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laser tattoo removal
The Q-SWITCH Nd:YAG Laser has been designed to remove tattoos without scarring. While this technique does not employ a thermal process, it can make the skin feel warm after the treatment. This is not a burn, it is the extra flow of blood into the treated area; a natural part of the healing process
- A whitening appearance called “frosting” will occur immediately after the laser impact. This is normal and will disappear within an hour.
- After approximately an hour, the area will appear slightly red and raised – again this is normal. Normal appearance will usually return within 24 hours.
- Healing is complete within 4-6 weeks, although this can vary.
- Fading of the tattoo ink will start to become apparent after two to three weeks.
- More apparent results usually occur after the second or third treatment. You should think of the treatment as working layer by layer. As the laser penetrates deeper into the skin it removes deeper pigment each time you are treated.
- Amateur tattoos require between 4 and 8 repeat treatments
- Professional tattoos can require 8 or more. There are exceptions when some tattoos require more than the ‘normal’ number. This can be due to the density, amount and depth of ink in the tattoo. It is impossible to accurately guess this without a biopsy. Some tattoos may not clear 100%. Your tattoo may just fade.
Side Effects and Risks
Side Effects and Risks associated with laser tattoo removal treatment. Even though the risk of complication is extremely low, the following can occur:
- The laser tattoo removal treatment creates a superficial skin wound.
- Clients may develop blisters, crusts, scabs, light bleeding and itchiness within 8 to 72 hours, which may last for 1 to 2 weeks or more. The treated areas may be pink or pale after the scab separates.
- If blistering occurs in some treatments and not others, it does not mean that your most recent treatment was less aggressive or that your treatment is not working. Sometimes your body will react, while other times it will not.
- Immediately after treatment, you may experience bruising, erythema (redness) and edema (swelling) at the treatment site. This can last 2 hours or longer. The erythema may last up to 10 days.
- Scarring can occur with this treatment but it is exceptionally rare.
- Some people will experience a lightening of their normal skin colour – this is quite common and only lasts for a few weeks typically. In rare cases the skin may become darker – this is known as hyper-pigmentation and is also temporary. In these cases, it may take up to 12 months for the normal skin colour to return.
- Freckles may temporarily or permanently disappear in treated areas.
- Allergic or delayed inflammatory reactions can develop. A test patch is performed to ascertain reaction of the skin.
- Laser can cause eye injury and protective eyewear must be worn during treatment.
- There is a small percentage of people who will not respond to the treatment for no known or defined reason no matter what.
Aftercare For Tattoo Removal
Proper aftercare is necessary to prevent infection, skin texture change, or other unwanted side effects.
- For the next 24 hours: A cold compress and elevation are recommended to help reduce discomfort and inflammation.
- You may take only Tylenol to help with discomfort. Avoid aspirins, ibuprofens and naproxen’s because they may increase the risk of bruising and/or bleeding.
- Avoid for the next 24 hours: Physical activity, hot showers and saunas.
- Avoid for the next 1-2 weeks: Direct sun exposure, hot tubs, pool water and salt water until tattoo is healed.
- Keep the treated area clean and dry while it is healing. Clean the area with antibacterial soap if needed and then pat the area dry. AVOID HIGH-PRESSURE WATER HITTING THE TREATED AREA.
- Do not pop blisters. If you do blister, continue to apply one of the recommended ointments until the blister has popped naturally.
- Do not pick at the scab or allow the skin to become scraped, as this may result in infection and scarring. Shaving should be avoided in the treated area until it is completely healed.
- Avoid shaving the treated area until it is has healed for 5-10 days.
- No active tan, self-tanner, bronzers or spray tan 4-6 weeks before and after treatment.
- Massage the treated area 5-10 minutes daily after treated area has healed (5-10 days). Daily massage will help ink absorb.
- Apply sunscreen every day to the treated area after the tattoo has completely healed (5-10 days). Exposure to UV Rays will compromise your treatment. You must be committed to using SPF 30+ sunscreen daily. Even if clothing covers the treated area, sun can travel through your shirt or pants. The use of sunscreen every day on the area will also help the ink absorb and help with itching.
- Contact your GP immediately if an infection occurs.
- If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact Polished Medi-Spa. 250-352-7334.
Remember: Drink lots of water!
