All you need to know about Tattoo Removal

You got that fantasy dragon tattooed on a wild impulse, but now it seems like a bad idea? You want to get it removed, but unsure how safe and effective it would be?

Here is an attempt to dispel your doubts about tattoo removal. Although technological advancement has made it safer now, you would do well to seek professional counsel before you make up your mind on removal.

How it works

Tattoo removal nowadays is safer, using laser beams that rip apart the pigment colors of the tattoo ink. Black/Blue tattoo is always the easiest to remove. Fluorescent colors like green and purple are close to impossible to take out. Tattoos, if smaller, are also easier to erase.

How it hurts

The degree of pain varies from one individual to another, based on the person’s pain threshold. It is commonly akin to the sensation one experiences when a thin rubber band snaps against the skin.

Questions to ask a skin care specialist


  • How do you perform the removal procedure?
  • How many sessions would I require?
  • How long is one session?
  • What is the spacing time between sessions?
  • Would it hurt?
  • How do I manage the pain?
  • What are the side effects?
  • What would be the after-care?
  • What is the expected cost of the entire procedure?

What to expect during tattoo removal

Expect no magic in just one session. Your doctor clearly needs several sessions to remove your tattoo. The size of your tattoo, color of your skin and the tattoo ink you have used decide the number of sessions you may have to sit with your doctor.

The depth to which the ink has penetrated too decides the number of sessions, which could range from five to twelve. Allow the healing time the doctor advises between sessions.

Anticipate pain during the procedure. If you feel much pain, tell your doctor who will make small adjustments to make you feel comfortable. Side effects like redness or soreness may be expected but none of them bothers you for long.

Dos

  • Find an experienced aesthetic medicine practitioner in your area to perform the procedure.
  • Discuss your expectations with the doctor.
  • Tattoo removal is considered a cosmetic procedure, and so, it is not usually covered by insurance. Be aware of costs involved for the entire procedure.
  • Communicate with your doctor and ensure that the coast is clear. Learn about pre- and post procedure care to be taken.

Don’ts

  • Do not consider tattoo removal if you have active acne, warts, pigmentation problems or any lesions.
  • Do not try DIY methods/products as they may result in adverse skin reactions.
  • Do not ignore any unpleasant reaction like redness or soreness.
  • How safe laser tattoo removal

Age-old techniques like dermabrasion (removal of superficial layers of skin with a rapidly revolving abrasive tool) and salabrasion (scraping tattoos with gauze pads dipped in saturated salt solution) are not practiced these days.

Good news: tattoo removal is not unsafe anymore! With advanced technology, laser treatment is best to remove tattoos although the efficacy differs from person to person. Removal will be easier if there is striking color contrast between the skin and the tattoo ink.

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