Remove tattoo with laser is the most effective way and the results are satisfactory. Even so, this method can sometimes cause side effects. Before you do it, first know how the process is and what are the side effects.
The laser tattoo removal method has been around for a long time and is the most popular method for removing tattoos. For perfect results, the laser tattoo removal procedure must be carried out by a doctor who is competent in this procedure.
Laser Tattoo Removal Method
To remove a tattoo, a laser beam with a certain wavelength and power will be fired at the surface of the tattooed skin. The goal is to break down the tattoo ink pigments on the skin, so the tattoo will fade.
Usually black and dark blue tattoos are easier to remove than tattoos of other colors, such as red, brown, or green. In addition to the color of the ink, there are also several things that affect whether or not a tattoo is difficult to remove, such as the density of the tattoo ink used and the depth of the ink below the skin's surface.
Laser tattoo removal methods are safer than other methods, such as surgery, the use of chemicals, dermabrasion, or salabrasion, in which you apply gauze soaked in saline to remove the layer of skin that is tattooed.
Even so, the laser method is not recommended for pregnant women, nursing mothers, and people who have immune system disorders.
Laser Tattoo Removal Process
Laser tattoo removal usually takes 2–4 times, but it can be more. The length of the tattoo removal process and the number of laser procedures performed depend on the size and difficulty of removing the tattoo.
Laser tattoo removal may be a little painful and uncomfortable. Therefore, make sure your body is in a fit condition before undergoing the laser tattoo removal procedure.
The following are the steps in the laser tattoo removal process:
1. Checking skin reaction to laser light
Usually, a test will be carried out first on a small area of the skin to determine the power of laser energy that will be used to remove the tattoo.
2. Shoots a laser beam at the skin
After testing, laser light will be fired into the tattooed skin area, hitting the top layer of skin. You'll feel like you've been splashed with hot oil when the laser beam hits your skin.
3. Relieve pain
After the laser tattoo removal procedure is complete, the doctor may apply an ice pack to relieve pain on the skin that has just been lasered. The doctor will also prescribe antibiotic creams and moisturizers to prevent infection and speed up recovery.
4. Prevent exposure UV rays
Usually, for a few weeks to a few months after this procedure, it is recommended that you cover the newly laser skin with a bandage or apply sunscreen to block UV rays. It aims to prevent irritation and hyperpigmentation of the skin.
Side Effects of Laser Tattoo Removal
How to remove tattoos with the laser method may not cause too many side effects, as long as it is carried out by a doctor who is competent in this procedure. Even so, it does not mean this method is 100% safe.
The following are some of the side effects that may occur after the laser tattoo removal procedure:
- Infection of the laser skin area
- Permanent scars due to laser light
- Scar tissue on the laser skin area
- Hypopigmentation (skin is whiter than the surrounding skin) or hyperpigmentation (skin is darker than the surrounding skin)
- Darkening of the skin when the laser method is used to remove cosmetic tattoos, such as lip tattoos, eyebrow tattoos, and tattoos eyeliner
As explained above, these side effects can be minimized if the laser tattoo removal procedure is carried out by a doctor who has the competence to carry out this procedure and if you carry out the treatment properly according to the doctor's recommendations.
Therefore, before deciding to remove a tattoo with a laser, consult a doctor first. The doctor will assess whether this procedure is safe to do on your skin and whether the results can be optimal for removing your tattoo.
