Laser therapy
Laser Tatoo Removal
- Description of treatment
- Contraindications
- Before the procedure
- After the procedure
Description of treatment
Laser tatoo removal is an effective and most esthetic tatoo removal method.
The laser method consists in the laser beams absorbing the pigments contained in the tatoo. The laser removes the tatoo by sending short light impulses (nanoseconds), which are selectively absorbed by the pigment in the tatoo. Each pigment color absorbes a different wave length. After the absorption the pigment is torn into very small fragments, which are then absorbed (removed by the skin immune system). Thanks to this the treatment is very precise and usually doesn't cause permanent skin damage.
The number of procedures necessary to remove a tatoo is strictly dependent on how professionally it was done, the size, depth, the amount and type of pigments used, the patient's skin type (phototype), as well the the patient's individual reaction to the laser (the role of immune system). The procedures shall be 6-8 weeks apart, so that the pigment particles can be absorbed by the body, which will be evidenced by the fading of the tatoo. The duration of the procedure depends on the size of the tatoo and may be between 5 and 60 minutes. Thus the process of removing the tatoo may last between a dozen of minutes and a few months.
During the first procedure, a laser test is conducted and only a small area of the tatoo is treated. Then, after 2-4 weeks, it's possible to make an assessment of the first procedure and decide upon the future course of action.
* To achieve the best effects, it is recommended to undergo a series of procedures. Subsequent procedures shall be performed in a series of several procedures depending on the indications and obtained results, keeping the procedures at least 4-8 weeks apart.
* During the first procedure, the laser parameters are individually optimized to obtain the best possible effects.
* Sensations during the procedure are dependent on the individual patient's pain threshold and skin sensitivity. The procedures may be conducted with no anasthesia, however some patients may require local anasthesia.
Contraindications:
- pregnancy and lactation
- active skin diseases in the area to be undergoing the treatment
- skin wounds and cuts
- taking photosensitizing medication (some antibiotics, anti-depressants, retinoids)
- taking photosensitizing herbs (St. John's wort, calendula, slimming teas)
- active acne
Before the procedure
Indications for the patient before the procedure
- No tanning (sun or tanning salon) for 2-4 weeks before the procedure
- No self tanners for 2 weeks before the procedure
- Don't apply treatments irritating or flaking the skin (peeling), treatments with vitamin A derivatives, for 3-4 weeks before the procedure
- In the case of the following medication: anticoagulants, steroids, photosensitizing, you should stop taking them (if possible) 5 days before the procedure
- In the case of remedies containing β-Carotene (including oral) you should stop taking/using them 2-3 weeks before the procedure,
- In the case of photosensitizing herbs, you should stop taking them 2-3 weeks before the procedure
- In the case of creams containing retinol, isotretinoin, fruit acids etc., you should stop using them 4 weeks before the procedure
- Don't drink alcohol on the day of the treatment
After the procedure
- Keep the area that has undergone the treatment clean
- Protect from accidental damage by clothes, if necessary wear protecting dressing
- If the dry skin starts to flake, let it regenerate naturally, don't scratch, rub, peel or apply other flaking treatments
- No tanning 4 weeks after the treatment (both naturally as well as in a tanning salon)
- Protect the skink from the sun for 1 month after the treatment by applying sunscreen with SPF 50+
- Avoid factors causing widening of blood vessels for 4-5 days (physical exercise, sauna, hot baths)
- Avoid smoking tabacco and drinking alcohol excessively
- Avoid swimming in swimming pools
- Apply skin moisturizing medications (2-3 times a day)
- Don't apply remedies which may cause irritation: lightening cream, peeling treatments, toners, products containing glycolic acid or retinoids, soaps or alcohol-based remedies
- In the case of damaged skin avoid applying make-up on the area undergoing treatment for about 4-5 days after the treatment, otherwise make-up can be applied the day after the treatment
- In the unlikely case that scabs should appear on the skin, it may be necessary to apply antibioric ointment, or in the case of strong itchiness, delicate steroid ointments; those medications shall be prescribed by a doctor
* In the case of any complications, please consult a doctor immediately.
