According to one estimate, 10% of the population have at least one tattoo on their body. Of these 10%, about half would like laser removal during their lifetime. Today, those who want to get rid of their body design have a better chance of a good result than ever before, because laser techniques are available with minimal side effects.

 

During laser removal, the coloured skin pigments are broken down by the intense light irradiation. Black tattoo pigments absorb all wavelengths of the laser beam and are therefore the easiest to remove. For other colours, lasers of different wavelengths must be used depending on the colour tone.

Tattoos are individual, which is why laser treatment must also be customised. In the past, there were a variety of methods for tattoo removal, but in most cases the resulting scars were less attractive than the unwanted tattoo itself.

People with previously treated tattoos can also have laser removal. If tattoos have not been sufficiently removed by other methods, the skin usually responds favourably to laser treatment. However, it is less promising if previous treatments have left significant scars.

Laser removal should only be carried out by a specialist. A cosmetic surgeon or a good dermatologist usually have a good reputation for laser treatments. The doctor of choice should definitely have experience in removing tattoos if the result is to be as good as possible.

The duration of the laser treatment can vary depending on the size and colour variety of the tattoo. Average tattoos are treated in one or two sessions, while more elaborate designs may require long-term treatments.
The treatment also depends on the person's skin type, their age, the quality of the tattoo and how many layers of skin the tattoo penetrates.

What does a laser treatment look like?

During a typical laser removal, the patient is given eye protection against the laser beams. The skin reaction to the laser is tested for optimal use of the light energy.
During the actual treatment, the laser beam is directed at the skin area. Patients describe the sensation as being like a rubber band snapping against the skin.
The tattoo lightens visibly after each treatment.

Immediately after the treatment, the treated area is cooled with ice. The patient is prescribed an antibiotic skin cream to protect against infection. The slightly sore area is bandaged and must be protected from the sun for a few days.

Usually no local anaesthetic is necessary. In individual cases, depending on the location of the tattoo, anaesthesia may be desirable.

Possible side effects of laser treatment

The treated area is susceptible to infection for a few days. A permanently visible scar cannot always be ruled out.
Another risk is that the treated area may be paler or darker than the surrounding skin afterwards. (Hypopigmentation and hyperpigmentation)
Cosmetic tattoos (eyeliner, lip liner or eyebrows) may be darker after the treatment. However, the following sessions will make them paler.

New technology has made laser removal significantly more effective and reduced the risk of scarring. In any case, laser treatment is now safer than excision, abrasion or salabrasion (skin abrasion with salt), especially due to the possibility of targeted and punctual treatment of individual designs.
In general, laser removal is advisable for dark tattoos (blue and black), as these are particularly easy to remove.