Have you ever impulsively gotten a tattoo, regretting it a few days later? Whether it’s an ex’s name, a misspelled quote, or poorly executed art, tattoo regrets are shared. While removing tattoos used to be challenging, advancements in technology, specifically laser tattoo removal, now offer a solution to make that ink disappear. If you’re curious about getting rid of a tattoo, continue reading to explore your options.
How is a tattoo formed?
Tattoos are body art forms that are made by placing ink, dyes, and other colored pigments into the dermis layer of the skin. Before beginning the tattoo process, the skin is sterilized. The equipment used should also be fixed. Hair is also shaved off if the area is hairy to make the procedure smooth and easy.
The tattoo artist will then outline the picture on your skin using unique papers and inks that work like temporary tattoos. This way, you can check it before any permanent work is done.
Then, the actual process of tattooing will begin. This can be done manually by puncturing the skin with a needle and injecting the colored pigments. However, nowadays, machines are the preferred option. Tiny needles place the ink just below the skin’s surface with tattoo machines while the tattoo artist guides the machine. The area is then sterilized and bandaged.
After such a tedious process, people still realize they should never have done that. Through the years, tattoo removal has evolved due to increased public demand.
Traditional Tattoo Removal Techniques
Before the laser tattoo removal technique came into the picture, there were two known methods. The first is through dermabrasion. This method sanded the tattooed area until the colored ink was removed. Another technique used was skin grafting. A piece of skin was cut off from another area of your body. This piece of skin will be used to replace the tattooed skin. Each method was complicated, and it took time to let the skin heal and repair itself. However, with the advent of laser technology, tattoo removal has become more accessible. (1) (2) (3)
What is Laser Tattoo Removal?
In the laser tattoo removal procedure, your tattooed skin is subjected to a laser beam which breaks down the pigments of colors from your tattoo. These broken-down pigments are then slowly removed from the skin surface.
Laser Tattoo Removal Procedure
Before the procedure, your skin is evaluated to identify the colors in your tattoo and what kind of laser beams you would need to remove the tattoo entirely. You might be given a topical anesthetic or administered local anesthesia to minimize the pain. You will also be given a protective eyepiece to protect your eyes.
The handheld device uses different types of wavelengths determined by the color pigments. The device is placed on the surface of your skin and breaks down the colored pigments without affecting your skin. Then, your immune system removes the pigment from your body.
However, one sitting is not sufficient to remove the tattoo. You need anywhere between 5 and 10 sittings to remove the tattoo. There needs to be a minimum of 4 4-week gap between two sittings. Depending on the ink and the area covered, your tattoo should be obliterated within six months to a year.
Cost of Laser Tattoo Removal
The cost of laser tattoo removal can vary depending on the size of the tattoo, the pigments used, and the location. On average, a sitting should cost you about $100.
Risks and Side Effects
The procedure is excruciating since the laser beam creates a lot of targeted heat. Even after the procedure, your skin will feel hot and swollen for several days. However, anesthesia can minimize the pain. The pain and swelling will eventually ease up after a couple of days.
The skin subjected to the laser can lose some of its natural pigments and turn pale. There can be scarring in some cases if you pick on the treated area. This can be prevented by covering the area with bandages. Sometimes, you can experience blistering and infection in the area if not kept clean. However, with the advancements in the laser industry, the side effects can be minimized, and the treatment can be almost hassle-free.
Is it worth it?
This question all depends on you. There are a few things to consider when thinking about laser tattoo removal.
Do I need to get rid of my tattoo?
Think about how badly you need to remove the tattoo. Are you ashamed of it? Do you hide it from people rather than show it proudly?
Can I afford it?
We’ve discussed the costs and the duration of removal, so you already know how much money, time, and effort it would cost. Again, this would vary depending on how big and pigmented your tattoo is. But if you need to remove it, money should not be a problem.
Is it worth the risk and pain?
Most likely, yes, since getting a tattoo is just as painful or even more. If you could sit through that, then laser tattoo removal won’t be a problem. Moreover, local and topical anesthetics will help. As for the risks of infection and scarring, this is greatly minimized with proper aftercare.
If you’re having second thoughts about that tattoo, now is the time to think about laser tattoo removal. This method lets you renew your skin and make it look like the tattoo never existed.
Summary
Are you regretting that tattoo? Laser tattoo removal could be your answer. Tattoos, though meant to be permanent, can be erased with advanced laser technology. Before lasers, removal involved painful methods like dermabrasion or skin grafting. Now, lasers break down tattoo pigments, allowing your immune system to remove them gradually. Each session, costing around $100, takes 5-10 sessions, with 4-week gaps. Though painful, it’s worth it for many who feel embarrassed by tattoos. Consider costs, pain, and risks before deciding, but laser removal can renew your skin if you are ready, leaving no trace of that unwanted ink.
