Laser Tattoo Removal Reviews
Laser remains the gold standard for tattoo removal for those who can afford the process. Sessions cost, on average, $150.00 to $250.00. A rule of thumb for tattoo removal is 10 times the cost of your original tattoo for the cost of laser removal. It can cost significantly more in large metropolitan areas on the east and west coasts or when performed by a Dermatologist or Cosmetic Surgeon whose practice includes laser tattoo removal.
Tattoo Removal Facts
Although laser is the best method for tattoo removal it is not, by any means, perfect. Unfortunately, no one laser system can remove all tattoo inks.
Amateur tattoos usually require fewer treatments because they generally consist of less dense, inferior pigments when compared to professional tattoos. Deeply planted tattoos are more difficult to remove, and older tattoos are not necessarily more difficult to remove, again depending on the depth of the pigment.
Light colored vibrant inks may require more treatment sessions because of the inability of current laser technology to generate the specific energy wavelength for the color. Once implanted, the ink particles are absorbed by dermal fibroblasts, cells which produce skin collagen, and remain there permanently for the life of the person.
Tattoo Removal Review
In order to selectively remove tattoo pigments placed in the dermis, pulsed lasers must meet the following requirements:
- The laser wavelength must be absorbed by the specific colored ink being targeted
- The heat generated (up to 900 degrees Fahrenheit) should be confined to the target.
- The energy delivered must be of sufficient power to breakup or vaporize the target.
The intense heat causes some pigment particles to shatter and kills the tissue cells in which the pigment resides. The rupture of pigment containing cells eventually triggers the immune system to ingest or dispose of the tattoo pigment fragments through drainage to the nearest lymph node.
Laser wavelength and colors removed
*Three different lasers must be used to remove all colors (see note below):
532nm - is a green laser and is attracted to red, orange, pink, lighter colors
755nm - is a red laser and is attracted to green, turquoise, sky blue, teal, etc.
1064nm - is infrared laser and is attracted to black, blue, brown and darker colors
All three lasers can be used at the same time, as lasers will only work on the specific color it is attracted to.
*Important note:
Turquoise, light greens and tattoos with yellow in them do not do well and additional treatments may be necessary or will need to be treated with a 755nm Q-Switch Accolade. Tattoo's that have had white (titanium oxide) applied cannot be removed until the white has faded, which could take 5-10 years.
No single laser system is the answer for tattoo removal. Q-switched lasers can fade most tattoos with minimal side effects. Practitioners must understand the limits of current laser technology and set realistic goals for their patients. Complete clearance of all treated tattoos is not possible with current technology. Depending on the color, experienced practitioners can expect 90% clearance in 50% plus of the cases they treat. Solid black tattoos have the best chance for close to 100% clearance.
Tattoo Removal Cost: Consult your local laser removal specialist
Product Information: Consult your local laser removal specialist
Return to: Tattoo Removal Reviews
INFORMATION CURRENT AS OF JULY 19, 2009
