier to remove:

• Monochrome tattoos, using only one color
• Tattoos using black or blue ink
• Amateur tattoos, made with non-professional equipment
• Traditional and ritual tattoos, for the reasons mentioned above
• Tattoos using red pigments
• Tattoos on people with light skin
• Tattoos made with Chinese ink or charcoal

Tattoos that are more difficult to remove, and increase the risk of leaving marks or scars:

• Polychromatic tattoos made with many colors
• Tattoos using yellow or green ink, as well as light color mixtures: light pink, light blue, light orange
• Tattoos made with professional equipment
• Tattoos on black, dark, or olive skin
• Tattoos using red pigments

The number of tattoo removal sessions varies significantly depending on the nature of the tattoo and the person’s skin (see above). It typically takes between 2 and 3 sessions for a superficial amateur tattoo (done with a needle and black ink that has faded over time) on an area of about 5 to 10 cm². For a professional tattoo, depending on the colors used, it could take up to ten sessions to remove, with this number increasing depending on the size of the tattoo, of course.

Just like with a tattoo, it is mandatory to allow the skin to rest and heal between sessions, with 1 to 2 months between tattoo removal sessions. So forget the idea of removing a tattoo on your back before summer vacation; it will most likely take longer than initially expected. Laser tattoo removal causes skin trauma similar to that of tattooing, with the formation of scabs. The duration of the removal treatment can easily range from 1 to 2 years depending on the size and nature of the tattoo. It is essential to consult your doctor, who will be able to give you a more accurate estimate based on the tattoo you want to remove.

During a laser tattoo removal session, both the doctor and the patient must wear protective glasses. Each session lasts between 10 and 20 minutes on average, depending on the area being treated. The impact of the laser beam on the pigments is quite intense and quick, causing the treated area to whiten, and sometimes resulting in minor bleeding or debris projection.