Nd YAG Tattoo Removal

Nd YAG Laser Tattoo Removal

Q-switched Frequency-doubled Nd:Yag 532 nm This laser creates a green light which is highly absorbed by red targets. Useful primarily for red tattoo pigments, this wavelength is also highly absorbed by melanin (the chemical which gives skin color or tan). This laser can produce side effects such as pigmentary changes (lightening or darkening of the skin).

Q-switched Nd:YAG: 1064 nm. This laser creates a near-infrared light (invisible to humans) which is poorly absorbed by melanin, making this laser suitable for darker skin. Unfortunately, this laser wavelength is also poorly absorbed by all but the darkest tattoo pigments.

Complete laser tattoo removal requires as many as 8 to 12 treatments, typically spaced at least 4-8 weeks apart.

At each session, some but not all of the tattoo pigment particles are effectively fragmented, and the body removes the smallest fragments over the course of several weeks. The result is that the tattoo is lightened. Remaining large particles of tattoo pigment are then targeted at subsequent treatment sessions, causing further lightening. The number of sessions and spacing between treatments depends on various parameters, including the area of the body treated and skin color. Forearm and ankle tattoos generally take longest.

FAQ

   1. Is Laser Tattoo removal painful?

That depends on your pain threshold. When a lower fluence is used, the degree of pain is often described as comparable to that of a rubber band snapping against the skin. You may need local anesthesia with higher fluences. This will eliminate any discomfort during the procedure. A topical anesthetic cream (such as EMLA®) or the infiltration of the surrounding skin with lidocaine may be necessary.

 2. How many treatments are necessary for tattoo removal?

Tattoos require multiple treatment sessions, usually performed at 4-8 week intervals or longer. Tattoo lightening may continue for several months after the last treatment session. Amateur black tattoos typically respond better than professional tattoos.

Multicolored Tattoos

Multiple wavelengths are necessary to treat multicolored tattoos.
Scarring

Pigmentary changes may occur following laser treatment because the wavelengths used are also absorbed by melanin (the natural pigments in your skin). Your skin may either lighten or darken. The latter is more common following sun exposure. These changes may be transient or permanent.
Who is a candidate for Tattoo Laser Removal?

Anyone with an undesired tattoo is a candidate for laser tattoo removal. Most tattoo colors can be eliminated or lightened to a large degree. However, skin colored tattoos may undergo irreversible ink darkening. This is seen with some white, pink, flesh-toned and light brown tattoo inks. Red ink tattoos may turn black. A test dose is a good idea in these situations, and the tattoos may be improved with subsequent laser treatments.

Where?

Virtually any tattoo that is located on the surface of the skin can be treated with a laser. If you are getting treatment in a sensitive area you may need to have topical or intralesional anesthesia. If you are getting treatment near your eyes, application of an eye shield for protection may be necessary. Hair bearing areas may be protected with an aqueous gel.

What Can I do About Tattoo Removal?

Understand the objectives of laser tattoo removal

    * Complete clearing of all tattoos is not always possible. However, you can expect to see a dramatic lightening.
    * Multiple treatments are typically necessary to obtain the maximum benefit. Amateur black tattoos respond more quickly than professional and multicolored tattoos.
    * Doubly treated tattoos may require additional treatments.
    * Multicolored tattoos may require several different wavelengths because of the selective absorption characteristics of tattoo pigment.

Self Help

To increase the benefits of this procedure and avoid complications, you should strictly avoid sun exposure and tanning prior to and during the treatment period.

Postoperative Care

• You should expect some swelling and blistering during the first day or two after the procedure.
• Immediately following treatments, white crusting may occur. Any resultant scab generally resolves in 10-14 days.
• Continued lightening of the tattoo can be observed for 4-8 weeks after each treatment session.
• Wound care is required to aid the healing process and to prevent infection. Typically an antibiotic ointment and dressing changes are recommended.
• Recommendations include Paracetamol for pain, elevation of the treated area to counteract any local swelling
• Sun avoidance to prevent tanning.

Rare complications of laser tattoo removal include the possiblities of burning the skin, discoloring dark skin with the laser, hypopigmentation (white spots, more common in darker skin), hyperpigmentation (dark spots), and textural changes.