The first laser to be used in medicine, in the early 1960′s, was called the Ruby laser and was developed by the pioneering American dermatologist, the late Leon Goldman who was still carrying out laser research in his 90′s. Dr Goldman found that the Ruby laser was highly effective at reducing the colour of tattoos and some brown pigment spots, although others learned that there was less of a risk of incurring skin damage when the short-pulsed and Q-switched lasers were developed.

Short-pulsed lasers
A modification to the Ruby laser, which makes it deliver very high bursts of energy in a fraction of a second (known as Q-switching) has made it much safer, so that it is now used routinely for the removal of darker tattoos and sunspots, as well as some brown or blue birthmarks and dark pigmentation circles under the eyes.

Other related Q-switched lasers used for brown pigmentation and tattoos include the Q-switched Alexandrite laser which goes slightly deeper than the Ruby laser, and the Q-switched Nd: YAG laser, which goes deeper still and can treat red tattoo ink.

Long-pulsed lasers
Once it was discovered that the Q-switched lasers were effective for treating sunspots and removing tattoos, but that they were less so for biopsy-proven benign moles and hair removal, the next step was to extend the pulse duration. Other safe lasers for the removal of brown spots and tattoo pigments were developed. The result was known as long-pulsed or normal-pulsed Ruby, Alexandrite or Nd: YAG lasers. This has given us lasers that can remove hair and treat proven benign moles and brown birthmarks in addition to tattoos of widely varying colors.

Before, during and after laser treatment

Before
If you have olive or darker skin or a suntan, special precautions need to be taken before this form of treatment. In such cases a lightening cream and sunscreen should be used in order to prevent the laser from being absorbed by the tan. Some people with dark skin may not be suitable for this treatment.

During
You will be required to wear laser-protective goggles. The laser physician targets the skin area to be treated and activates the laser. A skin-pricking or snapping-sensation is felt. If this is uncomfortable you will be offered a local anaesthetic cream.

Length of Procedure: this depends on the size and location of the tattoo area being treated, however most tattoo removal sessions only take several minutes.

After
Some crusting and weeping may occur but should mostly heal quickly over a three-to-four day period. Some tattoo treatments may take longer to heal. You may return to work immediately after treatment. You will most likely be given band-aids or non-stick dressings as well as antibiotic ointments or creams to be used for up to four to five days. Use a sunscreen once dressings have been removed. If you have been treated for sunspots or brown birthmark, you should be given a skin-lightening cream to use for a week.

Possible Complications
Scarring can occur (particularly with some tattoos) or loss of your natural skin pigment. Results may be poor with some darker birthmarks.