If you made the decision to get a tattoo in the past and as you’re growing older, you’ve realised it doesn’t suit you anymore – don’t worry, tattoos may be permanent but there are ways of getting rid of them for good! Laser tattoo removal is one of the safest and most effective ways of making your unwanted pieces disappear. Read on to find out more about how to get a tattoo removed, and how the process works.
Find a specialist
When choosing to have a tattoo removed, you can guarantee the best results when you choose a qualified dermatologist or tattoo removal specialist. You should do your research before you make your decision – check their website for any reviews or before and after photos so you can see examples of work they’ve done for others in the past. Making sure that they are qualified to carry out your tattoo removal is key, as well as checking the types of lasers they use to ensure you’re getting a high-quality, and efficient service.
Things to consider
When you’re thinking about getting a tattoo removed, there are a few factors to consider so that you know what to expect with the outcome – there are a few variables that can change how easily your tattoo can be removed such as:
- Colours: Some coloured inks used in tattoos are particularly hard to remove, colours like black, brown, green, and blue should be removed easily, whereas larger, colourful tattoos may take longer to fade.
- Type of tattoo: If your tattoo was carried out by a professional, this can make it harder to remove as the ink will be deeper under the skin. If your tattoo was done in a stick and poke style, these tend to be easier to remove.
- Timing: Older tattoos also tend to be easier to remove than new pieces.
- Cost and commitment: If you have a large tattoo that you like to be removed, it is likely going to be more expensive, as it will take more time. Unfortunately, tattoos don’t just disappear after one removal session, you will be asked to return a few times for repeated treatments, and it is necessary to let your skin heal between each, so you could be looking at anywhere between 3 to 10 appointments.
Laser removal
One of the most common and effective ways of removing a tattoo is with the use of a laser. These treatments can result in your tattoo fading to the point you cannot notice it or disappearing completely. Different types of lasers can be used for your treatment, so it is always best that you research to see which will give the best results with minimal scarring.
The laser is used as a way of breaking up the pigments in the ink that is below the skin – they do this by sending out pulses of energy. As mentioned above, it can take a few sessions to notice a change in your tattoo, but if you’re committed to the process, you can finally be free of your unwanted ink.
During the treatment
So, what should you expect during the treatment? Laser tattoo removal is straightforward. Once you’ve had your consultation to determine how well and how long it will take for your tattoo to be removed, the process can begin. The treatment itself should not be too painful, the laser should only feel like a few pricks to the skin – it is commonly likened to being pinged by a rubber band! The laser will break up the ink pigments beneath the skin, and then it’s up to your body to do the rest, as your immune system should work to take away the leftover particles. The session itself should only last around an hour, and then you can head home to carry out any aftercare necessary and allow your body to heal before the next session.
There are a few things you can do to help your body through the process, like eating healthy and nutritious food to give your immune system a boost. You should also drink plenty of water, to flush the lymph system and aid any particle removal.
Aftercare
When your removal session has taken place, you must take care of the site so you can get the best results. You should avoid heat to the skin for 48 hours after your laser treatment. This means no high-pressure showers; you should also avoid soaking in the bath or a sauna. You should also be sure to keep the area clean and dry – you can use mild soap, as well as moisturising SPF cream to soothe and protect.