Hi there!
Thank you for your question regarding treatment options for tattoo removal. I recommend using a pico-second laser to target tattoo ink/pigments. Picosecond lasers are more effective and safer than nanosecond (Q-switched) lasers (1).
However, do note that the type of laser used is only one of the factors affecting your personal clinical response to tattoo removal treatments. There are other factors to consider (2), such as:
- your skin type
- the location of your tattoo on your body
- the amount of ink in your tattoo (usually less for amateur tattoos and more for profesionally-done ones)
- whether the ink was layered in your tattoo
- presence of any skin scarring or changes over your tattoo
- the number of colours and colours present in your tattoo
As you can see, the type of laser used is only one of many factors involved to determine your response to laser tattoo removal. In addition, do speak to your doctor to find out more regarding appropriate after-care, potential risks, adverse effects and an estimate on the number of sessions required for you.
Best regards and happy new year!
Cheers,
Dr. Joanna Chan
References:
1. Choi MS, Seo HS, Kim JG, et al. Effects of picosecond laser on the multi-colored tattoo removal using Hartley guinea pig: A preliminary study. PLoS One. 2018;13(9):e0203370. Published 2018 Sep 6. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0203370
2. Kirby W, Desai A, Desai T, Kartono F, Geeta P. The Kirby-Desai Scale: A Proposed Scale to Assess Tattoo-removal Treatments. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2009;2(3):32-7.
