“The reasons for tattoo removal can be social, cultural or the result of a not so aesthetically successful result. Whatever the reason that pushes someone to want to get rid of it, modern dermatology gives us the opportunity to choose whether to keep it, making Tattoo Removal a reality, in just a few sessions”, explains Dermatologist – Venereologist Dr. Amalia Tsiatoura.
Tattoo Removal has always been a challenge for the field of Dermatology, as each tattoo is unique and requires individualized treatment. To date, many methods of tattoo removal have been tried, including the use of Causative Acids (e.g. TCA), Dermabrasion, Diathermy, Cryosurgery and local surgical removal of the design with Plastic Surgery. In the majority of cases, these methods resulted in an unsightly aesthetic result, such as scarring, discoloration and burns that plagued the patient for a long time after treatment.
In the last 20 years, the entry of laser into the field of dermatology has revolutionized a multitude of therapeutic and aesthetic applications and the problem of Tattoo Removal could not be one of them.
Modern Q-Switch Laser
The laser tattoo removal method is the only clinically proven method of tattoo removal that offers excellent aesthetic results, without burns and unsightly scars.
At Cosmetic Derma Medicine we have the innovative Q-Switch laser Alexandrite and Q-Switch laser ND-Yag which perform selective photothermolysis of the tattoo pigment, breaking down the pigment granules into small fragments which are then gradually eliminated by our body, while leaving the surrounding tissues intact.
Areas Of Application
Laser Tattoo Removal can be performed on almost any part of the body and face where there is a tattoo, such as:
- Eyebrows
- Chest
- Shins – Buttocks
- Shoulders
- Back
and many other areas.
Before – After Results
Complete Tattoo Removal is achieved after the completion of a cycle of sessions, the number of which is determined by the Dermatologist depending on the size of the tattoo and the area of skin it occupies, the pigments used, the depth of their penetration into the skin, the amount and type of material, how recent and professionally done the tattoo is, and the color of the skin of the person concerned.
FAQ
Laser Tattoo Removal
How many sessions are needed for complete Tattoo Removal?
Laser Tattoo Removal requires more than one session. The number of sessions that may be required varies depending on the size of the tattoo and the area of skin it occupies, the pigments that have been used, the depth of their penetration into the skin, the amount and type of material, how recent and professionally done the tattoo is and the skin color of the person concerned. Most commonly, it takes about 5 – 8 sessions.
The time between sessions should be such that the body has time to naturally eliminate the degraded pigment granules – indicatively 5-6 weeks – while the number of sessions needed to achieve complete removal of the tattoo is determined by the dermatologist after taking all the above factors into account.
Which Tattoo Removal laser is applied?
At Cosmetic Derma Medicine we use the Q-Switched ND:Yag Laser which is the most specialized and dedicated laser for tattoo removal.
3 wavelengths are used Q-Switched ND:Yag Laser at 1064 and 532 nm and Q-Switched Alexandrite Laser at 755 nm.
It works through the photoacoustic effect, breaking the microspheres of the tattoo pigment into smaller fragments which are then removed naturally by the lymphatic circulation.
Does Laser Tattoo Removal Hurt;
Before the Laser Tattoo Removal treatment, a topical anesthetic cream is applied so the procedure is practically painless. Laser Tattoo Removal treatment does not cause a breakup of the skin continuity and does not cause scars and marks.
In some cases, especially when the tattoo is large we can apply an injection anesthetic. Then the color appears a little more intense and the tattoo lines are palpable, and then the pigment is gradually removed.
How Laser Tattoo Removal is applied;
During the application of the treatment, the Q-Switch laser head is gradually applied to the entire area of the pattern we wish to remove. As the laser “targets” the pigment and energy is taken up by it, slight pain or burning sensation may be experienced and for this reason, an anesthetic cream is applied topically to the area before each session.
Are there any side effects from Laser Tattoo Removal;
After each laser session, bleaching of the tattoo may occur due to the selective absorption of the laser beam by the pigment. Other possible side effects include the appearance of a small hematoma (especially in areas where the pigment is more intense) and irritation of the area; they require local care by a dermatologist and resolve soon.
Does Laser Tattoo Removal apply to all tattoos?
With Laser Tattoo Removal we can “erase” tattoos of various sizes and colors on any part of the body. Dark colors such as blue, black and gray are most easily removed. But with the modern Q-Switched Laser and the multiple wavelengths contained in this machine, we can get excellent results on lighter colors such as red, yellow, green, blue.
This laser can also be used to remove eyebrow tattoos, as well as permanent makeup removal such as on the lip contour, for example.
The Q-Switched ND:Yag Laser can be applied to spots, blemishes that are resistant to Fractional Laser and CO2 Laser with excellent results.
Can I cover up with another tattoo in the area where the tattoo was previously removed?
Once the tattoo removal is completed and at least 2 months have passed, then coverage with another tattoo can be done.