Tattoo removal can be accomplished in a number of different ways including excision of the tattoo, dermabrasion (essentially sanding out the tattoo pigments) or laser.
By far the most common way to removal tattoos is by using laser. Lasers treat tattoos by using laser energy to destroy tattoo pigments. The concept of "selective photothermolysis" means that the laser can target the ink without destroying your tissue. Laser energy is absorbed depending on the pigment color. And that's the challenge with your tattoo.
Professional tattoos are more difficult than amateur tattoos to remove because the pigments tend to be higher quality and the fact that the depth of the tattoo ink is usually placed deeper. Multi-colored tattoos require different wavelengths of laser light to treat.
Red and yellow inks are typically the hardest to treat with black and blue inks being the easiest.
Complications of laser treatment of tattoo include residual tattoo, darkening of tattoo pigments, hypopigmentation (lightening) of your skin and changes in skin texture.
You will most certainly need multiple treatments.
I hope this helps.
Steven Williams, MD
Tri Valley Plastic Surgery
