Laser tattoo removal is the primary method health care professionals use to remove or lighten a patient’s tattoo. The laser’s powerful pulses of light energy shatters the tattoo ink into small particles that the body’s natural immune system flushes away over time. Patients may experience side effects like bruising, redness, crusting and blistering, which typically dissipate within a week. Several factors influence how well a patient heals after laser treatment, including their skin type and the color of their tattoo ink.

A thorough history and examination are important to establish the tattoo color, location and underlying skin condition of each patient. This information is used to determine the best laser wavelength to treat a patient’s tattoo. Taking into account the patient’s age, previous scarring and wound healing issues, any medications or supplements they might be taking, and keloidal tendencies is important to help minimize the risk of scarring.

The most common side effect of laser tattoo removal edmonton tattoo removal is temporary scabbing, redness and blistering. These side effects are caused by the laser generating high levels of heat in the treatment area, breaking down the pigment in the ink and the excess skin tissue. Keeping the treatment site clean and protecting it from sunlight during the healing process is an essential part of preventing permanent scarring.

Laser treatments that target dark inks, especially green and blue, often struggle to break up the pigmentation completely. This is likely due to the smaller molecular structure of these tattoo colors, which can cause them to absorb laser energy more easily. Some practitioners have had success by adding more treatments, or using different laser wavelengths, to achieve the desired results for dark-colored tattoos.

It is also important for patients to avoid rubbing or picking at the treatment area. Scratching the skin can cause scarring that will last. Instead, patients should gently cleanse the treated area and protect it from the sun with sunscreen when out and about.

All tattoo removal methods have the potential to leave lasting scars, but lasers are less likely to do so than other treatments. However, permanent changes in skin color can occur if a patient gets too many laser treatments or uses the wrong wavelength for their tattoo color.

Before a patient undergoes a laser treatment, they should find a provider with extensive experience treating people with similar skin tone to their own. A dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon who specializes in skin care and tattoo removal is more likely to have the right equipment and technique to provide safe and effective treatments for people with all skin colors. Patients should also ask about the doctor’s track record of avoiding scarring and pigmentation change with other patients who have had tattoo removal treatments. They can also discuss how they will take the patient’s skin tone into consideration when selecting the correct laser equipment and treating the tattoo. This is the best way to ensure they have the best chance of achieving their goals without any permanent side effects.