Today the majority of tattoos are removed using lasers. There is a lower risk of scarring when lasers are used. Earlier techniques such as dermabrasion, where the skin was sanded to remove both the surface and middle layers of skin, and excision where the doctor removed the tattoo with a scalpel and closed the wound with stitches, usually resulted in excessive scarring.
Using lasers is considered the standard for tattoo removal today. However, your doctor may have to use different types of lasers to remove your tattoo. The type of laser used depends on the pigment colors in your tattoo, since each laser type removes certain pigment colors.
Black, brown and blue pigments are the easiest to remove, while green, red, orange, yellow and white pigments are the most difficult. A tattoo that was done by a professional usually includes more colors in the design and in many cases the pigment color may be applied more deeply into the skin. The end result - tattoos that were done professionally usually are more difficult to remove.
Since each tattoo and each person is unique, the number of treatment sessions can vary - with 7 to 12 treatments being the norm. Although, don't be surprised if removing your tattoo takes more sessions. The process also requires a substantial time commitment on the part of the patient, since you must allow 4 to 8 weeks between each treatment session. Clearly, tattoo removal is not an overnight procedure.
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