Every tattoo you put on your body has some significance to it or a story behind it. However, there may come a time when it’s no longer significant or important to you. At that point, you have to decide whether you want to simply deal with it or pursue tattoo removal options.
In the past, removing a tattoo involved cutting out the affected skin, which left scars that looked worse than the tattoo itself. But with the laser tattoo removal procedures available today, the level of discomfort is usually no more than the discomfort of getting the tattoo put on in the first place. And when you work with a qualified professional, your skin may end up completely clear as if the tattoo was never there in the first place. If you’ve considered getting your tattoo removed for any reason, consider these points to help you determine whether laser tattoo removal is right for you.
Why You May Want To Remove Your Tattoo
Just like everyone has their own reason for getting a tattoo, they also have a reason for wanting it removed. Some of the most common reasons why people seek laser tattoo removal include:
The tattoo creates bad memories for the person
The tattoo not being relevant to your life anymore
Faded ink making it look unattractive
The location being visible, which could impact career aspirations negatively
Regretting the decision to get a tattoo, either immediately or years later
While these reasons for wanting to remove a tattoo are cosmetic, laser tattoo removal can also be removed for medical reasons. Erika Summers, MD, a University of Utah Health dermatologist states that laser tattoo removal can also be used on people who may have experienced stained skin as a result of a serious accident.
Consider The Time Involved With Laser Tattoo Removal
Before you consider getting a laser tattoo removal treatment, you have to understand it’s a lengthy process depending on the tattoo. The time frame and amount of treatments required depends on various factors, like the size of the tattoo, the location, the colors used, whether it was put on by a professional, health factors and more. In general, multiple treatments are likely and it’s best to schedule each treatment anywhere from 7-16 weeks apart depending on the recommendation of your medical professional.
You should notice progress after each treatment, but it’s not uncommon for it to take three or more treatments before the tattoo becomes faded. If you need some inspiration to keep a positive mindset during this time, just look at some before and after tattoo removal photos so you can see the direction you’re headed in.
How Laser Tattoo Removal Works
A common question people have during their consultation is “does tattoo removal hurt?” Everyone has different pain tolerances, but in most situations, the amount of pain experienced is equivalent to the pain of getting the tattoo originally. When you have a better understanding of exactly how laser tattoo removal works, you’ll have the proper expectations.
When your medical professional injects your skin with a nanosecond intense light, the beam penetrates the skin where the tattoo is present to break up the ink particles. When the ink is in smaller particles, it’s much easier for your immune system to slowly begin removing those pigments. Only the targeted skin is impacted, so you won’t have to worry about the surrounding skin at all.
As far as each individual treatment goes, the amount of time could be anywhere from several seconds to a few minutes depending on the size, location and type of treatment. You may experience white or frosted-looking skin immediately after the treatment, but this should subside after 20 minutes or so. Mild redness, swelling and discomfort are all possible side effects as well, but your medical professional can provide you with tips and antibiotics to help reduce these symptoms.
Always Work With A Reputable Professional
According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine, “amateur tattoos tend to be located more superficially in the papillary dermis and easier to remove with a laser, whereas professional tattoos are located in the deep reticular dermis.” This simply means that if you had your tattoo put on by an amateur, it should be easier to remove than a professional tattoo. However, this does not mean you should opt for an amateur to remove the tattoo.
When you’re dealing with your skin, it’s always advisable to work with a medical professional. Anyone who has a laser can claim to be an expert in laser tattoo removal, but unless they are trained, certified and experienced, there’s a chance more harm than good can be done to your skin. Always ask for before and after tattoo removal photos and for proof of their qualifications. While laser tattoo removal is known as one of the safest and most effective options, the process could go very wrong quickly if an amateur if operating the laser.
In some situations, your medical professional may advise you to not pursue laser tattoo removal. This would apply to anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding, had an allergic reaction when getting their tattoo, have autoimmune diseases, diabetes or other various skin conditions. All of these options should be evaluated thoroughly before pursuing laser treatments.
Skin Deep Laser Services uses the Quanta Q Plus C laser for all of our clients because it is the safest and most effective laser on the market today. Our specialized professional in laser tattoo removal has an A-Laser Academy Laser Tattoo Removal Specialist Certification, so you can feel confident knowing the health and safety of your skin is in good hands. There are a lot of misconceptions regarding laser tattoo removal, so if you’re thinking about getting your tattoo removed, contact us today to schedule a consultation and get factual information based on your skin and overall health.