Having a tattoo is permanent and a lifetime commitment. However, there are times that people are not happy with their inks and regret getting them. Fortunately, you can gradually say goodbye to it through laser tattoo removal.
As of today, this removal technique is the safest and most efficient route for getting that ink off your skin. If you have undesired tattoos, then maybe you are considering getting one. Here’s what you should know before getting laser tattoo removal, from the expense down to the possible side effects.
LASER TATTOO REMOVAL IS A SIMPLE YET DELICATE PROCESS
When getting a laser tattoo removal, the most commonly asked question is, “how does it work?” To answer it simply, the laser’s light beam or light energy breaks up the pigment color. Whenever the light hits your inked skin, it shatters the ink into tiny fragments.
That’s why each time you get a laser treatment, your tattoo gets lighter. Repeating the laser treatment is necessary until it completely removes the tattoo. Also, it is vital to take note that different colors require different strengths of laser pulses. Black-colored tattoos are easier to remove than other colors.
In general, before the actual session, many things need to be done. First, the specialist will evaluate your tattoo and walk you through the whole process. Second, you need protective equipment like an eye shield. Third and last, the specialist will test if there’s some reaction from your skin to determine the most suitable light energy for your treatment, and after that, you’re ready to go.
IT IS AN EXPENSIVE BUT WORTHWHILE TREATMENT
One session can cost approximately ten times as much as getting a tattoo. It can range from $75-$125, depending on the size of the tattoo. Nevertheless, the process requires highly specialized equipment and expertise from a professional, hence the high price.
Before starting your treatment, you should ask your doctor how many sessions there will be to set a clear expectation of the total price of the sessions. The whole process can require a considerable amount of money, but it is worth it. If you don’t like your tattoo and regret it, the entire removal treatment will be a worthwhile expense.
THE PROCESS CAN TAKE A COUPLE OF MONTHS OR EVEN A YEAR, DEPENDING ON THE TATTOO
The speed of tattoo removal depends on the tattoo and the patient. Tattoos don’t disappear after one session alone. The whole process can take a couple of months or years, depending on several factors.
Specialists use the Kirby-Desai Scale to evaluate and estimate the number of treatments needed to remove a tattoo using these factors:
- skin type
- layers of tattoo
- location on the body
- ink colors
- amount of pigment
The whole process can take a year since treatments must be scheduled three months apart to allow the body to heal. This time interval gives the body’s immune system enough time to break down the ink and flush it away. Frequent treatments can lead to damage to the skin and side effects.
IT IS PAINFUL BUT BEARABLE
Getting a laser tattoo removal is not entirely painless. There might be some pain during the session, but it is bearable. If you plan to have laser removal treatment and are worried that it is painful, you can opt for numbing cream or use a chilling machine.
Most tattoo removal clinics provide skin numbing during the session. These include chillers, ice packs, Lidocaine injections, and numbing creams. It’s wise to ask your doctor ahead of time if you’re worried about pain so that you can address it.
IT HAS POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS
Most patients want their skin to look as natural as possible after the process. However, most of them don’t know that it is normal for their skin to feel sensitive the next day. All these side effects are temporary, but if not taken properly, they can lead to scarring. The most common side effects are:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Tenderness
- Blisters
- Hypopigmentation
- Hyperpigmentation
- Scabs
- Bruising
Although it is the safest method, laser tattoo removal can still have few side effects. As mentioned above, you may end up with hypopigmentation, where the treated skin is paler than the rest, which is not a big deal if you want to remove an undesired tattoo from your body. Sometimes, patients may experience side effects such as blisters, infection, or scarring if they do not take care of it properly.
Overall, the removal technique will not pose a risk or drastic result if the patient followed the protocols. Potential risks may only happen if the patient failed to observe the instructions after the treatment. It is essential to reassure the patients that they will have a smooth recovery if they use proper aftercare techniques.
YOU NEED TO PREPARE FOR A TATTOO AFTERCARE
If you want no scar and trouble-free treatment, it is crucial to prepare for tattoo aftercare. Discuss aftercare methods with your doctor so that you’ll be familiar with them. You can avoid both the temporary and permanent side effects of the protocols and aftercare if you observe the instructions.
Clinics also provide a take-home sheet of aftercare instructions for you to follow. When the session is over, you’ll need to prepare bandages, ice packs, and comfortable clothes that don’t touch your tattoo. It is best to plan and prepare for your tattoo removal to avoid delaying the healing process.
LASER REMOVAL TREATMENT SHOULD BE DONE BY A REPUTABLE SPECIALIST
The most important thing you should do before getting a laser tattoo removal is finding a credible and reputable doctor or specialist. It is necessary to find a professional that can guide you through and after the process. Finding professional tattoo laser removal services like RAW Aesthetics and Wellness can ensure that you get proper treatment and care and avoid potential risks.
It’s always bothersome to have an unwanted tattoo. If you’ve read this article because you wanted to get rid of the tattoo from your skin, you are now aware of laser tattoo removal processes. After all, an informed patient is a happy patient.
