Laser treatments utilize photomechanical energy that penetrates the top layer of skin and directly hits tattoo pigment, shattering it into small particles that are collected by lymphatic drainage and flushed away through lymphatic systems.
Patch tests allow your master esthetician to assess how your skin will respond to treatment, including possible hyperpigmentation issues or any potential adverse reactions such as hypersensitivity.
What is a patch test?
Laser tattoo removal patch tests allow your master esthetician to assess how your skin will respond to laser treatment before proceeding with full removal treatments. They do this by applying low laser power settings on an inconspicuous area behind the ear for several minutes; this helps them determine if you are sensitive to lasers as well as any possible reactions such as redness or rash that might arise as part of the test procedure.
Patch tests serve a vital purpose: they’re meant to prevent any hyperpigmentation after treatment with laser. A brightening cream used during a patch test works to deactivate melanin production in your skin and effectively mask it – so laser can safely penetrate and break down tattoo pigment without creating problems with natural skin tones.
If the results of your patch test were negative, it is safe to move ahead with full tattoo removal treatments. Depending on your skin type, several treatments may be needed in order to fully eliminate all ink pigment. These factors will include factors like size, color and age of tattoo as well as its healing capacity.
Although a tattoo removal laser is medical grade equipment, when administered by an experienced master esthetician it remains both effective and safe. Misuse may result in serious side effects including rashes, scarring and burns; for optimal safety when embarking upon this journey a patch test should always be conducted prior to beginning full treatments.
Laser patch tests are included with any full laser tattoo removal session and available to anyone considering it. To discuss safe, effective tattoo removal options with one of Northwest Face & Body’s master estheticians, feel free to reach out today and book a consultation!
How does a patch test work?
Patch tests involve applying allergens, usually to the back, for 48 hours on an unbroken skin surface, usually the back. These may include perfumes, dyes and metals commonly associated with allergies; as well as more specialised laser treatment products like anti-reflective lotion or skin protecting cream for laser treatment; this test can detect multiple contact allergens more effectively than skin prick or intradermal tests which only detect immediate reactions to certain substances.
Patients undergoing patch testing should refrain from rubbing or scratching the area as this could influence the results and dislodge the patch. Furthermore, showering, taking a bath, or applying moisturisers to their affected skin could likewise skew test results as their substances could react with allergy-causing agents and produce false positives in test results.
Patch tests should result in itching and burning; if they don’t subside after removal of patches from the skin, call your physician immediately as this could indicate an allergic reaction. People with darker skin tones may also experience reddening where patches were located; this should clear up on its own in a few days.
When the results from their patch test come back negative, patients can begin laser tattoo removal sessions with their master esthetician immediately. Otherwise, any positive reactions must wait until their allergic response subsides before proceeding with laser procedures.
Conducting a patch test before beginning laser treatments is essential, especially for people with darker skin tones, since dark skin absorbs too much laser energy and could potentially cause hyperpigmentation and other side effects.
Doing a patch test can help avoid this scenario by using lasers that meet both type and strength specifications, as well as uncover any other possible sources of a person’s allergies such as cosmetic products or medication they are taking.
What is the cost of a patch test?
Patch tests typically cost approximately PS20 and should be administered before starting any laser treatment. Your master esthetician can then determine whether or not you can safely undergo tattoo removal session without risk of allergic reaction; this step is especially necessary for patients with Fitzpatrick skin tones of III or higher as they are at greater risk of hyperpigmentation from certain laser treatments.
The test patch is a small silicone patch infused with perfluorodecalin (PFD), a nontoxic liquid used to protect skin against laser light energy. PFD also has an optical clearing effect by minimizing optical scattering from microbubbles and skin cells, enabling laser beams to penetrate deeper into epidermal and dermal layers for tattoo shattering into microscopic particles which lymphatic systems then collect and flush away through lymphatic systems as waste material. Furthermore, PFD increases the number of laser passes in one treatment session, saving both time and money!
At your initial consultation appointment, a master esthetician will evaluate both your skin tone and tattoo to assess if they are suitable candidates for laser tattoo removal treatment. They will take photos of the area where you have ink applied as this information will be useful during subsequent appointments when the technician uses special scanners to measure its depth within your top layer of skin.
Once the scan is complete, your master esthetician will prepare the area for the patch test. They will clean and disinfect the back area where you’re being tested as part of their preparations and ask that you bring a change of clothing that won’t stain as much from exposure to the test; older or darker clothes would be recommended in this instance.
As part of your patch test, you’ll wear protective eye shields. It is important that the area under test stays out of direct sunlight until its final appointment where your patches will be removed and checked for signs of allergic reaction or red spots around their area of application by your master esthetician.
Are patch tests necessary?
At our master esthetician’s clinic, they understand the risks involved with laser treatments can cause irreparable harm and even scarring if administered incorrectly. Therefore, prior to any prospective laser procedures it is imperative that a patch test be conducted so our expert esthetician can assess how your skin reacts and adjust accordingly – therefore this process must always occur prior to commencing laser treatments.
Patch tests are vitally important for people with Fitzpatrick skin tone Types III or above in order to prevent hyper pigmentation or other complications, and is also beneficial for anyone interested in experiencing what a full treatment is like before committing.
Patch tests involve applying low laser settings on a small section of skin in the intended treatment area, usually behind your ear for face tattoo removal. This allows us to determine any potential adverse reactions without visible evidence that this would have on others.
After your patch test is complete and has yielded positive results, we will schedule a session to remove your unwanted tattoo. It is essential that you arrive for your appointment with clean skin that has not been moisturised with moisturizers and sunscreens; fake tanners and self-tanners could interfere with its effectiveness and may impair treatment results.
Once we begin your session, we will apply a topical anesthetic to reduce any discomfort. Next, we’ll use our lasers to slowly fade the unwanted tattoo from your skin using multiple sessions until all ink has faded from it completely.
Success of laser treatment varies according to ink colour, quantity and depth. Deeply pigmented tattoos will likely require additional treatments because their darker ink particles are harder for your immune system to break down than lighter ones.
Tattoo ink may cause allergic reactions in certain color areas (typically reds and blacks), leading to itchy or stinging sensations following laser treatment; this is rare however.
