Laser Tattoo Removal
You may have got a tattoo for any number of reasons - personal, cultural, or just because all your friends were getting one. With tattoos gaining in popularity, more people than ever are getting them. However, just like there are many reasons to get tattoos, there are many occasions when people want them gone. It is estimated that 1 in 4 people who get a tattoo regret it later on. Tattoos are a somewhat permanent body decoration, but they can be removed with lasers and other treatments if you no longer want them. Various tattoo removal treatments each have their pros and cons. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about tattoo removal, specifically laser tattoo removal and how it compares to other tattoo removal methods.
How does laser tattoo removal work?
Lasers are high-intensity light beams. Laser technology is widely used in medicine. The use of laser treatments is quite common in cosmetic surgery in particular. For example, you may be familiar with laser hair removal.
For the purpose of tattoo removal, lasers work by breaking the tattoo ink particles in the skin into tiny fragments. The body's natural scavenger cells then mop up the ink fragments, causing the tattoo to gradually fade over time.
Experts consider laser tattoo removal to be the safest and most effective tattoo removal method. Most providers use a Q switched or picosecond laser to accomplish this. This type of laser emits a single rapid energy pulse that heats up or vibrates the tattoo pigment and dissolves it. These lasers come in various wavelengths and include alexandrite, ruby, and NdYAG lasers.
Can laser completely remove tattoos?
Tattoo removal lasers cannot completely eliminate a tattoo. Also, it usually requires several laser tattoo removal treatments, spaced out over several weeks or more, to remove the tattoo pigment. Even after multiple treatments, oftentimes, the tattoo removal process does not completely get rid of the tattoo ink in the skin. However, the treatment does lighten the ink particles so that the tattoo colors are much less noticeable. After treatment, the area of tattooed skin will match your natural skin color to a large extent.
Best candidates for tattoo removal
People with lighter skin tones are considered better candidates for laser tattoo removal. Also, those who have a small tattoo that is old and was done by the stick and poke method are good candidates for tattoo removal by laser. Moreover, if the tattoo has colors like green, dark blue, brown, and black, these pigments are somewhat easier to remove than other colors because they absorb the laser wavelengths the most.
If, however, a tattoo is newer, darker, and more colorful, it can be time-consuming to remove it with laser treatments. A Q switched laser removal may be recommended for such tattoos because it is less likely to cause hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation (color changes) in darker skin type.
In general, experts say it is more difficult to perform a tattoo removal procedure with laser on darker skin. Also, people with skin conditions like eczema or herpes may not be deemed good candidates for laser removal.
Is it worth getting laser tattoo removal?
If you're unhappy with how your tattoos look or you regret getting them, then laser treatments are the most effective way to eliminate the ink colors without scarring and with minimal side effects. Laser removal is safe for all skin tones when performed by an expert. It is also effective for almost all tattoo inks.
How long does it take to remove a tattoo?
The course of treatment varies from person to person and depends on the size of the tattoo, the tattoo inks, and other factors. On average, tattoo removal laser treatments require 6-8 sessions. You need to wait 6-8 weeks between sessions to get the best results. This gives the body time to mop up the ink fragments after a laser treatment.
Does tattoo removal hurt?
Everyone has different pain tolerance. However, laser treatments do involve some amount of pain for everyone. Nonetheless, laser technology has advanced greatly over the past few years - many people find that it actually hurts much less than they imagined. Some people describe it like a sensation of a rubber band snapping against the skin.
It is a misconception that tattoo removal laser treatment is excruciatingly painful. For most patients, the pain level during tattoo removal is similar to the pain experienced during the application of the tattoo. The aesthetician may use numbing medicine (lidocaine) to keep you comfortable.
Are there side effects?
Like all treatments, laser treatment also has potential side effects. The most common side effects of laser tattoo removal include tenderness, swelling, pain, blistering, bruising, scab formation, and pigmentation changes. You can reduce your risk of side effects by carefully following your provider's aftercare instructions.
Will it leave a scar?
The risk of scar formation is one of the lowest with laser tattoo removal among all the tattoo removal methods. Tattoo removal treatments with laser do not usually cause scarring. However, some patients can occasionally develop scarring. Scabs and blisters are common side effects of laser treatment. It is important not to pick on the scabs and to care for the blisters properly during the healing process to prevent scarring. Again, as noted, following your aesthetician's aftercare instructions can reduce your risk of developing scars.
Procedure details
Laser tattoo removal is usually performed at an aesthetic practice. The aesthetician will start by numbing the skin with a local anesthetic. They will give you dark glasses to protect your eyes. They will then apply the laser to the tattooed skin for a few minutes. You may experience some bleeding, blistering, and swelling after the treatments. With each successive treatment, you will notice further fading of your tattoo. It usually requires 6-8 sessions with a tattoo removal laser to get the best results.
Aftercare instructions
Your aesthetician will give you instructions on how to care for your skin after laser tattoo removal. You may be given an antibacterial ointment to apply to the area to reduce the risk of infection while the skin heals. You should be careful to keep the skin clean and dry. Do not wear tight clothing because the skin needs to breathe while it heals. Do not pick on the scabs and blisters as this can lead to scarring. Avoid exposure of the laser treated area to direct sunlight.
What is surgical tattoo removal?
Surgical excisions is a more invasive method of tattoo removal compared to laser treatments. It involves cutting the tattooed skin surgically and stitching up the remaining skin. This type of tattoo removal is the only way to eliminate tattoos completely. However, it does leave a scar. This tattoo removal method is recommended only for very small tattoos. You should follow your doctor's aftercare instructions to reduce scarring as much as possible.
Can dermabrasion help with tattoo removal?
Dermabrasion is a cosmetic treatment that involves sanding the surface of the skin. It can help people with unwanted tattoos by removing the top layers of skin and allowing the ink to seep out. Dermabrasion is a less common method of tattoo removal and its efficacy can vary from person to person. Also, it may not be recommended in people with certain skin conditions like eczema or those on blood thinner medications that increase the risk of bleeding after dermabrasion.
Do tattoo removal creams work?
There are many tattoo removal creams available in the market. They may seem like the least expensive option for getting rid of tattoos, but there is no good evidence that they actually work. At best, creams can fade or lighten tattoos somewhat. However, they can lead to side effects such as an allergic reaction or skin irritation, especially in people with sensitive skin. It is, therefore, not recommended that you use over-the-counter DIY tattoo removal creams. If you want to get rid of a tattoo, consult an expert to do this safely and effectively.
What are cover up tattoos?
Sometimes it is possible to cover up an unwanted tattoo with another design in the same and surrounding areas. These are called tattoo cover ups. A tattoo artist can add more ink to your skin to mask or cover up a tattoo that you no longer like. The cover up method works for people who want to disguise a tattoo they already have and who don't mind getting an additional cover up tattoo to accomplish this.
How much does laser tattoo removal cost?
Tattoo removal cost with laser treatment can vary greatly depending on the size of the tattoo as well as the provider and your geographical location. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $200 to $500 for each treatment. Keep in mind that tattoos usually require more than one laser session to fade, and the number of treatments needed will affect the total pricing. Your provider will estimate the number of treatments needed to get the tattooed skin to match your natural skin tone and give you a quote accordingly. Most health insurance policies do not cover laser tattoo removal because it is a cosmetic procedure.
Finding a tattoo removal expert
Just like you choose a tattoo artist carefully, it is essential that you consult a trained professional for laser tattoo removal. Lasers are powerful devices and can be dangerous in the wrong hands. An expert can evaluate your tattoos and advise you on the best way to eliminate them. They will give you an estimate of the number of laser energy treatments required based on your skin color as well as the color of the tattoo inks and the depth of the pigments.
The MeTime app makes it easy to find expert providers for laser tattoo removal in your area. You can click and upload pictures and have suggestions sent directly to you. Book an appointment with an expert to understand the tattoo removal process better. Try the MeTime app now!
