Here’s What No One Tells You About Tattoo Removal

There are several reasons why people get a tattoo. Some do so because they perceive their body as a form of a canvas where they can profoundly express their art. Others get a tattoo to mark major life events or to honor a loved one. However, there are instances wherein you may no longer be happy with the tattoo that you got. Fortunately, you now have the option of having your tattoo removed but in doing so, below are some of the things that no one tells you about the process.

The Duration of the Removal Process Varies

One of the things that you need to know if you are thinking of getting your tattoo removed is that the duration of the process varies from one person to another. Perhaps this is the reason why no one tells you that tattoo removal can take long because, for some, it only takes a couple of sessions. But the sure thing is that your tattoo won’t disappear in a single laser session. Depending on the size of your tattoo, its location, as well as its color, you may need to take anywhere from six to ten sessions. You also need to consider at least an eight-week gap between two consecutive sessions. The reason why the removal process requires several sessions is that each time the tattoo is lasered, the laser light needs to break down the ink particles.

The broken ink particles then dissolve in your bloodstream and get regenerated in your immune system. This entire regeneration period lasts for about a couple of months, and during the next session, the laser would have to break down new pigment particles that have emerged. Thus, it is a good idea to consult with a doctor before you have your tattoo removed. Better yet, have your tattoo removed by a licensed medical professional in a medical cosmetic clinic instead.

All the Ink Can Be Removed

Another thing that nobody seems to mention is that you can have all the ink of your tattoos removed should you wish to. This is contrary to the belief that light and colored ink is difficult to remove. This means that even yellow and green hues, which were challenging to remove in the past, can now vanish because of advanced laser technology.

Nevertheless, there is also the option for you to just lighten the ink of your tattoo if you don’t want to have them taken off. This will pave the way for a good base for a cover-up with a new design or a more appropriate one.

Just keep in mind that in some instances, even if the whole ink is removed, some white patches or scars appear. This may leave your skin not as flawless as you have imagined it to be. Rest assured that there is another skin treatment that can take care of that for you.

You Should Be Prepared for Needles

Most people think that getting their tattoos removed only involves the use of laser technology. However, your skin needs to be prepared for the process, and just like in getting a tattoo, this involves needles too. To start with, the cosmetic medical professional is most likely to take a photo of your tattoo before the process. From there, they would need to clean the area and inject it with lidocaine to make it numb.

Only after the area is numb will they proceed with the laser process. Some people tend to taste metal as soon as the laser hits their skin, but this can be attributed to the reaction that their body has with lidocaine. Rest assured that this is a normal reaction. After this, they will ice the area and cover it with a bandage.

Some people who get their tattoos removed often feel pain after the laser removal session. For others, this pain doesn’t seem to go away even long after they are home. Thus, it is a good idea to condition your mind that you may feel pain and discomfort that can last for a few days or even a week so that you will be able to plan your activities accordingly.

You Need to Consider the After Treatment

Like with any other skin treatments, you also need to prepare yourself for the aftercare of the removal process. Aside from bandages, you should also have clothes that don’t rest on your tattoo. A thin coating of antibiotic ointment or a healing moisturizer will go a long way when it comes to your recovery. This is because your skin tends to become more sensitive after being exposed to the laser light.

You may also experience a bit of redness or blistering after the treatment, which is why you need to prepare for the aftercare. Nevertheless, experiencing these side effects are normal, and this should not worry you particularly because your skin will be able to recover in a few days.

It Can Be Quite Expensive

Getting your tattoo removed means that you need to prepare a certain amount of money, and the sum that you need to shell out can be quite lucrative, depending on the number of sessions that you need to take. Rest assured that you will be able to find cosmetic clinics that offer a reasonable price for their removal process. Some even offer a big discount to eligible clients. In this case, it is a good idea to scout all your options and compare prices from different clinics to ensure that you are getting the best deal.

Tattoos are no longer permanent because technological innovations brought about processes that can have them removed. Just keep in mind that the time it takes for your tattoo to vanish varies from one person to another. Rest assured that all the ink from your tattoo can be removed but be prepared for needles, as well as the aftercare. It is also a good idea to be prepared for the cost you can incur because getting your tattoos removed can be quite expensive.