In the Western world, more than 10% of the population have at least 1 tattoo. If the tattoo is removed, the tattoo pigment particles in the skin can be selectively destroyed by means of selective photothermolysis by different types of medical aesthetic lasers. This treatment requires laser pulses of short durations (nanoseconds) and high intensities (fluenses).

Dr. Wolfgang Bäumler, Department of Dermatology, University of Regensburg in Germany reports on 12 patients who received treatments with improper treatment parameters. In all patients, his group diagnosed hypo- or hyperpigmentations and scar formation at the treatment site. In particular, the pulse duration of the light sources or lasers applied were considerably longer than those required by the principles of selective photothermolysis. The light intensities of those devices are normally not sufficient to destroy the pigment particles. Instead of destruction, the pigment particles in the skin are heated up and the heat is conducted to the adjacent tissue causing unspecific tissue injury.

CONCLUSION

Lasers and especially intense pulsed light sources with more than 1 millisecond pulses and low light intensities are clearly not suitable to be applied for laser tattoo removal.

You get what you pay for – an old saying with 100% accuracy – applies as usual.

There have been many incidences in the media of late with reference to botched cosmetic surgery procedures and 9 times out of ten this seems to stem from paying too little and using unscrupulous practitioners who prey on the uniformed and the gullible.

Nothing against cosmetic dentists offering dermal fillers and simple laser treatments, but you should be very thorough in checking his background if he offers to perform breast augmentation surgery.

It really is crucial that you research any prospective cosmetic surgeon to ensure you will receive the best quality surgery and aftercare. You cannot guarantee this with a surgeon who is not accredited as they don’t have the strict regulation of association members.

These days, there are so many excellent non-invasive treatments, such as dermal fillers and/or laser treatments, and consumers should consider those first and well before taking the risks of any cosmetic surgery. Non-invasive procedures are effective, require minimum downtime if any, and can be safely done by a wide range of medical professionals.