When it comes to body art, tattoos are an expressive way to showcase your personality and style. However, as life progresses, you might find that what was once a cherished symbol no longer resonates with you. Or perhaps the quality of the tattoo does not meet your current standards. This is where laser tattoo removal steps in. If you're considering this treatment, it's essential to understand the laser tattoo removal process. This guide will give you a comprehensive look into what laser tattoo removal entails.
Laser tattoo removal is a procedure that uses high-powered lasers emitting a specific type of light that the tattoo ink absorbs. The light breaks down the ink particles, enabling your body to naturally eliminate them. This process does not typically cause scarring because it selectively targets the tattoo's ink.
Before the procedure, the practitioner will apply a topical numbing cream to the skin surface. They then use the laser to emit pulses of light onto the skin's surface. Depending on the tattoo's size, age, location, and colour, the number of treatments will vary.
Most people require multiple sessions to remove a tattoo entirely, with sessions spaced six to eight weeks apart.
This timeframe allows your body enough time to flush out the broken-down ink particles and heal between treatments.
While pain thresholds vary from person to person, most people compare the sensation to a rubber band being snapped against the skin. To minimise discomfort, most clinics apply a local anaesthetic cream before the procedure.
Immediately following treatment, you might notice a white discolouration over the tattoo and experience a sensation similar to sunburn. Your practitioner will apply a wound dressing, which you should keep clean and dry for a couple of days. Swelling and minor blistering are common, but these side effects often subside within a week.
Different variables impact the success of laser tattoo removal:
1. Tattoo Size and Depth: Larger, deeper tattoos require more sessions.
2. Ink Colours: While black ink is the easiest to remove, certain colours (like teal or yellow) may be more challenging.
3. Tattoo Age: Older tattoos are usually easier to remove, as the body and sunlight naturally fade the ink over time.
4. Skin Tone: Lighter skin tones tend to have more successful removal as the contrast between the skin and ink allows the laser to more effectively target the pigment.
5. Location: Tattoos closer to the heart generally fade more effectively due to better circulation.
When performed by a certified practitioner, laser tattoo removal is a safe procedure. However, potential side effects can include infection, hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, and scarring.
Laser tattoo removal is a reliable solution if you're looking to remove an unwanted tattoo. While the process can be time-consuming and requires a level of commitment, the results can provide a clean slate.
