What are Tattoos?A Tattoo is a mark by inserting pigment into the skin. There are also so-called dirt tattoos caused by accidents.
What happens if a Tattoo is applied?When a Tattoo is applied an ink is inserted into the skin. The ink particle reach an area underneath the upper skin layer (Epidermis) at a depth of 0,5 to 2 mm. During the healing, the immune system tries to remove to foreign substance. The colour pigments are to big to be removed, so they are isolated from the surrounding tissue by connective tissue. In accidents dirt particles might insert into the skin and the body reacts in the same way. It builds a dirt tattoo.
How are Tattoos removed?Tattoo removal is most commonly performed using lasers that react with the ink in the tattoo, and break it down. The broken-down ink is then absorbed by the body. This technique often requires many repeated visits to remove even a small tattoo since the tattoo is in the skin in different layers.
Which tattoo colors can be removed?Overall, green-based ink is the most difficult to remove. Black ink is most readily broken down by the laser, and unprofessional tattoos done at home are the easiest ones to remove, due to the low quality of ink used, as well as the ineffective manner in which they were applied.
How does tattoo removal with laser work?
The laser beam enters the skin, it interfaces the upper skin layer and the upper layer of the ink or dirt particles absorbs the light energy. Through the mechanical effect of short light shots the enclosed ink pigments are abruptly blasted and pulverised. Afterwards the pulverised pigments can easily be removed by the bodies own lymph system.
For removal of Tattoos, a number of treatments are necessary to destroy all ink pigments. The number the treatments depends on the Tattoos colour density, colour depth, tone and the size and location of the tattoo. With new Tattoos like permanent make up a colour change can occur. Please try to provide a colour sample to your doctor so the attributes of the colour can be tested before the treatment.
How will the treatment take course?The distance piece of the hand piece of the laser is put onto the skin. After the activation of the Laser with the foot switch a light impulse is sent which feels like a small stitch. The areas to be treated are than moved over with the handpiece of the laser. The treated area looks white, and it shows blisters. After the treatment reddening of the skin and a strong feeling of warmth might occur. After a few hours the treated areas might darken an a small crust can build up. This degenerates within a few days.
The next treatment, if necessary, can be done after 6 to 8 weeks.
What needs to be considered before the treatment?Ø Shave the hair before the treatment, if necessary
Ø Avoid tanning of the skin
Ø Before treatment apply Elma-salve to sensible areas of the skin to be treated
Ø Remove make-up and deodorant
What needs to be considered after the treatment?Ø Cool the treated skin as long as it is comfortable to you
Ø If crusts built up, do not manipulate them
Ø Protect treated areas against sun light or intensive light (solarium) for at least 6 weeks - use suntan cream (20-50) if you stay outside longer
Ø If skin changes should occur, that are not named above, contact your doctor immediately
What complications may occur?No medical treatment is totally free of risk. Normally laser-treatment is very low in risk. Lightening of the skin or hyper-pigmentation can temporarily occur. Both is regulated by the skin itself. In very few occasions small scars can occur.