Laser tattoo removal gone wrong!
Tattoo removal can be done with the help of various tools. While tattoos were once considered as permanent, it is now possible to remove them fully or partially with treatments. The patient came to the outpatient department with blisters after laser tattoo removal. Tattoos are thousands of large particles of pigment which are suspended in the skin. The theory of selective photo thermolysis and its application has been successful for the removal of tattoos. Laser tattoo removal is based on Q switched lasers which deliver energy in an ultra-short duration.
The laser delivers energy at a very high peak, typically in a nanosecond – an ultrashort duration. The tattoo ink selectively absorbs this energy because of its thermal relaxation time and preferential wavelength. The energy collapses into a shockwave rapidly, however, the ink particles surface temperature can rise to thousand degrees. In addition, the shock wave propagates throughout the dermis, local tissue causing vibrational damage, fragmenting the brittle structures of tattoo pigments with rupture of cell structures and membranes.
Like any other medical procedure, side effects are a possibility post treatment.
The common side effects of laser tattoo removal include blistering, hyper or hypo pigmentation, itching, discomfort, swelling, scabbing or frosting1. The laser heats up the ink particles which causes blistering in your skin after tattoo removal, moreover, the blood vessels which surround the tattoo area begin to break. For this reason, blisters containing water, blood and ink may appear on the skin.
The high intensity light beams break up the pigment colours and remove the tattoos. Similarly, all laser wavelengths are absorbed by black tattoo pigments, which makes it an easier colour to treat. Other colours based on pigment colour can only be treated by selected lasers. Therefore, it is important to consult a trained professional who can advise you on the process by evaluating your tattoo. The number of treatments needed depend on the colour, size and age of the tattoo. The removal technique is also affected with how deep the tattoo pigment goes and the colour of your skin2.
During a laser tattoo removal procedure, there are a few things which should be expected during the session.
- You will be given a pair of protective eyewear
- The most effective energy for treatment will be determined by testing your skin’s reaction to the laser.
- Pulses of intense light will be passed with the laser through the top layers of your skin, absorbing the tattoo pigment only.
If the tattoo is small, it will require only a few pulses and the larger ones will need more pulses for their removal. It will take several treatments to completely get rid of the tattoo in either case. The tattoo will become progressively lighter with each visit. The process of laser tattoo removal is uncomfortable, therefore, depending on the location of the tattoo, you may want to apply topical anesthesia, although most patients do not require anesthesia. Use an ice pack to soothe the treated area, immediately following the treatment, apply an ointment or antibiotic cream and protect it with a bandage.
References
- Kent, K. M., & Graber, E. M. (2012). Laser tattoo removal: a review. Dermatologic Surgery, 38(1), 1-13.
- Ho, S. G., & Goh, C. L. (2015). Laser tattoo removal: a clinical update. Journal of cutaneous and aesthetic surgery, 8(1), 9.
