Page 99 - An Introduction to Laser Tattoo Removal

Chapter 2 – Fundamentals of Laser Tattoo Removal v1.0
A typical laser tattoo removal protocol
Tattoos can be ‘tricky’ to treat! There are so many variables which can affect the outcome. These include the tattoo ink depth, (apparent) colour, thickness, ink constituents plus the patient’s age, skin colour, metabolism, state of health, exercise levels, hygiene and whether they smoke or not!!
An excellent report by Adrianna Scheibner (A Superior Method of Tattoo Removal Using the Q- switched Ruby Laser, 1990) found that a visible change in the colour of the treated tattoos occurred at fluences between 2 and 3 J/cm2, using a 40 ns ruby laser. This change was the ‘frosting’, as it is now called. No obvious changes were visible below 2 J/cm2. However, we are sure that this threshold fluence is directly linked to the laser pulsewidth. So, a shorter pulsewidth should be able to generate the same response with a lower fluence.
The ‘Ideal’ Treatment Protocol
This protocol is our idea of the ideal scenario, using a ‘subtle’ approach. You may, or may not, follow it, as you wish.
1
Clean the tattooed area
2
Shave the area (if too much hair is in the way!)
3
Photograph the area with good lighting
4
Ice the area prior to treatment for at least five minutes – this will reduce any painful sensations felt by the patient – you can use an ice-pack like the “Kool Pak’ (see below)
5
Select wavelength (if you have a choice – see ‘Choosing your wavelength’ section below)
6
Use as large a spot diameter as your equipment will allow (for the chosen fluence)
7
Set the laser fluence according to your calibration chart
8
For most tattoo treatments you should keep the fluence to between 1 and 6 J/cm2
o For ALL new tattoo treatments, use a low fluence – start at 1 J/cm2
o Remember to record all these settings in your treatment records o Using such low fluences will not likely lead to open wounds!
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Chapter 2 LEVEL A Laser Tattoo Removal
© The Laser-IPL Guys, 2021