Laser Tattoo Removal - a Quick Overview

Laser Tattoo removal 

Even though medical research has been conducted into the use of lasers to remove tattoos since the 1960s, it was not really until the new breed of lasers emerged in the early 2000s that it became a popular and viable competitor to the other removal methods discussed above.  

Can all lasers safely treat tattoos?

It is important to remember not all lasers are suitable for removing tattoos. If you think of the laser beam as being a key and the ink as being a lock, you need to ensure you have the right key for the right lock. Tattoo removal lasers are a special breed all of their own.

IPL lasers are not rated to treat tattoo inks and will cause damage to your skin if used as a tattoo removal device.

Unfortunately, in recent years there have been some occurrences of people trying to use improper equipment, such as intense light pulse light (“IPL”) lasers, for tattoo removal. This equipment, in particular, the IPL lasers, simply do not have the correct treatment parameters for tattoo removal. Attempts to use this machine for tattoo removal have resulted in significant scars to a few unfortunate individuals. 

The new wave of tattoo removal lasers

While it is true, the first lasers used for tattoo removal had a tendency to leave scars, this is no longer the case. The new breed of lasers, particularly those manufactured after 2006, represent a quantum leap in laser tattoo removal treatment.  Nowadays the lasers used for tattoo removal can selectively treat targeted structures without damaging any of the surrounding tissue.

Fotona lasers have been market leaders in medical lasers for over 50 years

There are several different types of tattoo removal lasers in the market, however Q-Switch Nd: Yag lasers are considered by industry professionals to be the gold standard in tattoo removal modalities. As such we will focus the rest of our discussion on these machines.

It is very rare to develop scarring as a result of treatment from a Q-Switch Nd:Yag laser, however in some rare cases it can occur. It is therefore important to be informed about the risk of scarring and the ways scars could occur as a result of a laser tattoo removal treatment.

Like “Oils ain’t oils”, “lasers ain’t lasers.”

While the Q-Switched Nd: Yag lasers are considered the gold standard in tattoo removal, it is important to remember as with most things there is a sliding scale of quality found in the breadth of machines available on the market.

We recommend you research the types of lasers your local service providers have. Not all tattoo removal lasers were created equal, and it is worthwhile noting the more even the beam profile (which tends to be the case in the European and American manufactured lasers) the less chance you have of getting a scar from the procedure. 

We use Fotona's QX MAX which is one of the best lasers in the world for tattoo removal. 

Choose a treatment provider suited to treat all of your unwanted ink

Many treatment providers are easily able to treat black, red and purple inks because they have lasers which treat at the 1064nm and the 532nm light range. Hard to treat colours, such as light blue and green need different light range frequencies to treat. With Fotona's QX MAX we can use a 650nm to treat greens and 585nm to treat blues. Hence, we are able to treat all common ink colours including black, dark blue, brown, grey, white, red, tan, orange, sky blue green and cosmetic inks.

Go to a qualified technician, preferably a specialist

Make sure your service provider is trained, qualified and experienced in tattoo removal procedures. 

Not all states in Australia are regulated. It is therefore imperative for you to do your research in non-regulated states, such as New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia, on the treatment providers in your area and their skills and experience in this industry.

Thankfully, Queensland, where we are based, is heavily regulated and treatment providers have to undergo extensive training before being certified to treat people without supervision. Of course, not all technicians are equal, however, in Queensland, you can at least rest assured the certified technicians have a decent standard of training and experience. 

We also recommend you use a treatment provider who is a dedicated tattoo removal specialist, rather than go to a beauty spa which offers a myriad of services, most of which are not applicable to the practice of tattoo removal. 

A specialist knows tattoos and how to remove them efficiently and safely. Given one of the focuses of this article is the risks for scarring, we would say a tattoo removal specialist would be more aware of and attuned to these risks in tattoo removal than, say a beauty therapist who offers an expansive menu of treatments, with tattoo removal only being one of them. 

In this regard, it is important to know that over-treatment during your laser session could result in breaks in the skin with pin point bleeding or excessive blistering, both of which can have the potential to lead to scars on the treatment site. 

An excellent clinician will often see risks and manage for them. It is our practice to make sure our clients leave the clinic with their treated area in a sterile state (with antiseptic powder or ointment and dressing applied). We think this is just good practice given the greatest risk of scarring from laser tattoo removal treatments comes from infection in the aftercare phase. 

Avoid infections at all costs 

To our mind, the biggest risk for scarring comes from any infections following treatment.  It is therefore imperative for you to follow any aftercare instructions given to you by your treatment provider. 

These instructions should provide you all the information you need to avoid infections, and hence prevent scarring. Make sure you discuss any concerns or queries you may have about the aftercare instructions with your treatment provider. 

Aftercare materials are essential

Some treatment providers will offer their clients aftercare packs (we do!). Make sure the packages contain all you need to ensure you have ease of aftercare, for example, our kits typically include, Bepanthan, Saline, Prontosan, tape, dressings, gloves, cream applicators and moisturising cream. 

We recommend you make sure you get value for money in your aftercare needs. Sometimes you will be recommended a product which will go out of date before you have finished using it. Where possible, buy small tubes of ointment, because the active aftercare wound management period following treatment should be minimal. 

If in doubt talk to your doctor or treatment provider

Finally, if you have any concerns at all, or if you are healing in a way which is not usual for you, make sure you contact your treatment provider or your doctor. Don’t put it off. Just remember, infections can lead to scars.

Conclusion

Of the many methods available, laser tattoo removal with a Q-Switched Nd: Yag device is by far the best method for tattoo removal due to its ability to treat and effectively remove tattoos with a minimum risk of scarring. At City Tattoo Removal we use only the best, world leading technology to remove your unwanted ink safely and effectively. Fotona's QX MAX is a true master at treating ink of all colours. If you want the best results for your tattoo removal journey give us a call!


City Tattoo Removal

www.citytattooremoval.com.au