Certain medications and illicit drugs can increase the skin's reactions to light. More than 400 drugs are known to cause photosensitivity and photo-allergic reaction, including many commonly prescribed antibiotics, antidepressants, antihistamines, birth control pills, diuretics and retinoids (e.g., Vitamin A acids).
Treating the tattoo with a fractional ablative laser, prior to treatment with the tattoo laser can also speed put the treatment process. The R-20 method, two treatments on the same day separated by 20 minutes, has also been shown to accelerate the laser tattoo removal process.
“You wouldn't do it in areas where you have radiation or surgery,” Patel says. “You would want to avoid previously traumatized skin.”
Certain medications and illicit drugs can increase the skin's reactions to light. More than 400 drugs are known to cause photosensitivity and photo-allergic reaction, including many commonly prescribed antibiotics, antidepressants, antihistamines, birth control pills, diuretics and retinoids (e.g., Vitamin A acids).
Candidates with certain skin types, realistic expectations, and a desire for positive change tend to respond best to the procedure. On the other hand, individuals with specific medical conditions, active skin infections, or unrealistic expectations may not be ideal candidates.
There are plenty of possible reasons why a laser treatment can't get rid of the tattoo on the skin, but it's mostly because of the type of laser used and its wavelength. Other reasons might be the inexperienced laser technician and the age of the tattoo.
There are certain types of medicines that can cause sensitivity to the sun. Some of these include: Antibiotics (ciprofloxacin, doxycycline, levofloxacin, ofloxacin, tetracycline, trimethoprim) Antifungals (flucytosine, griseofulvin, voricanozole)
Do not exercise before the treatment. Avoid applying any products on areas of treatment, keep it dry and clean prior to treatment. Do not expose the skin to UV light (sunlight or sunbeds) or apply any self-tanning products for 8 weeks prior to treatment.
Avoid treatment while taking antibiotics or if you have just finished a course of medication. In any case, be honest about your medical history and keep the laser treatment expert updated.
Laser tattoo removal can leave behind skin that is lighter than the skin around it. Other risks include possible scarring, infection, pinpoint bleeding, redness, or soreness, none of which should last for long.
Don't Pick at Healing Skin
You might see scabs or your skin peeling after the removal. Resist the urge to pick at it! Unlike pimple popping, your finger will do more damage to your skin and leave scars. It can also cause complications, such as an infection.
Certain conditions, such as autoimmune diseases (e.g., lupus, rheumatoid arthritis), immunodeficiency states (e.g., HIV) and diabetes, and some medications (e.g., retinoic acid and steroids) may prevent proper healing after a refractive procedure. You actively participate in contact sports.
Avoid tight clothing that could rub against the tattoo. Avoid scratching or picking at the area. Avoid all irritating products such as hydrogen peroxide, Neosporin®, Polysporin®, Bacitracin®, Aloe Vera, or numbing agents (we recommend applying only Vaseline®, Aquaphor®, hydrocortisone 1%, and sunscreen as needed).
Essentially the laser breaks apart the larger ink particles into tiny fragments for your white blood cells to carry away through the lymphatic system. As the white blood cells are working to naturally remove the fragments, the tattoo can often look more vibrant due to there being more tiny particles in the dermis.
Tattoos that don't go away completely.
It's unlikely that your tattoo will be completely removed. In many cases, certain colors may be more effectively removed than others. Blue and black tattoos, for example, respond well to laser treatment. Colors like yellow, red, and white are harder to remove.
Risks. Scarring is likely after most types of tattoo removal. Infection or skin discoloration is possible as well.