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Tattoos

What Is A Tattoo?

A tattoo is created by injecting tiny pigment granules into the skin, each smaller than a human cell. Normally, our immune system’s white blood cells help remove foreign substances and cellular debris from our body. However, tattoo granules are too large to be eliminated so they remain in the skin permanently. Only specialised lasers can break down the pigment and gradually fade the tattoo.

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What Is In Tattoo Ink?

In the past decade, there has been an increase in the variety of tattoo ink compositions. The list below details some of the known substances used. However, with no regulation of ink components, the exact nature of the inks used in an individual tattoo is unknown.
  • Red – mercury sulfide (cinnabar), ferric hydrate (sienna), cadmium
  • Black – carbon, iron oxide, logwood
  • Brown – ferric oxide
  • Blue – cobalt aluminate
  • Green – chromic oxide, lead chromate, aluminium
  • Yellow – cadmium sulfide, lead
  • Purple – manganese, aluminium
  • White – titanium oxide, zinc oxide, lead
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How Are Tattoos Classified?

Tattoos are classified as “professional” or “amateur”.

Professional

Professional tattoos range in size, design and most importantly colour. These tattoos are more densely coloured and layered, making them more difficult to remove.

Amateur

Amateur tattoos usually consist of black carbon and lie in the more superficial layers of the skin. These tattoos are usually simple outlines and require fewer treatments to fade because they contain less pigment. Traditional tattoos such as Pacific Islander tattoos and Asian ‘Sak Yang’ tattoos are examples of amateur tattoos.

How Are Tattoos Removed?

Q Switched lasers

These were introduced in the early 90s and were commonly used for scarless tattoo removal. These lasers deliver short-duration pulses of light energy in a nanosecond and shatter ink particles into fine dust via photo-acoustic principles. The white blood cells can then effectively ingest and remove the finer material via the lymphatic system. Wavelengths of laser light are selected according to the colour of the tattoo ink.

While Q-Switched lasers are able to achieve scarless removal of tattoos, multiple treatment sessions are required. Lightly inked tattoos such as self-applied lettering with India ink may disappear with less than 5 treatments. However, densely inked professional tattoos take much longer to clear. A recent study demonstrated that even after 15 Q-Switched laser treatments, only 75% of tattoos had fully cleared.

PicoSure Laser

While green and blue inks have traditionally been much slower to clear, the development of lasers able to produce pulses in the picosecond has sped up the process of removal. Multiple treatment sessions are needed with a 6 to 8 week interval. Heavily-inked professional tattoos can take more than 15 treatments to clear.

Other factors influencing response to treatment include:

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What Are The Side Effects Of Laser Treatment?

Side effects are rare if the operators have adequate training and experience.

Potential complications include:

  • Scarring (most commonly seen on the chest, shoulders)
  • Blistering, infection and bleeding
  • Colour changes within the tattoo especially in flesh-tinted and white tattoos that contain iron-based pigments. Lasers may discolour a white tattoo so that it becomes black or brown because the iron in the pigment changes to ferrous oxide in the process.
  • Unwanted skin colour changes, including permanent lightening or darkening of the skin
  • Changes in the composition of tattoo inks – this may result in an allergic reaction
  • Interestingly, people who have been treated in the past with gold salts for rheumatoid arthritis may develop darkening of the skin in treated areas.
Patients are strongly advised to seek treatment from appropriately trained and equipped medical practices and experienced doctors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tattoos are permanent designs or markings made by inserting ink into the skin’s dermal layer using needles. They can be artistic, symbolic, or decorative and are created by professional tattoo artists. Tattoo removal treatments are available for those who wish to remove or lighten their tattoos.

Tattoos are typically removed using laser technology, which breaks down the ink particles in the skin. The body’s immune system then gradually eliminates the ink over time. At VIDASKIN, we use advanced laser treatments, such as Q-switched and Pico lasers, to effectively and safely remove tattoos with minimal discomfort.

The number of sessions required for tattoo removal depends on various factors, including the size, color, age, and depth of the tattoo, as well as your skin type. On average, multiple sessions are needed to achieve optimal results. Consult a medical professional to identify a treatment option suitable for you.

Tattoo removal can cause some discomfort, similar to the feeling of getting a tattoo. However, most patients find the pain manageable. At VIDASKIN, we offer numbing options to minimize discomfort during the procedure.

Recovery time after tattoo removal is typically minimal. You may experience mild redness, swelling, or scabbing in the treated area, which usually subsides within a few days to a week. It’s important to follow the aftercare instructions provided by your medical professional to ensure proper healing and avoid complications.

While tattoo removal is generally safe, there are some risks and potential side effects, including temporary changes in skin color, scarring, or infection.

While many tattoos can be significantly lightened or removed, some may be more challenging to eliminate entirely, especially those with certain ink colors or those that are deeply embedded in the skin. Consult a medical professional to get personalised advice on tattoo removal.

After tattoo removal, it’s important to keep the treated area clean and protected. Avoid sun exposure, excessive heat, and activities that may irritate the skin. Use any prescribed ointments and follow the aftercare instructions provided by your medical team to ensure proper healing.

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