A tattoo used to be a permanent and irreversible adornment to one's skin. However, in recent years dermatologic surgeons have developed safe and effective techniques to successfully remove unwanted tattoos. Since each tattoo is unique, removal techniques must be tailored to suit each individual case. For instance, professionally applied tattoos tend to penetrate the deeper layers of the skin at uniform levels. This uniformity allows dermatologic surgeons to use techniques that remove broader areas of inked skin at the same depth. Homemade tattoos are often applied with an uneven hand and their removal may be more difficult. Deeper blue and black ink colors are particularly difficult to remove. Professional tattoos made with some of the newer inks and pastel colors may also be difficult to remove entirely.

The 1064 nm laser energy selectively destroys the dye found in the tattoo. While the procedure should not hurt, you may experience a sensation of heat in the treated areas. The pigmented area turns red and a mild scab (observing the size and shape of the original pigmentation) may form within a day or two. This scab falls off within a few days and leaves behind a normal skin without any pigmentation. Side effects are generally minor, but may include skin discoloration at the treatment site, infection of the tattoo site, lack of complete pigment removal, or some scarring. A raised or thickened scar may appear three to six months after the tattoo is removed.

For best results, it is advisable for a 1064 nm spot treatment to be followed by a series of photorejuvenation procedures such as Non Ablative Laser Rejuvenation or Intense Pulse Light.

Clinical archives (American Society of Dermatologic Surgery)

• Using Lasers, Dermatologic Surgeons Declare TKO on Unwanted Tattoos (February 2003)

• Tattoo Removal Made Easier with New Laser Therapies (October 1999)

• Tattoo Removal fact sheet