Tattooing is simply injection of ink into the skin via small holes made in the skin
with a needle. Regardless of who injects the pigment whether it is done
professionally by a tattoo artist or fashioned by someone untrained, generally the
ink injected into the skin is permanent. For various personal reasons and
preferences, people are turning to physicians to have these tattoos removed.
Green is the most difficult colour to remove; reds, black and blues are removed
more easily.

The process of having a tattoo removed can be painful. Commonly the area to be
treated is injected with local freezing prior to the treatment. This will help to
minimize the pain during treatment. Topical numbing cream can also be applied
to area instead of injected freezing. This should be applied at least one hour
before the treatment. It can be applied liberally, covering the whole area being
treated and cover it tightly with plastic wrap. The laser light is used to break up
the colour in the tattoo, which is then reabsorbed by the body and excreted by
the normal body systems. After the treatment has been performed, some normal
crusting occurs. It is essential to keep the area clean, and apply a topical
antibiotic (polysporin). An antibiotic cream and dressing instructions may also be
given, depending on the size of the area being treated. The patient may feel a
slight burning sensation for a few days, similar to a sunburn and this is also
normal.

The Accolade laser is used for the removal of "difficult to remove" tattoos, it
specifically targets green, blue, orange and black ink. The laser breaks down the
tattoo pigment, and the body reabsorbs and excretes it. With the dual pulse
design of this laser there is a benefit of quicker treatment, larger area coverage,
greater penetration, and quicker healing time.

Tattoo removal patients can expect multiple treatments (6-20), the average is
eight; some tattoos can take quite a long time to treat, depending on the
variables involved. . A consultation is required prior to treatment. These
treatments are performed 6-8 weeks apart to allow adequate healing time. When
removing a tattoo by laser, there is always a chance of scarring. The doctor or
nurse at the initial consultation will determine the risk involved. When a tattoo is
quite deep, it may not completely disappear, it may still be slightly visible.










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