Tattoo Removal - Q Switch
Tattoos result from pigments inserted into the skin. These pigments (colours) form various shaped constructions of pigment molecules too large to pass through the cell membranes. They stay trapped inside the skin for many years. In the last 10 years, Q-Switched lasers have been shown to be very effective at removing tattoos. Q-Switched lasers deliver very high power but very short pulses of laser light, which pass through the skin and break up the particles of tattoo pigment. When the particles are small enough to pass through the cell membrane, they are then treated by the cytoplasm as waste, driven out of the cell and dissolved in the blood stream.
It is important to remember that the body tries to remove even untreated tattoos, that's why tattoos normally fade over time. Q-Switched laser treatments make the pigment particles small enough to be removed much more quickly. Multiple treatments given about a month apart are necessary for best results. Scarring is uncommon leaving a normal to near normal skin appearance, occasionally mild changes in skin texture may occur. Fading of the tattoos is usually visible about 2 weeks after treatment.
Amateur tattoos generally require fewer treatments as compared to those professionally done due to the higher concentration of pigment and the deeper the penetration of the ink in professional tattoos. In addition, darker colours like blue or black respond better to the laser due to higher light absorption than lighter colours such as yellow and green which do not absorb the laser light as well.
What are the possible side effects?
There are minimal side effects to tattoo removal by Q-Switch lasers. However, you should consider these factors in your decision:
- Infection at the site
- Hypopigmentation where the treated skin is paler than surrounding skin
- Hypopigmentation where the treated skin is darker than surrounding skin
- Scarring is very low, between 7 to 14 percent.
Cosmetic tattoos have Fe Oxide in them which will turn black when Q-Switched lasers are used on them These tattoos include the red for lipstick, black or brown for eyebrows and flesh coloured tattoos commonly applied for stretch marks. For this reason, the Q-Switched laser is not suitable for removing cosmetic tattoos.
Enquiries & appointments ph: (03) 9783 9779 or click here to contact us.
