Firstly, let's
understand how laser tattoo removal works
Laser energy penetrates skin to break
up tattoo ink particles which
will be eliminated by our body's immune system over time. Multiple
sessions are required as not all ink particles can be broken up in a
single treatment.
6 Factors that Influence the
Number of Laser Tattoo Removal Treatments Required :
Skin Type
Lighter skin types have a
higher success rate for laser tattoo removal. It is also safe to
treat patients with darker skin tones but more treatment sessions are
required to minimize unwanted side effects.
Tattoo Location
Tattoos on anatomic regions
with more blood and lymphatic supply such as the head and neck
require less number of treatments compared to tattoos on fingers and
toes. Close proximity to blood and lymphatic drainage facilitates our
immune system to clear the tattoo ink particles.
Tattoo Colour
Black pigments are the easiest to remove followed by red. Other
colors, such as green, yellow, and orange are more difficult to
remove.
Amount of Tattoo Ink
The difference in
the amount of ink lies within the type of tattoo - professional or
amateur and the complexity of tattoo design. A professional tattoo
with a complex design will contain more ink and thus requires more
laser tattoo removal treatments.
Photo source : NCBI
Small and simple amateur tattoos are the easiest to treat as they contain relatively little ink.
Scarring
Tattoo placement can sometimes lead to scarring. Tattoo pigments within a scar is more difficult to remove as our immune system cells cannot penetrate the area. A significant amount of scarring at the tattoo area causes more difficulty in laser tattoo removal and requires more treatment sessions compared to minimal or no scarring.
Tattoo
Layering
Patients sometimes choose to cover up
an undesirable tattoo with another tattoo. The new tattoo is usually
larger and darker, hiding the previous tattoo in new contours and
colours. Tattoo layering is expected to warrant additional treatments
compared with normal tattoos.
