Page 28 - An Introduction to Laser Tattoo Removal

Chapter 2 – Fundamentals of Laser Tattoo Removal v1.0
Contrary to popular opinion, it is not necessary to ‘lighten’ all of a tattoo where a cover-up is desired. A good artist will happily point out the areas where lightening is preferred, to allow a greater chance of success of a subsequent cover-up. Perhaps a situation may arise where an older tattoo has ‘lost’ much of its original colour due to natural fading. In these cases, an artist may suggest simply lightening the black lined portions to enhance success.
It is our opinion that most tattoos only require around four repeat laser sessions to prepare them for a cover-up. In some cases, it may be less, while in others it may be more, but four seems to work well in most cases. Always leave at least three months after the final laser treatment before attempting a cover-up – this is to allow the skin’s repair mechanisms to reach completion.
Tattoo Ink Toxicity
There is, currently, some concern over the potential toxicity of tattoo inks. Many inks have been used for over 100 years but their manufacturers have been reticent to divulge their constituents. In some cases, the inks contain potentially toxic or poisonous substances, in small amounts.
A society was established in Copenhagen in 2013 (by Professor Jørgen Serup of Bispebjerg University Hospital) to investigate these inks and pigments (the ESTP – European Society of Tattoo and Pigment Research). This organisation comprises professionals from a number of fields, including scientists and chemists. Their main aim is to inform the public, the authorities and medical and tattoo professionals about tattoo inks and pigments.
The safety of tattoo inks has been called into question, due to the potential toxicity of some inks. The European Chemicals Agency has produced a web page discussing this topic which also includes an interesting video discussing some of these concerns.
Due to these concerns, the EU has decided to ‘restrict’ more than 4000 potentially hazardous chemicals currently found in tattoo inks and permanent make-up, from early 2022. They expect these restrictions to reduce more than 1000 cases of chronic allergic response to these inks.
Figure 8: Chemical notifications by chemical class
Taken from the JRC Science for Policy Report “Safety of tattoos and permanent make-up – Final Report”
This has, inevitably, created a backlash from tattooist and PMU specialists. They have created a petition to ‘save the pigments’. No doubt, this discussion will rumble on for many years, and likely spread across the planet.
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Chapter 2 LEVEL A Laser Tattoo Removal
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