Tattoos are a popular form of self-expression that allows people to showcase their creativity or convey a message. However, not all tattoos age gracefully; some may regret getting inked. Fortunately, laser tattoo removal offers a safe and effective way to remove unwanted tattoos. If you are considering non-invasive tattoo removal with lasers, here’s what you need to know before taking the plunge.
How Laser Tattoo Removal Works
Laser-based ink removal therapy uses concentrated beams of light to break down the ink particles in the skin. The laser emits pulses of light that pass through the skin and get absorbed by the ink pigments. The ink particles then shatter into tiny fragments, which the body’s immune system flushes out of the system over time.
The effectiveness of laser-assisted tattoo removal depends on several factors, including the tattoo’s colour, size, and location. Dark-coloured tattoos, such as black and blue, are easier to remove than light-coloured tattoos, such as green and yellow. Similarly, smaller tattoos are easier to remove than larger ones, and tattoos on the upper body, such as the arms and chest, are easier to remove than those on the lower body, such as the ankles and feet.
What to Expect During the Procedure
Laser-powered tattoo clearance is a minimally invasive procedure that typically takes several sessions to achieve the desired results. The number of sessions depends on several factors, including the age, size, and colour of the tattoo, as well as the patient’s skin type and immune system. Most people need between six and ten sessions to obliterate a tattoo.
During the procedure, the patient lies down, and the technician applies a topical anaesthetic to the tattoo to minimise discomfort. The laser emits light pulses onto the tattoo, which can cause a mild burning sensation or a tingling feeling. After the procedure, the technician applies a bandage and recommends aftercare instructions, such as avoiding sun exposure and applying ointment to the treated area.
Potential Risks and Side Effects
Laser-based ink removal therapy is a safe and effective procedure by a trained professional. However, like any medical procedure, there are potential risks and side effects to consider. Laser tattoo erasure’s most common side effects include redness, swelling, blistering, scabbing, and itching. These side effects typically subside within a few days to a week after the procedure.
In rare cases, non-invasive tattoo removal with lasers can cause scarring or changes in skin pigmentation. Scarring is more likely to occur in people with a history of keloids or who have had previous surgery or radiation therapy in the treated area. Changes in skin pigmentation are more common in people with darker skin tones, and they typically resolve on their own within a few months.
Cost and Recovery Time
The cost of Laser-based ink removal therapy varies depending on several factors, including the size, colour, and location of the tattoo and the number of sessions needed to achieve the desired results. In general, smaller tattoos cost less to remove than larger ones, and tattoos on the upper body cost less than those on the lower body.
The recovery time for laser tattoo removal depends on the size and location of the tattoo and the number of sessions needed to achieve the desired results. Patients must wait four to six weeks between sessions to allow the skin to heal and the ink particles to break down.
Alison Lurie is a farmer of words in the field of creativity. She is an experienced independent content writer with a demonstrated history of working in the writing and editing industry. She is a multi-niche content chef who loves cooking new things.
