Laser removal of tattoo and pigmentation

Published on : 04 April 20235 min reading time

Are you unsatisfied with your tattoo? Do you have skin pigmentation problems; perhaps caused by ageing skin or the sun? Previously, removal of these skin issues was painful; but new laser methods offer the opportunity to clear your skin safely and pain-free.

When to undergo laser removal of a tattoo or pigmentation

To remove tattoos, pigment stains or permanent make-up, in most cases an Alexandrite laser is used. Laser pulses penetrate the skin without damaging it and they break dark pigment into smaller parts. These are then absorbed with the help of white blood cells.

The laser device works with an accuracy to one-thousandth of a millimeter. This means there is maximum protection of the surrounding tissue. Please remember that more sessions will be needed for the remvoal of a professional tattoo – the pigmentation is deposited through more layers, which have to be broken down in steps. Another option for tattoo removal is “grinding” with the help of an Erbium laser. With this method it is possible to remove the tattoo during the first session, and because this method is quicker, it is even less expensive than with the use of the Alexandrite laser. The disadvantage to this treatment is that a scar may appear in the treated area.

Why laser tattoo and pigmentation removal Prague?

Prague has many attractive features for those considering tattoo and pigmentation laser removal abroad. Its location in Central Europe is easy to access; its mild climate is conducive to healing and its experienced clinics and laser tattoo and pigmentation removal surgeons ensure you’ll receive the best possible care. Laser tattoo and pigmentation removal Prague costs are often much more affordable than in the UK or with the NHS. For more information about getting to and around the Czech Republic, please visit our handy cosmetic surgery Prague info guide.

Are you a good candidate for laser treatment removal of tattoos or pigmentation?

If you have an undesirable tattoo or pigment stains caused by sunshine or old age, then this procedure will probably work for you. Your expectations should be realistic.

If your surgeon recommends the use of the Alexandrite laser that “breaks up“ the tattoo pigments, it may be necessary to repeat the treatment several times, especially if the tattoo is deep or the pigmentation large. It is easier to remove tattoos and pigmentation from places that move a lot (fingers, neck.) The Alexandrite laser works well on black and dark blue ink, but it does not work as well on green ink. It unfortunately has no effect on yellow and red ink. The effect of the Erbium tattoo laser treatment is usually 100% after the first visit.

Before the laser removal of tattoo and pigmentation

During the consultation, the dermatologist will examine your tattoo or pigmentation and suggest a procedure to achieve the best possible results. The first consultation should include a test, which should show the effect of the laser method on a small part of the damaged skin. This test can prevent you from wasting money on a procedure that may not work for you.

Anesthesia

Treatment with the Alexandrite laser is intense but very gentle. It is often compared to a stinging nettle. In most cases, it is not necessary to use anesthesia. In case of larger treatments or the use of the Erbium laser, it is possible to use a local anesthesia of anesthetic ointment or light analgosedation. If you are extremely sensitive to pain, you can ask for this type of anesthesia.

After the treatment

The Alexandrite laser treatment has an advantage; it does not really damage the skin. The skin may sometimes turn red and swell, but the swelling does not last long. Sometimes, small scabs may appear, but they soon fall off. There are no scars after the laser treatment. In the case of the Erbium laser treatment, a small scab might appear in the treated area, which will fall off in several days. However a scar might remain. In both laser methods it is necessary to protect the treated place from sunshine for several weeks. Use sunscreens with a high UV filter (50+.)

The results of laser removal of tattoo and pigmentation

It is not possible to see the results of the Alexandrite laser treatment immediately. The healing and clearing can take approximately 6-8 weeks. If you have undergone the removal of sun spots, one treatment should be sufficient. In the case of removing tattoos or permanent make-up, it is necessary to plan for more treatments to achieve the best possible results (approximately 5 times or more.) It is possible to undergo the next treatment approximately two to three weeks after the previous one. To see the results from other patients, visit our before and after tattoo and pigmentation laser removal Prague photos.