10 Facts You Need To Know About Tattoo Removal

Last updated on : October 12 2021

Introduction

Body tattoos are nothing new to humans. They have been around for more than 5000 years. 

However, not every tattoo is meant to stay forever. Some tattoos become a regret or a problem in one's life, so they need to be removed. 

Previously, it was almost impossible to remove permanent tattoos. The methods used for tattoo removal were also excruciating. 

However, medical technology has now advanced thoroughly. In particular, innovative laser technology provides tattoo removal that is easy and convenient. 

If you regret the tattoo you once loved, laser tattoo removal is an option for you. And this article discusses ten of the most important facts related to tattoo removal that you must know if you are going for the procedure. 

1. How does laser tattoo removal work?

Laser tattoo removal is a non-surgical procedure that utilizes a laser to break the tattoo ink particles. 

A particular laser device is used during the procedure directing a laser beam onto the tattoo. When this happens, the tattoo starts heating up and is broken down into smaller ink particles. 

The broken ink particles are then removed from the body through its lymphatic system. 

The laser used in the treatment is skin-friendly and approved by the FDA, and no harm is done to the surrounding skin.

However, multiple treatment sessions are required to remove the tattoo altogether. 

With every session, the tattoo becomes lighter and, in the end, becomes no longer visible. Technically, laser tattoo removal follows the theory of selective photothermolysis. 

2. How many sessions are required to remove the tattoo?

According to experts, when you use a nanosecond laser, the required sessions are 10-20 for absolute tattoo removal. 

However, the number of sessions required varies from patient to patient because several factors influence the tattoo's response to the laser. 

Factors include:

• The color of the ink.
• The age of the tattoo.
• Your skin type or tone.
• The size of the tattoo. 

People who have fair skin complexion require fewer sessions. And dark tattoo colors like black and red require fewer sessions. 

So on average, a more likely 4-6 sessions is required to remove most tattoos. 

Lastly, note that a gap of six weeks is kept between every session so that the skin can heal and the immune system can flush away the ink.

3. You will feel a stinging sensation 

Although laser tattoo removal is a non-surgical procedure, it involves some level of pain. You will experience a stinging sensation as the laser removes the tattoo from your body. 

However, this pain is bearable - you have already gotten a tattoo, and the pain involved in application is much more than removal. 

Patients who have undergone laser tattoo removal have compared the stinging to the sensation of a rubber band snapping against your skin. In simple words, laser tattoo removal will hurt, but it is bearable. 

To tackle this concern, laser specialists apply numbing cream to the skin so that you do not feel any discomfort. 

Also, a new soothing procedure is often used nowadays known as Zimmer Cryo 6. It involves blowing cold air on the skin before and after the treatment with the help of a chilling machine. 

Some other numbing options include ice packs or lidocaine injections. 

4. Laser tattoo removal is not risk-free 

One thing that should be clear in your mind is that tattoo removal is not a risk-free procedure. 

Like every other medical procedure, laser tattoo removal also has its side effects. Some of these risks include;

• Scarring 
• Redness
• Tenderness
• Blistering
• Scabbing 
• Bruising 
• Hyperpigmentation and Hypopigmentation
• Swelling 
• Permanent lightening/ darkening of the skin 

Therefore, it is essential to get the treatment from a board-certified laser expert who is experienced in laser tattoo removal. 

Only an experienced professional knows about the suitable laser wavelength and pulse durations. All the side effects mentioned above will be temporary if proper protocols have been followed during the procedure. 

Effects like redness, tenderness, and swelling are typical and usually subside in two days following the procedure. On the other hand, scabs, bruises, and blisters take almost a week to reduce. 

Hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation are also temporary side-effects that disappear over time. 

The expert should suitably inform you about all the possible side effects of laser tattoo removal before the procedure and the aftercare procedures to follow to avoid both temporary and permanent side effects. 

5. Laser tattoo removal itself does not leave a scar

The laser used in the procedure is a Q-switched laser, and it does not produce scarring. 

However, if the tattoo already has scarring, then expect that to remain. 

Many people do not know that the scarring they usually observe after a laser tattoo removal is caused by the tattoo-making procedure. 

Commonly, a tattoo you have on your body will feature pre-existing scarring, and laser treatment can't remove that scarring. 

When all the laser protocols are followed during the procedure, it is rare to develop a scar from a Q-switched laser. 

Your doctor will examine your tattoo to determine if scarring is present or not. If you have scarring before the removal, they will inform you beforehand. 

In this way, you will have realistic expectations from the procedure.

6. Laser tattoo removal is an expensive treatment

Pricing is one of the most significant concerns whenever patients think of getting any cosmetic or laser treatment. 

And laser tattoo removal is a costly procedure. It can cost you a significant amount of money, approximately ten times more than what you paid to get the tattoo. 

The cost can be a shock for many patients. 

Although the cost varies from patient to patient depending on some variable factors, a single session can cost around 200$-500$. 

It is better to consult with your doctor to know about the exact cost that matches your case.

The factors that can contribute to the overall cost include the following;

• The size of the tattoo
• Ink color 
• Time required to remove the tattoo
• Your skin types 
• Type of laser being used 
• The location of the clinic from which you are getting the treatment 
• The expertise of your doctor 

With this in mind, please think twice before getting a tattoo because getting it removed can be heavy on your pocket in the future. 

7. The results of laser tattoo removal are permanent

The most significant advantage of laser tattoo removal in Dubai is that it offers permanent results. 

The tattoo, once removed, does not come back. 

And so, laser tattoo removal is considered the only effective and permanent tattoo removal procedure. 

8. The recovery period is short 

The recovery period of laser tattoo removal is short, with no downtime associated. 

During the recovery phase, you will feel tenderness, redness, or swelling at the treatment area, but all these conditions will subside in a day or two.

The recovery is not as complex as it is in surgical procedures. You will heal within a few weeks. 

9. The tattoo darkens before it starts to fade 

It may sound weird, but it is true. The tattoo gets darker before it starts to disappear, which is normal. 

So, do not be judgmental or doubt the efficacy of the treatment. It is a part of the removal phase. 

The tattoo will either remain the same or darkens after your first session of laser tattoo removal. It reflects the way lasers impact the layers and tissues of the skin.

As the lasers target the deepest layer of the pigment first, the layers present near the surface become darker. 

Another reason for the darkening of the tattoo is the irritation and bruising that occurs after the treatment. 

10. Laser tattoo removal is not suitable for everyone 

There is a specific candidacy criterion for every procedure because laser tattoo removal is not suitable for everyone. 

People with a weak immune system are not suitable candidates for the laser tattoo removal procedure. Similarly, pregnant or breastfeeding women should also avoid the laser. 

Likewise, you must not suffer from any skin disease or infection, and you must be 18 or older. 

If you meet all these requirements, then you are an ideal candidate for the procedure. 

Conclusion

Laser tattoo removal has allowed many people to get rid of tattoos very quickly. With minimum pain, it removes the tattoo permanently. 

However, before you decide to get the treatment, consult with an expert to know all the procedure details. 

An expert will tell you about the pros and cons of the laser technology so that you can have realistic expectations from the treatment.

Don't Forget To Share On Pinterest

Related Topics

• Try These Healthy Self-Care Ideas To Rejuvenate Your Body
• All About Beauty & Makeup
• 8 Pros And Cons Of Ice Bathing
• Top 10 Benefits Of An Organic Mattress
• Future Proof Your Body: 13 Things To Do Now to Be Healthy in Later Life