Tattoos are an enduring part of humanity’s history, with the earliest tattoos being found on people from thousands of years ago. Tattoos have been known to be permanent for as long as they have been around.
However, that all changes with laser tattoo removal, which can break apart the tattoo pigment in the skin and finally get rid of it. If you’re wondering if tattoo removal works, take a look at what makes tattoos permanent and how laser tattoo removal can work for you.
Why Are Tattoos Permanent?
Tattoos are made by injecting pigment deep into the skin. Once this pigment is injected, the body begins working on removing the color through an immune response, sending in a type of white blood cell called macrophages. Macrophages attempt to “eat” away the ink but end up with nowhere to go and die, preserving the ink.
Once a macrophage has gone through its cycle, it releases the ink it holds, where another macrophage will come and attempt to “eat” it, repeating the process and preserving your tattoo.
However, you may have noticed how tattoos fade over time. This is also related to the immune response. Some macrophages can successfully “eat” away some of the ink as time goes on.
How Does Laser Tattoo Removal Work?
If you remember when you first received your tattoo, you may have been told to stay out of direct sunlight. This is because UV light can break apart the ink in your skin, allowing the macrophages to remove the ink.
Laser tattoo removal utilizes this process. Using specialized lasers to break apart the pigmentation under the skin, laser tattoo removal helps your body’s immune system eliminate the tattoo.
Faster Laser Tattoo Removal at Salzman Cosmetic Surgery and Spa
Historically, laser tattoo removal required multiple sessions, spaced four to six weeks apart, and had varying results depending on the size and colors of the person’s tattoo—until now.
Salzman Cosmetic Surgery and Spa in Louisville, KY proudly offers rapid tattoo removal. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Marc Salzman and his team have a variety of lasers to remove the full spectrum of colors on tattoos of any kind in a shorter amount of time.
To see if rapid tattoo removal can help you, call 502-425-5200 to schedule an appointment.
