Laser Tattoo Removal
With the increased prevalence of tattoos, tattoo removal has equally seen an upsurge in recent years with numerous significant improvements in methods and practice. Although tattoos are considered permanent, removal is possible, but complete removal may not always be possible. Tattoos comprising mainly black and darker colored ink exhibit the greatest success of removal. While some colors require treatment with a specialized laser tuned to a particular frequency.
The most common form of tattoo removal is performed by breaking down the ink with repeated treatment by a laser. This method often requires multiple visits where a small area of the tattoo is treated at each visit. Gradually, the laser breaks down the tattoo ink and the body naturally passes the ink. Frequently, a light scar remains although methods employing the latest generation of lasers boast greater success at removal without siginificant scarring.
But often the expense and pain of removing them typically exceeds the expense and pain of having them put on and so removal is sought only in very definite cases. The ultimate success of the removal procedure and visibility of the remaining scars depends on several factors, particularly the size and location of the tattoo, how it was applied, the individual's ability to heal and the age of the tattoo.
Modern tattoo removal clinics offer the option of anasthetic to help offset the pain of removal. A variant on standard laser treatment known as IPL (Intense Pulsed Light therapy) is now becoming more popular and carries the added benefits of less pain and fewer treatment sessions. However, current prices make it a little more expensive than standard laser treatments options.
Most insurance companies consider tattooing a cosmetic endeavor and therefore do not include provision for tattoo removal unless it is medically or surgically necessary. Also, many dermatological clinics specializing in tattoo removal require advance payment for the full course of treatment at the first visit. Both these issues make tattoo removal an expensive personal financial undertaking.