Tattoo removal: How to remove a tattoo

A tattoo is a decorative or symbolic drawing on the skin. Tattoos are particularly coveted for their definitive and permanent qualities.

Traditionally, tattoos are applied to the skin with Chinese ink, charcoal or tallow. Today, tattoo specialists mainly use industrial pigments. This coloured pigment is inserted into the skin between the epidermis and dermis with a needle. The dye is deep enough in the skin, about 1 to 4 mms, to remain permanent.

Sometimes people no longer want the tattoo or that the design has changed over the years (burns, deformations, etc.). Thanks to aesthetic medicine it is possible to remove a tattoo almost definitively.

Tattoo removal: some guidelines

Tattoo removal aims to destroy the artificial pigment in the skin. Tattoo removal cannot therefore be applied to a tattoo that is in the process of healing, i.e. less than 3 months. Tattoo removal is most effective when the tattoo is more than 10 years old.

Tattoo removal is effective when the tattoo is not too deep, as the laser can reach the artificial pigment present in the skin more easily. In addition, the results are widely visible when the tattoos are all the same colour or monochrome, preferably black. It is possible to remove coloured tattoos but it takes more time. Remember that the laser destroys the dark pigment.

Results for tattoo removal are optimal when the tattoo is on a flat surface (torso, thigh or side of the body). If the tattoo is placed on a limb (leg or arm), the laser sessions are then doubled in order to avoid creating compression or swelling around the limb that could lead to vascular complications.

It is important to note that tattoo removal is not recommended if the patient is pregnant or breastfeeding. If tanning, marks are visible or when the patient is taking photosensitizing medication.

Tattoo removal is a treatment prescribed under the supervision of a specialist doctor.

Tattoo removal: what treatments are available?

Tattoo removal is the removal of pigments from the skin using a laser. By projecting a beam of light onto the tattoo, it is directly attracted by the skin's coloured pigment. When the laser comes into contact with the industrial pigment, a thermal reaction occurs and the pigment is burned off. The tattoo instantly turns white. This is a sign of onset edema which goes away a few days later and the tattoo reappears, but more blurred.

Several sessions are necessary before achieving the final results. On average, there are about 6 to 10 sessions. For tattoos over 30 centimetres, the number of sessions will be higher.