We recently created a time lapse video of a client receiving a laser tattoo removal session. Our thanks to Speed’s The Name for providing the soundtrack!

Frosting Effect, Fragmentation, Prognosis

The video shows what happens during a laser tattoo removal session. You’ll see there is immediately a white chalky color forming on the tattoo. This is called “frosting effect” and is believed to be the result of tiny gas bubbles forming in the upper dermis from the shock waves created by the interaction of the laser with the tattoo ink. The frosting effect resolves over the course of a few minutes. The laser fragments the larger particles of ink trapped inside cells into smaller particles and releases them from the cells where they can be removed by your body’s immune system. This process takes a minimum of 6-8 weeks (and sometimes longer). If our body were 100% efficient at removing tattoo ink, then no one would have tattoos in the first place as our immune system would remove the ink immediately. So each time we perform a laser session, we are giving your body additional opportunity to attack and remove the tattoo ink. The number of sessions required depends on a number of factors including the size, density, color, and age of the tattoo, as well as your overall health, skin type, smoking status, and pre-existing scarring.

Interested in laser tattoo removal? Schedule a free consultation with the location most convenient to you!