Page 104 - An Introduction to Laser Tattoo Removal

Chapter 2 – Fundamentals of Laser Tattoo Removal v1.0
Figure 54a: Tattoo – before any treatment Figure 54b: Swelling and reddening seen soon after a laser treatment with 1064nm energy
For subsequent sessions:
As the number of treatments builds, increase the fluence slowly – by only 0.5 - 1 J/cm2 each time, after every two or three treatment sessions. This is to account for the increasing depth of the target inks, and the increased scattering (which reduces the fluence at depth).
We urge you to adopt a ‘subtle’ approach to these treatments. Most unwanted damage occurs because far too much energy is fired at the skin and ends up damaging the dermal constituents. This is compounded by a lack of cooling after the treatment, therefore allowing the excess heat energy to continue the damage!
Even though this treatment is deemed ‘non-thermal’ there still can be significant thermal energy within the dermis during and after the laser processes. This must be removed using ice- packs, or similar.
We recommend waiting at least three months before repeat sessions to allow the skin to remove as much ink as possible.
When your patients return, inspect the treated areas. If any colours have clearly not responded, treat with another wavelength (if available), or increase the fluence by 1 to 2 J/cm2.
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Chapter 2 LEVEL A Laser Tattoo Removal
© The Laser-IPL Guys, 2021