According to estimates, more than 20 percent of Germans have at least one tattoo – and the trend is rising. The popular body jewelry is becoming more and more established in the middle of society and is gaining increasing acceptance. In a tattoo, tattoo ink is applied up to two millimeters deep into the skin using special needles. The color is deposited in the dermis (dermis) so that the tattoo remains permanently visible. Some women and men no longer feel comfortable with their tattoo after a while. This may be because the result does not meet expectations or because personal circumstances and tastes change. In this case, a tattoo removal can be performed by laser.
How does laser tattoo removal work?
During laser treatment, focused energy is emitted into the tissue. The energy impulses are absorbed by the color pigments of the tattoo. This leads to heating, which breaks up the color pigments and breaks them down into tiny particles. These can be removed from the body in the next step. Session by session, the unwanted tattoo fades more and more until it is barely visible or no longer visible at all.
How long does a session last?
The duration of a tattoo removal depends on various factors. On the one hand, it is of course crucial how large the tattoo to be removed is. Smaller tattoos can be removed more quickly than large ones. The color and quality of the tattoo also play a role. You should allow ten to 30 minutes per treatment session. In order not to put too much strain on the tissue, the 30 minutes are generally not exceeded. The body is then given time to remove the particles and regenerate. After a few weeks, the next treatment session can be planned. This process is repeated until the desired result is achieved.
How many sessions are required?
The number of treatment sessions cannot be specified in general terms. Here too, the size, quality, age and color of the tattoo are important influencing factors. For small tattoos, up to three sessions are sometimes sufficient, while more elaborate tattoos can involve ten sessions or more.
Patients receive comprehensive advice on the course of the treatment sessions during a personal consultation in the practice.
Is the treatment painful?
Laser treatment for tattoo removal is performed on an outpatient basis without surgery. It is therefore comparatively gentle. However, the treatment is not completely pain-free. Patients often describe the bursting of the color pigments as a pinching sensation. This can vary in intensity and depends on the individual perception of pain. It is sometimes compared to a rubber band that is snapped onto the skin. Others equate it with the feeling they had when they got the tattoo.
In any case, we try to make your treatment as pleasant as possible. During laser treatment, a stream of cool air is directed at the area, which reduces the discomfort. An anesthetic ointment can also be applied if desired.
It is also advisable to cool the area carefully after the treatment. We will also be happy to inform you about soothing care options after the laser treatment.
Tattoo removal and cover-up
In addition to complete removal of the unpleasant tattoo, it is also possible to fade the tattoo with laser treatment and then cover or correct it with a new design. This method is suitable for people who would like to keep a tattoo but are unhappy with the current design or quality.
More about tattoo removal
Are you no longer happy with one of your tattoos and would like to have it removed? Dr. Kors will be happy to inform you about the possibilities of laser treatment for tattoo removal in a personal consultation. Simply arrange your appointment for a non-binding consultation. We look forward to seeing you!
last update: 31.8.2022
