How does it work?
The Revlite YAG Laser is a very short pulsed laser (nanosecond pulse) which uses different wavelengths for targeting different colours in a tattoo. The Tattoo Removal Laser hits black best, then red/pink/orange/yellow, then blue, then green. Other colours can have a variable response.
When the laser’s nanosecond pulse hits its target colour, the laser light converts to sound and heat. The sound shatters the tattoo pigment particles, which were too large for our natural scavenger (macrophage) system to remove, into lots of smaller particles. Then the macrophages in our immune system can take away any tattoo pigment particles that are now small enough and the tattoo fades. This is the reason we need to wait 6-8 weeks between treatments to give the macrophages time to do their job.
Traumatic tattoos like gravel/ bitumen tattoo and Iron injection tattoos can also be treated, as can red ink allergy and lip line and brow tattoos.
What results can I expect?
The Tattoo Removal Laser doesn’t actually remove the tattoo, but rather speeds up the natural fading process by shattering the ink into small bits. Therefore, multiple treatments are usually required. The number of treatments depends on various factors, including:
How much ink was put in by the tattooist (amateur vs professional)
If it is layered, how effectively the patient’s macrophage scavenger system works
Skin colour
Colours in the tattoo.
A NEW TECHNIQUE IS AVAILABLE WHICH CAN POTENTIALLY REMOVE THE TATTOO IN ONE VISIT.
Please see Dr Braham Goldberg so he can explain this NEW technique and if it is appropriate for treating your tattoo.
What are the risks?
Potential risks are related to the heat generated by the laser and are greatly reduced by the use of our Cryo Cooler which blows cold air onto the skin. Redness, swelling, pin point bleeding and blisters can occur. Occasionally, some crusting or even a scab is seen and exceedingly rarely, a scar.
Some flesh colour tattoos and semi-permanent lip line tattoos can carbonize and go black so a spot test is a good idea before treatment.
Usually there is just redness and swelling which settles quickly.