Is there a difference between the process for tattoo removal and laser hair reduction, especially when it’s with the same laser? Absolutely, which is why at VIDA we use the MedLite C6 as the gold standard for tattoo removal—even though it can also be an effective tool for laser hair reduction and used for other concerns including treating acne. LASER is an acronym for “light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation,” though it does not mean the kind of radiation that can hurt cells or DNA. Lasers are only capable of penetrating to a certain skin depth, so they cannot harm internal organs. (Lasers can, however, hurt the eyes which is why protective shields are used during your treatment).
Lasers, such as the MedLite C6, can offer different wavelengths and therefore treat various issues. For instance, a long pulse Nd Yag laser or long pulse diode is great for reducing unwanted hair while a Q-switched Nd Yag or pico laser is the best option for tattoo removal. You can find these pulses in the same laser. Although we typically use other lasers for laser hair reduction, providers can certainly opt for the MedLite C6 for similar results. For both laser hair reduction and tattoo removal, multiple sessions are needed.
Lasers for Tattoo Removal
For many years, the only lasers available for tattoo removal were painful and incapable of fully removing most tattoos. Some inks are more difficult than others to eliminate, such as greens and yellows. The MedLite C6 changed all of that. It is a multi-wavelength (which is why it can also help with laser hair reduction) tool that offers consistent results. The MedLite C6 uses a flat-top homogenous beam so that it provides energy evenly over the surface. This not only reduces injury to the skin’s surface, but also makes it the most tolerable tattoo removal treatment available. If you can tolerate getting a tattoo, you can tolerate the MedLite C6 treatment.
Some providers also use this laser to treat other pigmentary issues like scarring and pigmented lesions. In rarer cases, it can be used for wrinkle reduction and to improve skin laxity. However, if you are interested in overall revitalization of the skin, we recommend other options such as broadband light (BBL) therapy. It’s possible to mix and match laser treatments if you want to treat multiple conditions. However, for tattoo removal, we only recommend the MedLite C6.
Removing Your Tattoo
Tattoo “removal” has long been a bit of a misnomer. For many years, the most a person could hope for was lightening a tattoo. There are no guarantees, but MedLite C6 offers the most likely solution to get rid of most of your ink. Every person and tattoo are different and there are many factors to consider. The age and depth of the tattoo, as well as the ink colors, all play a role in how effectively your tattoo will lighten and how many sessions will be recommended. It is possible to completely remove some tattoos with the MedLite C6, but in other cases a dramatic lightening of the ink is the most a person can achieve.
With this laser, there are 585 nm and 650 nm MultiLite dye handpieces available, which means that the MedLite C6 can treat all ink colors and multi-colored tattoos. The 532 nm Lite is ideal for the tiny tattoos that have been trending lately. MedLite C6, and all tattoo removal lasers, work by targeting pigment in the skin—whether tattoo ink or other pigmentation, such as a mole. The pigment absorbs the light energy, causing it to break into several small particles. These particles are then safely metabolized and eliminated by the body. Some pigments (inks) are tougher to break up than others. However, this process occurs without hurting the nearby skin. It does take some time for the pigment/ink to be removed by the body after shattering.
Getting Ready for Tattoo Removal
Before lasers, people tried to get rid of unwanted tattoos by dermabrasion and other such means. When lasers were introduced, attempts were made with CO2 lasers. However, this kind of aggressive approach simply led to scars—not ink removal. It was not until Q-switched lasers were introduced that tattoo removal actually became possible. Still, earlier lasers could lead to light scarring. That is no longer an issue with the MedLite C6.
If you’re ready to reverse ink you no longer want, schedule a complimentary consultation today. Contact VIDA medical day spa by calling the office or completing the online contact form now.
