We all know that one person who gets a tattoo they’ll regret in a year or two. However, people of all ages are beginning to regret the tattoos that they currently have. Bad tattoos aren’t the only reason either. Some people just don’t feel like their tattoo has the same meaning anymore, are struggling to find a job because of it, or are just tired of looking at it. Tattoos are permanent marks on your skin and some people forget that in the moment.
For many people with tattoos, the idea of removing it pops into their head at some point. In fact, around half the people with tattoos have thought about removing them. There are creams and other remedies that can help fade away tattoos, but laser removal is the most effective way to completely remove it. Unfortunately, many people are unaware of what laser tattoo removal involves, so read on to find out more.
How Does It Work?
Laser tattoo removal is a delicate procedure that in no way involves “lasering off” or burning the tattoo from your skin. Instead, an ultra-short pulse is shot at the tattoo in order to penetrate the top layer of skin and reach the ink. Tattoos are created when a needle pushes ink deep into the skin to create ink spots that the body is unable to move. The idea behind laser tattoo removal is breaking up these ink particles so that white blood cells can move it out of your body through lymphatic channels and the liver.
Shockwaves on the particles of your skin cause “frosting”, or elevation to the top layer of skin. However, this only lasts a few seconds and is important in ensuring that no scarring occurs. This is a process that occurs over multiple sessions in order to reach layer after layer without upsetting the skin.
Key Things to Think About
Many people are worried that laser tattoo removal can be painful or unsafe for their skin. However, laser tattoo removal is a safe, FDA regulated, way to rid of unwanted tattoos. There are some key things to keep in mind when starting a laser tattoo removal treatment plan.
- Downtime is key. Giving your skin enough time to heal in between sessions can help eliminate any irritation, scarring and other side effects that could occur.
- Circulation matters. Tattoos closer to your heart will heal quicker and better than one that is further away.
- Don’t sweat the pain. If you were able to sit through the tattooing process than the removal will not be painful. Many people compare the feeling to having an elastic band flicked against your skin.
- The older the better. Older tattoos will have naturally faded already making it easier to break down ink pigments.
- Colour can make a difference. You might be thinking that black ink is harder to eliminate because of how dark it is. However, this is not the case as black ink contains the least number of additives making it easier to break down.
- It works. Laser tattoo removal has seen some great success in effectively removing tattoos in the last couple of years. A recent study showed a 75% clearance as early as 2- treatment sessions in.
Common Misconceptions
After sitting down and receiving your new tattoo, the last thing you are usually thinking about is getting it removed. However, years of regret or displeasure with your tattoo can have you thinking of ways to remove it. Many people think that there are cheaper and less painful ways to remove a tattoo instead of using laser removal. However, Intense Pulse Light and removal rub procedures cannot reach the second layer of ink, leaving traces of the tattoo. Also, wrecking balm, pro fad, and rejuvenating masks are abrasive methods that mask the tattoo with chemicals instead of removing it.
Another common misconception with people looking for tattoo removal is the fact that they think it is a short process. Unfortunately, removing a tattoo is a tedious process that can take anywhere from 5 to 10 sessions depending on the size and color of the tattoo itself. Also, the time between treatments should be around 6 weeks in order to allow the skin to properly heal. As a result, many people are worried that a scar may form while they are in the process of removing a tattoo. However, new laser tattoo removal methods focus on the layers of the skin and penetrate the top level of skin, leaving no signs of scarring.
Other Uses of Laser Tattoo Removal
Sometimes people are disappointed in the way a tattoo turned out or how it has aged over the years, but still love the idea of having a tattoo. Therefore, tattoo fading and cover-ups can utilize laser removal to create new and exciting tattoos. Many people worry that the use of laser tattoo removal will eliminate the possibility of getting a tattoo in the same spot. Fortunately, this is not the case.
Tattoo fading is an inexpensive and short procedure that can allow for a tattoo artist to cover up any body art you wish to get rid of. Thick and dark lines can be hard for a tattoo artist to cover up and would have to be used in the design of new art. However, laser tattoo removal will give your tattoo artist more freedom to design the perfect tattoo.
The decision to remove an unwanted tattoo can be difficult to make. Obviously, it involves time and money, but in the end, it could be completely worth it. Hopefully, this article provides answers to any questions you may have had on laser tattoo removal.
Joseph Wilson writes about the latest cosmetic treatments for Skincare Experts, who make skincare solutions simple.