Tattoo removal
Tattoos are a popular form of body art in modern times. Through these personalized images on the skin, people seek to tell specific stories and symbolize memories. However, some stories and memories are not meant to last forever. It can happen that, after some time, people no longer like their tattoos or their life circumstances change, leading them to want to have the tattoo removed. Poor quality can also be a reason to remove the tattoo.
Quick facts
Type of treatment: minimally invasive (no surgery)
Treatment duration: 15–60 minutes
Anesthesia: none; numbing cream available upon request
Downtime: none to about 1 week
Results: immediate (tattoos fade progressively with each session)
Duration of effect: permanent
Special features: suitable for all tattoo types and colors, low-risk, also for treating pigmentation disorders and sun-damaged skin
Risks: redness, swelling, burning, itching, scabbing
Cost: starting at € 99
How can tattoos be removed?
There are various methods to reduce unwanted images on the skin. Laser treatment is one of the gentlest procedures. In our practice, we use the XLASE PLUS Q-switched Nd:YAG laser. Tattoo removal is performed without surgery or skin incisions. The risk of scarring is also virtually eliminated with this treatment. The laser energy is directed specifically at the unwanted pigments, leaving the surrounding tissue as intact as possible.
How does laser treatment work?
During laser tattoo removal, laser light energy is delivered to the tissue. The Q-switched Nd:YAG laser emits high-energy, short pulses that are absorbed by the pigments. The high energy peaks cause a rise in temperature and break down the color molecules. The pigment residues are then carried away from the body via the blood and lymphatic systems.
For which skin types is the treatment suitable?
Laser treatment can be used on all skin types. Additionally, the laser can remove all common tattoo colors, including black, red, green, and blue.
Which areas can be treated?
Laser treatment for tattoo removal can be performed on any part of the body where the unwanted tattoo is located.
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What other applications are there for the Q-switched Nd:YAG laser?
In addition to tattoo removal, the Q-switched Nd:YAG laser is also suitable for reducing pigmented skin lesions. These are often reddish or brownish spots on the skin. Similar to tattoo particles, the unwanted pigment particles in the skin are broken down and subsequently removed.
Additionally, large pores and acne scars can be refined using this procedure. This leads to a lasting improvement and rejuvenation of the skin’s appearance. The method also achieves good results with stretch marks.
How does laser tattoo removal work?
First, Dr. Bravin-Jumpertz disinfects the treatment areas. The laser treatment is virtually painless; however, if desired, the skin areas can be treated with an anesthetic cream or injected with an anesthetic. This makes the treatment even more comfortable. The laser handpiece is then moved over the skin. In a fraction of a second, it emits numerous powerful energy pulses at the tattoo or pigment particles. Finally, the area is gently cooled. A soothing cream ensures that the skin can quickly calm down and regenerate.
Questions and Answers
The duration of laser tattoo removal depends on the size of the tattoo. For smaller tattoos, 15 minutes may be sufficient, whereas for larger images on the skin, a treatment session can take up to an hour.
Following tattoo removal, patients can resume their normal daily activities. In most cases, slight redness or swelling may appear in the treated areas. Additionally, the areas may feel warm and slightly tight. For larger laser tattoo removals, it may therefore be advisable to take it easy for a few days.
The treated skin areas should be protected from direct sunlight for at least four weeks. Additionally, physical activities should be avoided as much as possible during this time to give the skin sufficient time to recover. Patients can actively support the healing process after treatment by regularly applying cold compresses. Furthermore, they should ensure adequate fluid intake and maintain a healthy diet. This also contributes to skin regeneration and supports overall bodily health.
The number of individual treatment sessions can vary significantly. With each session, the tattoo or the pigmentation issue being treated fades a little more. The number of laser treatments required depends, for example, on the size, color, and quality of the tattoo. Additionally, every body reacts slightly differently to the treatment. During the preliminary consultation, Dr. Bravin-Jumpertz examines the tattoo and provides an estimate of approximately how many treatments can be expected. For small tattoos, three to five sessions are often sufficient, while large tattoos may require up to twelve sessions. There is a break of several weeks between each treatment.
Pain perception varies from person to person. In general, laser treatment is very well tolerated. The sensation during treatment is comparable to small pinpricks. For particularly sensitive areas of the body or in cases of high pain sensitivity, we apply an anesthetic cream in the clinic beforehand to numb the skin’s surface. Alternatively, numbing can also be achieved with a small injection.
Progress is visible immediately after each session. With each session, the tattoo fades until, in the best-case scenario, it is no longer or barely visible to the naked eye. Depending on the size and color of the tattoo, this process can take several weeks to months.
In Germany, the so-called Medicines Act legally prohibits the publication of before-and-after tattoo removal photos. Therefore, unfortunately, no files can be provided on this page. However, during a personal consultation, interested patients have the opportunity to view anonymized before-and-after photos of tattoo removal.
- Temporary redness
- Mild swelling
- Burning
- Itching
- Scab formation
- Tattoo residue that cannot be completely removed
- Scarring
- Injuries or wounds in the treatment area
- Acute or chronic skin conditions
- Tendency toward excessive scarring
- Autoimmune diseases
- Blood clotting disorders
- Cardiovascular conditions
- Pregnancy, breastfeeding
- Minors
The cost of laser tattoo removal cannot be determined as a flat rate. It depends, among other things, on how many treatment sessions are necessary to achieve the desired result. Depending on the size of the tattoo and the complexity of the removal, costs start at € 99. During a personal consultation, Dr. Bravin-Jumpertz will be happy to provide detailed information about tattoo removal and estimate the cost.