Decorative tattoos have a history dating back at least 5000 years. The
desire to remove them has probably existed for just as long.
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Early attemts to remove tattoos have had less than desirable results. Dermabrasion,
salabrasion and Argon or CO2 lasers have left behind scars in place of the tattoo.
The advent of Q switched pulsed lasers has permitted the removal of most tattoo
inks with a very low risk of scarring.
The Medlite Q swiched ND:YAG laser is the newest system in this class of lasers.
The Q switched pulsed laser can significantly lighten or remove many tattoo inks.
It is particularly advanced in the removal of blue, black and red inks.
The Q switched pulsed laser removes tattoo ink with the energy of light.
Just as natural sunlight is made up of light wavelenths of many colours, a
laser is designed to produce one or more specific wavelenths of light. These
wavelenths are either absorbed, reflected or simply passed through objects.
Tattoo ink is removed by using a specific wavelenth which passes through the
skin but is absorbed by the ink. The rapid absorption of light energy causes
the tattoo ink to destruct, where it is then romeved by the body's natural filtering
systems.
The Q switched pulsed laser also delivers the light in very short, high intensity
pulses for maximum ink destruction. The use of this specific combination of wavelength
and rapidly pulsed light results in minimal damage to the skin while providing
maximum tattoo ink removal.
Is the process painful?
The laser emits light in very short flashes of light called pulses. The impact
of the energy from this powerful pulse of light is similar to the snap of a thin
rubber band. A large majority of patients do not require anaesthesia.
How many treatment sessions will it take to remove the tattoo?
On average, professional tattoos require 5-6 treatments, while amateur tattoos
may require 3-4 treatments. Each treatment should be spaced approximately one
month apart. The number of treatments depends upon the amount and type of ink
in the skin. Rarely, more than ten treatments may be needed.
Do all colours of ink disappear equally well?
No. Dark (blue / black) inks and red inks fade the best. Oranges and purples
usually respond well. Green and yellow inks are the most difficult to remove,
although additional treatments can produce significant fading.
Will the tattoo completely disappear?
In many cases, yes. Greater than 95% fading of the tattoo may be accomplished.
However it is very important to know that over 100 tattoo inks are in use worldwide
today, none of which are regulated by the FDA. Not knowing which tatoo ink, how
deep or how much was used, makes it impossible for the physician to predict the
degree of removal on any given tattoo.
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Australia
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