Tattoo Removal in Delhi NCR

Why is a tattoo difficult to remove?

Tattoos are relatively easy to put but a little difficult to remove. The reason for this is that while injecting ink is made to penetrate the top layer of skin. Hence, the actual ink is placed beneath the skin which makes removal difficult.

What is the latest available modality for tattoo removal?

Compared to conventional methods, tattoo removal is now being done with a much better technology using Q-switched lasers. Q-switched lasers are used to target different colors of tattoo ink depending on the specific light absorption spectra of the tattoo pigments.

What is the mechanism of this device for tattoo removal?

A laser treatment concentrates beam of light and delivers high energy at the targeted area. This energy penetrates the skin and gets absorbed by the colored pigment of the tattoo ink in the skin. There is gradual disintegration of these colored particles and the ink debris gets slowly absorbed by the body. thus time is taken to gradually fade away the tattoo completely.

What colors are easiest to remove and what colors are difficult to remove?

Tattoos with blue and black pigments are easiest to remove whereas green and yellow are the most difficult colors to remove.

Is the procedure painful?

Usually, a numbing agent is applied to the skin before the procedure which helps to eliminate the pain associated it.

What to expect during the procedure?

1. After the consent of the procedure, you would be explained the general steps of the procedure by Dr. Ashish Khare. Your eyes would be covered by protective eye shields.
2. Skin testing is done to determine the reaction to laser light.
3. Doctor will accordingly use laser light with optimum energy levels for different colors of the tattoo.
4. The sensation of laser light is usually similar to the snapping of a rubber band against the skin.

How many sittings of laser are required for complete removal of the tattoo ?

The number of treatment sittings depend on multiple factors such as your skin color, your tattoo size, the colors of tattoo, the distance from heart etc.

Most people need 6 to 8 sessions for complete tattoo removal. Large tattoos can take 10 sessions or more. Average time required is usually 8-10 months for complete tattoo removal.

A gap of 6 to 8 weeks is usually given in between 2 sessions of laser treatment to allow skin to heal completely. Tattoos further away from the heart, such as those on the lower legs or ankles, usually take longer to heal due to reduced circulation in the extremities.

Who are the best candidates for tattoo removal?

The best candidate is a fair-skinned person with a dark colored tattoo.

What are the post-treatment considerations?

Immediately post laser treatment, a slightly elevated, white discoloration appears thought to be the result of rapid, heat-formed steam or gas, causing dermal and epidermal vacuolization. This may or may not be accompanied by punctuate bleeding which represents vascular injury due to the laser's interaction with tattoo pigment. Minimal edema and erythema of adjacent normal skin usually appear which resolve within 24 hours. Subsequently, a crust appears over the entire tattoo, which sloughs off at approximately two weeks post-treatment. Some tattoo pigment may be found within this crust and gradually fades away after multiple sittings.

What are the post-procedure precautions to be followed?

1. Immediately post treatment, you should apply ice to the treated area.
2. A local antibiotic ointment is given to prevent any infection though chances are minimal as laser light is sterile.
3. A dressing is applied to prevent immediate sun exposure and later on also, sunscreen should be applied locally.
4. Interval gap between 2 sittings should be adequately managed if problem of pigmentation or scarring present, time should be given for complete healing of tissues rather than being aggressive.

Are new tattoos easier to remove?

Contrary to popular belief, new tattoos are more difficult to remove. Your body is still reacting to receiving a new tattoo, so it’s best to wait 8 weeks or more before having laser tattoo removal done.

What are the side effects of the procedure?

1. Scarring - This is more common in friction surfaces.
2. Hypopigmentation or hyperpigmentation - Both these can happen while undergoing tattoo removal. These are usually due to melanin reaction to the procedure. Some types of discolouration are long lasting, while others can fade away in shorter period. To avoid these becoming permanent, sufficient rest period should be given in between two sittings so that complete healing takes place and area returns to its normal skin tone. Darker skin tones should be treated more conservatively.
3. Laser burns from excessive exposure, which can cause inflammation and redness.
4. Infections, which can develop if removal is not done properly or aseptic precautions not followed. Antibiotic ointments are usually part of the post treatment healing process.