Preparation / Typical Procedure
Prior to a session, avoiding a tan in the area to be treated is extremely important. A combination approach to keep the skin as light as possible in the tattooed area is helpful:
- Use a high SPF sunblock daily, and re-apply periodically if in the sun.
- Avoid outdoor activity during peak sun hours (10 AM to 3 PM).
- Wear sun-protective clothing, such as long sleeves and a hat.
- Sit in shady areas when outdoors.
- Wearing a protective bandage over the tattoo will block sun exposure.
Most patients prefer to use numbing cream for 45–90 minutes immediately before treatment. Once the skin is cleaned, laser treatment is usually fairly quick for a small- to medium-size tattoo. The laser handpiece is placed over the skin and repeatedly pulsed with laser light until the entire tattoo is treated. A major issue can be the pain of the laser treatment, which is often more painful than getting the tattoo. Some compare the pain of laser tattoo removal to being snapped by a rubber band.
Expected Results
