Lasers and other light therapy devices, such as the Infrared Coagulater (IRC), are the treatments of choice today. Lasers work by emitting short, intense pulses of light that pass through the skin and target the ink. The energy from the laser light fragments the large particles of tattoo pigment enabling the body’s natural immune system to more easily scavenge the pigment and carry it away. This process usually takes several weeks, and multiple treatment sessions are often necessary to achieve maximal clearing.From the photo, the tattoo is small and appears black. Since black pigment absorbs all wavelengths of light, it is ironically the easiest pigment to remove. (By contrast, colors, such as green, do not absorb as well, necessitating treatment with a variety of lasers, with varying wavelengths, to effectively treat a multicolored tattoo).Potential complications include permanent scarring, temporary or permanent loss of pigment or excessive pigmentation. Fees for laser treatments may range from $1000-$3000 or more, depending upon the number of treatment sessions required, and the size, shape, colors, and location of the particular tattoo.IRC uses non-laser infrared light to heat the area containing the pigment. It is quick and easy to perform, and generally requires fewer treatments than most lasers. Most small tattoos can be treated successfully in one to three sessions, spaced at six week intervals. In contrast to lasers, the IRC’s efficacy does not depend upon the particular color of the pigments involved. For these reasons, it is my favorite method for dealing with small tattoos.
