Exploring Tattoo Removal

Almost everywhere you look, lately, there is somebody with a tattoo. It has become common for people to get tattoos to commemorate significant moments in their lives or simply because they had a bit of a rough night and a tattoo parlor was open at 3 a.m.

Either way, tattoos are all over, and while some of them are beautiful and truly show the artistry that goes into a tattoo, there are some tattoos that people might rather forget if they could. This is where tattoo removal comes in.

If you have a tattoo that you just want to be rid of once and for all, this is the article for you. Here is everything you need to know about laser tattoo removal.

Professional

Without a doubt, the most important thing to consider when going for tattoo removal is the person that does the treatment for you. Just like getting a tattoo, having it removed is not something you can look for the cheapest option for.

You need to find a doctor or a tattoo removal specialist who will carry out the procedure properly so that the tattoo is removed correctly and your skin’s health is not compromised during the session.

Price

If you have a large tattoo, you will know that getting a tattoo is not a cheap experiment. Tattoos can cost a lot of money, especially if you get them done by a reputable artist. However, the removal is even more expensive.

Laser tattoo removal is notoriously expensive, and it can often cost more to have your tattoo removed than it did to have it done in the first place. You might need to save up for a while to have your tattoo removed. Laser tattoo removal can cost anywhere between $200 and $2000.

Pain Level

You probably read the word ‘laser,’ and immediately freaked out, and that’s fair enough. We naturally associate lasers with something terrible and extremely painful, but in this case, that’s not altogether true.

Many people have reported that laser hair removal is not nearly as painful as they thought it would be. The tattoo removal process will differ from person to person because each person has a different pain threshold.

Skin Tone

While the world is working on inclusivity, there are many areas where inclusivity has not yet prevailed, and skin tone still affects how effective the treatment is. One of these is laser tattoo removal.

If you have a darker skin tone, the laser might not differentiate between the tattoo pigment and actual skin cells, which can cause scarring. However, if you put the laser on a lower setting, you might not see any difference in the tattoo.

Time Period

The time that you spend in the chair will depend on how large and pigmented your tattoo is. It could be anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour if you have a larger and more pigmented tattoo that you are trying to get rid of.

It is also important to consider that you will not get rid of any tattoo in one sitting. You will need several visits to the laser removal specialist before your tattoo is as good as gone for good.

Risks

Okay, we know lasers are nothing to be scared of in terms of pain, but they pose certain risks, as do most cosmetic procedures. You might not experience any of them, but they are possible.

If you try to get rid of the tattoo too quickly or ve a darker skin tone, you are at higher risk of scarring. You could also end up with scarring and damaged skin if you do not go to a licensed professional to have your tattoo removed.

Aftercare

The area where you get the tattoo removed will be sensitive after a removal session. The skin will react almost immediately to anything that it does not like, so you should plan your sessions according to where the tattoo is and how you can take care of it afterward.

For example, if you are removing a tattoo on your foot, plan your session on a day where you won’t have to wear shoes for some time after the session so that you can properly take care of the area without having to worry about covering it up.

Alternatives

While tattoo removal is an excellent option for someone who absolutely cannot have the tattoo on them (perhaps for professional reasons), it is not always the safest or cheapest option. It is quite inaccessible in terms of skin tone.

If laser tattoo removal is simply not an option for you, you can opt for a tattoo cover-up instead. This consists of getting another tattoo over the tattoo you currently have to hide the tattoo you would’ve removed.