What Kinds of Tattoos Can Be Treated?
A tattoo's color, depth, and the chemical composition of the ink all affect how it responds to laser light. Black, red, dark orange, and dark blue tattoos will usually respond relatively quickly to treatment. However, green, purple, brown, light orange, and light blue colors may respond more slowly. In general most tattoos can be successfully treated, given a sufficient number of treatments.
Does It Hurt?
No. Since the laser light selectively targets the undesired ink, other tissues remain largely unaffected, and therefore most people report little discomfort. A common way that people describe the sensation of the pulses entering the skin is by comparing them to snaps of a rubber band.
How Long Does It Take?
Depending on the size and location of the tattoo, each treatment usually takes about 10 to 30 minutes. Some faint tattoos will fade completely after only one treatment, though most require five treatments or more. Treatments should be spaced six to eight weeks apart to give your body sufficient time to fully eliminate loosened particles of ink.
What Happens After Treatment?
Immediately after laser exposure, the treated areas may become whitish-colored and swell slightly. This whiteness and swelling tend to go away in about 30 minutes. Over the next several days, some mild crusting may appear over the treated area. As this crusting resolves, the tattoo will fade. The tattoo will typically continue to fade for many weeks thereafter.
Are There Any Side Effects?
Because the laser beam does not penetrate beyond the skin, side effects are rare. When side effects do occur, they are usually mild and confined to the treatment target.
