While people have many reasons for getting tattoos, people have just as many reasons for wanting to have them removed down the road. The old methods of tattoo removal were time-intensive and often resulted in scarring. Fortunately, thanks to advancements in laser technology, tattoos can be significantly lightened and reduced safely today with the help of your dermatologist.

How Does Laser Tattoo Removal Work?

The lasers used to remove tattoos can precisely target ink in the skin, allowing for non-invasive and effective removal of unwanted tattoos. During treatment, the laser works by emitting a focused beam of laser light that passes through the skin’s outer layer. The ink particles absorb the light from the laser, breaking the pigment into smaller particles that are eventually removed by the body’s natural healing processes.

Following a series of laser treatments, the ink particles are gradually faded from the skin. The number of treatment sessions required for optimal results varies according to the size, location, color and depth of the tattoo. Some only require a few laser sessions, while others require multiple treatments.

If you’re having second thoughts about a tattoo or want to learn more about laser tattoo removal, talk to your dermatologist and find out if laser tattoo removal is right for you.