Laser Tattoo Removal
Tattoo removal has been performed with various tools during the history of tattooing. While tattoos are considered permanent, it is sometimes possible to remove them with treatments, fully or partially. The expense and pain of removing tattoos will typically be greater than the expense and pain of applying them. Some jurisdictions will pay for the voluntary removal of gang tattoos.
Pre-laser tattoo removal methods include dermabrasion, salabrasion (scrubbing the skin with salt), cryosurgery, and excision which are sometimes still used along with skin grafts for larger tattoos. Tattoo removal by laser was performed with continuous-wave lasers initially, and later with Q-switched lasers, which became commercially available in the early 1990s. Today, "laser tattoo removal" usually refers to the non-invasive removal of tattoo pigments using Q-switched lasers. Typically, black and darker colored inks can be removed more completely.
Laser Tattoo Removal Aftercare
The tattoo removal area has been covered with a protective ointment and bandage. The purpose of this is to lessen the discharge of blood and plasma, and to provide protection of the procedure area.
We recommend that you leave the bandage on your tattoo removal a minimum of 2 hours, but it can be left on overnight. Be sure to clean it well after removing the bandage.
It is best to lightly soak your bandage with warm water while removing. This will prevent the bandage from sticking to your skin. After removing your bandage wash your tattoo with warm soapy water, using only your fingertips. You will want to wash away all of the protective ointment and all of the blood/plasma on the surface of your skin. Most soaps work well, but we have found that Dawn Liquid Dishwashing Soap works the best.
Make sure to rinse and dry your removal thoroughly. Once dry, check to make sure that there are not any ’shiny areas’ on your skin. If there are make sure to re-wash to remove this build up of dried plasma. Taking the time to do this after washing will prevent the formation of a scab. Avoid direct shower spray on your new tattoo during the healing process. The cleansing of your tattoo should be performed 2-3 times daily until healed. (Average initial healing time is 14-21 days, but may be longer)
