Laser Tattoo Removal Video

In this treatment video for the Victorian Cosmetic Institute, Dr. Terri Labberton discusses and performs a laser tattoo removal treatment. 

Dr. Terri Labberton, of the Victorian Cosmetic Institute, begins by explaining the basic rudiments of tattooing and how laser removal treatments work. A tattoo consists of large ink particles injected into the deeper levels of the skin. The permanence of a tattoo is because the composing particles cannot be rejected by the body's immune system, Dr Labberton says.

Dr. Labberton then reveals that lasers are effective in the removal of this ink because of the laser's nature-certain lasers are attracted to certain ink particles. Using the correct laser, the laser can explode the ink particles and the body can then begin to extract the ink itself.
With this manner of removal, Dr. Labberton explains, to fully remove a tattoo can take multiple treatments. Ink, skin, and location all play a factor in ease of removal. Needing the least treatments are black and low quality tattoos consisting of cheaper ink. Lighter complexioned skin allows for the laser to hone in on the ink with greater ease. Darker skin tends to attract the laser as if it is the ink itself, needing more treatments because lower energy lasers are required for proper removal. Further, the closer a tattoo is to the core of the body, the easier it tends to come off. Granted a somewhat extensive process, Dr. Labberton assures that with the right treatment, risks of scarring are very low and success of removal is very high.

Dr. Labberton then performs a laser tattoo removal procedure on a patient. The patient's tattoo is multi-colored, thus requiring several different lasers. Prior to the patient's treatment, Dr. Labberton injects a local anesthetic to the tattoo given the depth at which the lasers will be penetrating the skin. The last laser Dr. Labberton uses shows the exploding effect of the laser on the tattoo, as after each laser pulse the targeted patch of tattoo immediately becomes blotched. After the treatment, the patient is pleased, admitting the painlessness of the procedure and that she can already tell a difference in the tattoo. Dr. Labberton then says that it will be six weeks before the patient is able to get another treatment since the body needs time to restore itself and to flush out the broken ink particles.

Lastly, Dr. Labberton expresses great cordiality, inviting anybody wanting a tattoo removed to the clinic for an evaluation.