5 Frequently Assumed Myths Dispelled About Laser Tattoo Removal
5 Frequently Assumed Myths Dispelled About Laser Tattoo Removal
When you are young or getting through a phase in life it seems like quite the in thing to get a fancy tattoo. Many people get tattoo as a symbol of love too. But what happens when there is a heart break or you no longer believe in the quote that you had tattooed on your body. Then everyday becomes a reminder of a bad decision. The simple and modern way is to get the latest tattoo removal i.e., laser tattoo removal.
Removing unwanted tattoo ca be done easily however there are some myths associated with laser tattoo removal that need to be debunked to put your mind at ease about the procedure, recovery, and benefits. Many people are often afraid to go for cosmetic procedures like this because of the lack of clear understanding of the procedure and recovery post laser tattoo removal. This lack of information removes creates confusion about expectations and outcomes.
What is laser tattoo removal?
Lasers are light beams of energy that work by breaking down the tattoo pigments under the skin. When you sit for a tattoo session the tattoo pen delivers the ink to the deepest layers of the skin. Laser shatters this ink under the skin starting from shallow layers of the skin to the deepest. The small particles of the ink are then removed by the natural immune system of the body. It takes multiple sessions of the treatment depending on the dept the ink has penetrated under your skin.
The strength of the laser treatment depends on the colour of ink used. Dark or bold tattoos need more treatments than shaded tattoos. The tattoos become lighter with each session and slowing become barely noticeable. It is a simple procedure and cost-effective treatment to get rid of the tattoo that you no longer want. Don’t be mislead by the myths. Here is a list of 5 popular myths about laser tattoo removed dispelled for your ease
Myth 1: Tattoo removal is invasive and more painful than getting a tattoo
Getting a tattoo is quite painful but removing it is not. Laser devices are highly controlled light emitting devices. During the tattoo removal process the discomfort is going to be minimal and the specialist always use a numbing cream on the areas to reduce your discomfort. Laser tattoo removal is so much less painful than actual ink. The max pain you might feel is like a rubber bank snapping on your skin.
At the same time, keep in mind that it is not exactly painless either. If your specialist is promising you a painless procedure then the technology used might not be a quality one and you run the risk of get a blemish or scar on the site of the tattoo. If you have a low tolerance for pain then ask for local anaesthesia or the cooling fan. Lasers is a fast procedure.
Myth 2: You will see the result in just one session
It is false information and if any clinic is promising one time complete removal, then they are wrong. There is no one shot answer to how many sessions tattoo removal will need. It does take more than one session though. Anywhere between 3-12 treatments is quite normal. This depends on the size of the tattoo, the ink density, location of the tattoo, the quality of the work, your skin types, general health, capacity to heal and you regular you are with the sessions.
Not all tattoos are created equal and the colour plays and important role in its removal. Different colours need different wavelength for example black tattoo is easiest to remove generally because lasers work very effectively on them, green and blue tattoos are harder, and white, pink and flesh coloured tattoos are the most challenging because the laser needs to precisely target and there is not much of contrast to work with. You should take full treatment to avoid ghosting of the tattoo.
Myth 3: There will be scarring
Scarring with laser tattoo removal is very rare and uncommon. Since the light only targets the tattoo ink, there is no permanent damage to the skin unlike other tattoo removal methods. However, there are few things to remember such as
- Makes sure that the technician uses the right intensity of the light and pulses to remove the tattoo.
- Lasers will not remove the existing scars because of tattoos. If the tattoo has caused the scarring, then even when the colour is removed you will still see the previous scarring
- Take great care of the area during the recovery phase to ensure there is no trauma and damage to the skin.
- Make sure you get the tattoo assessed by an expert dermatologist to make sure you known what you will get from the treatment.
- There are some side effects of the laser tattoo removal such as redness, bruising, swelling, hyperpigmentation, blistering, hypopigmentation and infection which will fade away in little time. Again, good post procedure care and avoiding the sun will keep the side effects to minimal.
- It takes about 2-6 weeks for the body to remove the broken tattoo ink through the natural lymphatic system. Therefore, your appointments will be scheduled accordingly.
Myth 4: You can get the tattoo removed anywhere where there is a laser machine
Lack or more stringent laws has made it an easy way for laser clinics to mushroom around the world. The truth is that laser tattoo removal is a very precise and concise procedure only to be done by experts who are trained in this area. The clinic or facility that you should be licensed and provide you with the right safety gear. Don’t be afraid to ask for the credentials of the practitioner and reviews by the other patients. Don’t fall for a bargain offer, it can damage your skin. Ask direct questions to the clinic about the equipment they will be using, training of the staff and post procedure care.
Take some time to research and ask as many questions to the doctor as you want. Take your time and then make a decision. This will put your mind at ease for the procedure and help determine if laser removal for tattoo is good for your skin or not. Knowing the facts will make it easier to manage your expectations and get the results that you desire.
Myth 5: You will not be able to get a tattoo at the same spot again
Is it a wrong information. Many people believe that removing the tattoo will make the skin too sensitive to get another tattoo. The truth is that if you give yourself enough time to heal and take good care of skin, the underlying skin will effectively accept the tattoo ink in future. In fact, many people use the laser tattoo removal as the means to remove the undesired tattoo and get one that they like. Your skin will be normal in few days’ post the tattoo removal and you can go ahead and plan the next one easily.
Tattoo removal is a personal decision. If you really don’t like the tattoo anymore than it is worth the cost and effort to get it removed permanently. Don’t worry about the myths, instead focus on the facts and getting the best result from the tattoo removal procedure. If you are planning to get hair removal done too or another other laser procedure then keep in mind that every laser is different and ask your doctor which procedure should go first.
