05 · Lasers and light
Laser tattoo removal: progressive lightening of the ink
Tattoo removal is done with the Acroma® laser, a Q-switched laser that emits extremely short pulses and breaks tattoo ink into smaller particles, which the body gradually eliminates. Lightening is progressive with each session, and the result depends on the colors, depth and amount of ink, as well as the skin type. At Yamagata Dermatologia, in Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro, it is performed by dermatologists after a medical evaluation.
- Duration
- Varies with the size
- Anesthesia
- Numbing cream
- Recovery
- Crusts and swelling for a few days
- Result
- Progressive lightening
How it works
Tattoo ink sits in the dermis as particles too large for the body to eliminate. The Q-switched laser emits pulses of energy that last billionths of a second and break these particles into smaller fragments through a mechanical (photoacoustic) effect, with little heating of the surrounding skin.
Over the following weeks, the body's defense cells collect the fragments and eliminate them through the lymphatic system. In each session, part of the ink is removed, and the tattoo lightens progressively. The Acroma® laser works with two wavelengths, used according to the ink color.
Indications
- Tattoo removalComplete removal or lightening for a new tattoo.
- Dark spots on the bodyAccidental pigments in the skin (traumatic tattoos).
Treated areas
TattoosProfessional tattoos · Amateur tattoos · Eyebrow micropigmentation, after evaluation · Accidental pigments in the skin
What a session is like
After a numbing cream is applied, the area is cleaned, and the patient and team wear protective glasses. The doctor applies the pulses over the tattoo, and the treated ink turns whitish for a few minutes. At the end, a dressing is applied. The duration varies with the size of the tattoo.
Recovery
Over the following days, the area is red and swollen, and small blisters and crusts may appear, which come off within one to two weeks.
Sessions and results
The number of sessions and the interval between them depend on the dermatologist's individual evaluation and on each patient's clinical concern, as well as on the colors, depth and amount of ink. Lightening is progressive, and the final result varies from person to person.
Contraindications
Tattoo removal is not recommended during pregnancy, over tanned skin, wounds or active infections, or for people taking photosensitizing medications. Skin-tone, white or pink tattoos, such as micropigmentation, may darken with the laser and require a test on a small area.
At the evaluation, the dermatologist reviews your health history, current medications and previous procedures to confirm the indication.
All procedures are recommended and performed after an individual medical evaluation. Results vary from person to person.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Can a tattoo be completely removed?
In many cases, yes, but not always. Black and dark blue tattoos respond best. Colors such as green, yellow and light blue are harder to remove, and some tattoos are only lightened. The evaluation estimates what is possible in each case.
Will it leave a scar?
The Q-switched laser is designed to break up ink with little damage to the skin, and the risk of scarring is low when the aftercare is followed. Temporary changes in skin color, lighter or darker, may occur.
Why are several sessions needed?
In each session, the laser breaks up part of the ink, and the body takes weeks to eliminate the particles. For this reason, the treatment is done in several spaced sessions, with the number and interval defined at the evaluation.
Does tattoo removal hurt?
The sensation is similar to getting the tattoo, with pricks and snaps. The numbing cream and skin cooling make the session more tolerable.
Can a tattoo be lightened to put a new one over it?
Yes. Partial lightening, in fewer sessions than complete removal, makes it easier to cover it with a new design.
Team