@LaserbyReece

Why are tattoos permanent?

The tattoo process deposits ink in the dermis, which is the inner layer of skin. Depositing ink particles in this layer ensures that they won’t be absorbed into the subcutaneous tissue below or leached out of the skin as the epidermis regenerates naturally.

When ink is deposited into the dermis, the body’s immune system reacts to it the same way it reacts to any other foreign body—white blood cells attempt to absorb and eliminate the foreign body.

Over time, the white blood cells eat away at the smaller ink particles, but most are still too large for the white blood cells to grab onto and remove from the skin. Because the ink particles are too large for the white blood cells to absorb, the skin cells heal around the particles and the ink becomes permanent.

How lasers remove tattoos?

Lasers work to remove tattoos by breaking up the larger ink particles into pieces small enough for white blood cells to absorb them. To break up an ink particle, you need to heat it to make it expand due to thermal expansion, but the zap has to be quick enough so that half of the particle remains cool. The opposing cool and hot forces then separate the ink particles into smaller pieces.

Once the lasers break the ink particles apart into small enough pieces, the white blood cells can absorb them for transportation to the liver and elimination.

What to expect in your laser tattoo removal session

Before your session starts, you’ll have a consultation to discuss realistic expectations and possible results. The approximate treatment time, the spacing between sessions, post care of the treated area.

When you come in for your first session, often the same day as your initial consultation, we will cover everything. Most treatments take only minutes.

Does laser tattoo removal hurt?

Having a tattoo removed can be quite painful, often more so than getting a tattoo in the first place. The lasers heat the ink particles to thousands of degrees to break them down, but it happens so rapidly and in a concentrated area that the energy instead collapses into a shockwave.

This shockwave vibrates through the skin and causes the upper layer of skin to lift up and appear white, or to “frost.” Though temporarily painful, this effect usually lasts just a few seconds.

We do advise on the use of numbing cream called EMLA 5%

Laser tattoo removal aftercare

When you got your tattoo, your laser therapist will gave you a specific set of instructions to ensure that your tattoo healed properly and looked great. Laser tattoo removal has a similar reliance on great aftercare to ensure proper healing and optimal results. Full instructions will be given on the after care.