If the tattoo is tired or was done unsuccessfully, you can get rid of it with the help of a laser machine. This task is not easy, the main thing is to entrust it to an experienced master. What is the essence of this method? How to reduce a tattoo with a laser to avoid unpleasant consequences? You will find information about this in the article below.
Laser operation principle
How does the laser cope with such a task as tattoo removal? To begin with, it is worth understanding how the drawing itself is done on the body. The pigment is injected into the upper layers of the epidermis using a special machine. After it penetrates inside, the body turns on a protective reaction, surrounds the coloring matter with connective tissue cells. Pigment particles exceed the size of a human cell. They cannot leave the body on their own. The destruction of the pigment is carried out using laser light pulses, due to which it leaves the body through the lymph.
In modern cosmetology centers for tattoo removal, as a rule,neodymium laser, because it allows you to remove drawings of any color, does not injure the skin, unlike ruby and alexandrite devices. The tattoo removal procedure does not require any preparation, however, before resorting to it, you need to consult a dermatologist.
Influence methods
Laser exposure is of two types:
- Selective. The laser beam acts on the subcutaneous formation, leaving the outer layer intact. The device is configured depending on the type of tattoo. Thus, it is possible to safely reduce the tattoo with a laser. Pigments that have been destroyed are removed within a month.
- Ablative. The beam affects not only the inner cover, but also the outer one. This method is usually used for the purpose of rejuvenation, therefore, as it affects the upper layers of the dermis. Ideal for drawings that are in the upper layers of the skin.
Benefits
Laser tattoo removal has many advantages:
- No scarring. The exception is tattoos that were made by an inexperienced master (the pattern is applied to the deep layers of the dermis).
- Painless procedure. You may feel a slight tingling and burning sensation while burning.
If we mention how much to reduce a tattoo with a laser, then the number of sessions depends on the size of the drawing, its quality and color.
In one procedure, the tattoo is discolored by10-15%. The session is carried out once a month so that the skin has time to recover. The disadvantages of laser tattoo removal include the price of the procedure (often the cost of several sessions exceeds the cost of the tattoo itself).
Laser tattoo removal: contraindications
If the task is to reduce the tattoo with a laser, before going to the beauty parlor, you need to take into account a number of contraindications to such a procedure. These include:
- pregnancy and lactation;
- taking drugs that increase skin sensitivity to ultraviolet light;
- diabetes mellitus;
- blood diseases;
- malignant tumors;
- inflammatory processes in the body;
- skin diseases.
If the area with the pattern has been cleaned by peeling, it is permissible to resort to laser tattoo removal no earlier than after 2 weeks.
Side effects
In order not to encounter side effects that may make themselves felt after the procedure, it is necessary to visit a doctor and undergo a full examination.
Side effects include:
- itching, redness, swelling, minor bleeding;
- allergic reaction;
- change the color of the picture;
- infection in the wound.
As a rule, side effects disappear on their own. If the wound has become infected, antibiotics and topical treatments may be required.
Does laser tattoo removal hurt?
To make the process of removing the body pattern by this method less painful, various methods of anesthesia are used. Beauticians use an air cooling unit that relieves pain by supplying cold air. Ice packs, anesthetic creams are also suitable for local cooling. You can reduce discomfort by injecting lidocaine. It can be painful to reduce a tattoo with a laser if this procedure is performed by an inexperienced specialist or an outdated device is used.
It will not be possible to quickly get rid of a tattoo with a laser. How many sessions does it take to remove a tattoo with a laser? Practice shows that at least 7-8 procedures are required to completely remove the pattern on the body. The break between them should last at least a month. During this period, the skin will have time to fully recover.
Which tattoo is easier to reduce?
How many sessions it takes to reduce a tattoo with a laser depends on the size of the tattoo, its location and color. The beam works best on black, purple, blue and red pigments.
If we are talking about burning out a colored tattoo, then this process will take more time. As for the places from which it is easier to remove the tattoo, they are the buttocks, legs, arms. In those areas where the skin is thinner (fingers, ankles), drawing is much more difficult.
The rate of tattoo reduction also depends on the skin tone. If the dermis is light, fewer sessions will be required. It is important to consider that fresh tattoos are removedmuch faster than the old ones.
What to do immediately after the procedure?
After the session is over, a bandage will be applied to the skin, which can be removed after 2-3 hours. If you feel pain and swelling, you will have to apply a cold compress, which will eliminate discomfort.
As for the care of the area that has been exposed to the laser, it is quite simple. All discomfort disappears after seven days from the end of the session. To speed up the healing process and restore the epidermis, special ointments and moisturizers can be applied to the skin.
During the entire rehabilitation period, you will have to refuse to visit the sauna, solarium, swimming in the sea, pool. It is also important to avoid direct sunlight on the skin. To exclude the appearance of scars, you need to try not to injure the dermis and in no case tear off the crusts.
After the leather is laser treated, it will turn white, but the pattern may appear brighter. During the recovery period, it will be possible to observe how the tattoo gradually brightens. The maximum effect can be seen not earlier than in a month.
Most people who want to remove their tattoos are hesitant to have a laser procedure because it can leave scars. However, the risk of scarring is possible only if the session is performed by a master without experience.
How to choose a clinic and specialist
To deletelaser tattoos proved to be effective and managed to minimize the risk of side effects, it is important to entrust this task to an experienced master. It is important to find out if the cosmetology center is licensed for this type of service.
It is also necessary to clarify a number of the following questions:
- Which machine is used to burn the tattoo.
- What drugs are used to reduce pain.
- Whether the specialist uses protective measures. Powerful appliances should be installed in a separate room with matte walls.
- In addition, you need to find out what guarantees the clinic provides.
If specialists cannot answer all questions, this should alert the patient.
To achieve good results, it is advisable to adhere to the following recommendations:
- It is necessary to contact highly qualified specialists in proven clinics and aesthetic beauty centers.
- After the session is completed, avoid UV exposure to the skin, do not use scrubs, peels, do not take hot baths, do not rub the body with a washcloth.
Eyebrow and lip laser tattoo removal
Tattoo removal from eyebrows and lips can also be done with a laser. The technique of destroying the pigment in these places is identical to the discoloration of a tattoo. However, the skin around the eyebrows and lips is too sensitive, so an anesthetic cream is applied to it before the procedure.
Duration of manipulationis 10-15 minutes, but it will not be possible to achieve complete removal of the tattoo in one session. As a rule, it will take 3-4 visits to the beautician.
Customer Reviews
Before contacting the cosmetology center, you need to analyze the review. You can reduce a tattoo with a laser in a clinic that has a good reputation. It is necessary to take into account all the responses, ask the clinic to present a document on the right to conduct such procedures. People who have gone through the entire course of tattoo removal assure that the effect is noticeable. Despite the discomfort, patients are satisfied with the procedure.
Modern medicine offers the use of safe laser systems, the radiation of which affects only pigment molecules and does not violate the integrity of tissues. As practice shows, side effects after the procedure are rare, but in order to avoid them, you need to familiarize yourself with a number of contraindications, choose an experienced specialist, and only then reduce the tattoo with a laser. Doctors should be consulted before and after the procedure.
