Within the last decade, Lasers have become an incredibly versatile tool in medicine. One such role is its use in tattoo removal. Traditionally, tattoos were removed by excision (cutting out the tattooed skin), dermabrasion (chemical peels), or trauma (scraping the skin). All of these methods resulted in permanent scarring. However, with the use of lasers, tattoos can be removed with minimal risk of scarring. The following are frequently asked questions regarding Lasers in the treatment of tattoos.

What does Laser stand for?

LASER is an acronym for Light Amplified by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. Lasers have a unique role in medicine in that they focus an immense amount of energy in a targeted area.

How does a Laser work?

A LASER machine amplifies a generated amount of light, and then passes it through a series of filters which determines the frequency of energy emitted. The target area (i.e. your skin, etc.) absorbs this energy and becomes vaporized.

What types of LASER are there?

In general, Lasers in the medical field are grouped either by their function or by the components of the Laser.

For example, functional classes of Lasers include:

• Skin Resurfacing Laser (for Facelifts and thinning out scars)
• Pigmentation Lasers (Tattoos, Freckles, Nevus', & Hyperpigmented Lesions)
• Spider Vein Lasers
• Hair Removal Lasers
• Cauterizing Lasers (to stop bleeding during surgeries)

Some Lasers can perform multiple functions such as removing tattoos, spider veins, and hair.

Lasers can also be grouped by their construction component types. The following are just a few of the many types developed.

• Neodymium:Yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser (Nd:YAG)
• Erb:YAG
• Krypton
• Carbon Dioxide
• Ruby

How many treatments will be required to remove a tattoo?

This depends on the size of the tattoo and the amount of ink used in the tattoo. The number of treatments can range from 4 to 10. Some may require more or less treatments depending on your situation.

Are the Laser treatments painful?

Patients who undergo treatments describe the effect of rubber bands snapping at their skin. Many patients choose to receive local anesthesia or topical anesthesia cream.

Are the Laser Treatments Permanent?

Yes, the tattoos will fade after each treatment and progressively with each subsequent procedure.

How long is it between treatments?

This can range between 4 and 8 weeks.

What are the advantages of using a Laser for tattoo removal?

Previous treatment for tattoo removal such as cutting the skin out, acid peels, or other forms of dermabrasion left patients with an unsightly scar in place of the tattoo. However, Lasers have a distinct advantage in that scarring is extremely rare. Other advantages are:

• Fast Treatment Times
• Exceptional Cosmetic Results
• Permanent Removal

In summary, Lasers have revolutionized tattoo removal in many respects. Lasers used for medical purposes must be performed by trained professionals. One should obtain a physician's consultation to discuss your treatment options.

Chris Lau, M.D. is a physician in private practice in South Pasadena, California. He can be reached at fpmd@pacbell.net.