Whether you want to remove a tattoo you’re not happy with or don’t want to sport the tattooed look anymore, know that tattoo removal technology has greatly evolved over the years and most tattoos can be removed with no problem. Current technology allows technicians to remove virtually any type of ink these days, and most people are eligible for the procedure. With that being said, it’s still very important that you understand how the procedure works and what to expect from the results. You should also know what will be expected of you before, during, and after the procedure. Here’s all you need to know about getting your tattoo removed.
How the Process Works
There are two main methods for removing an unwanted tattoo. You can go for an excision which is when the tattoo is surgically removed from the skin. This is the most intrusive and expensive tattoo removal method and is somewhat outdated.
The best option is usually to go with laser removal. The way laser tattoo removal works is pretty simple, and the procedure can be done completely in the office. The doctor or technician will use a laser to break down the ink. The laser will act like a miniature sledgehammer that will break the tattoo into small fragments that can be absorbed by the skin.
How Long Does It Take for Tattoos to be Completely Removed?
One thing you shouldn’t expect from the procedure is for it to get rid of your tattoos overnight. Tattoos take a long time to complete, and you can expect them to take a long time to remove as well. Depending on the size or the type of tattoo, you might have to go for eight to 10 sessions, and even more in some cases, until your tattoos are no longer visible.
Not only that, but it’s recommended that you wait around six to eight weeks between sessions for best results. This means that it might take more than a year to completely remove your tattoos. This is why you need to speak with the person who will be working on you before they start so that you know exactly how long you may have to wait.
How Much Pain is Involved?
Since laser tattoo removal is non-intrusive and the skin will only be exposed to the laser for a few nanoseconds at a time, it shouldn’t be that painful. Not only that, but you will be administered a topical anesthetic on the area that will be treated.
Some people say that the pain is similar to getting a tattoo, but that’s not entirely the case. Not only will the area that will be worked on be completely numbed, but sessions are kept relatively short. In most cases, you won’t go under the laser for more than 15 minutes at a time. So, unless your pain tolerance is very low, you don’t need to worry about the pain that much.
Can Laser Tattoo Removal Work on All Tattoos and Skin Types?
Yes, it can. Some people assume that laser tattoo removal only works on darker skin because of laser hair removal, but since the laser will have pigment to latch onto, all skin types are eligible for the procedure. As a matter of fact, laser tattoo removal tends to work on people with light skin better than on people with dark skin. This is because the laser will be able to target the pigment on the tattoo only instead of getting absorbed by the skin’s pigment.
If you have any other questions regarding tattoo removal, we suggest you contact a professional today and speak with a few other people who have had the procedure before you.