Things You Should First Know About Laser Tattoo Removal Before Having One

Posted by Melvin Magadia on October 19th, 2019

Tattoos are no longer a taboo as they used to be. Nowadays, you see people wearing not just one but several tattoos on their body. Inks on the body have become mainstream and have been accepted by society. While there are those who would love to flaunt their body art, others reach the point of regret and want to have their tattoos removed.

But before considering undergoing the procedure and do a search of “tattoo removal clinic near me,” there are some things you need to consider. There might still be some doubts clouding your mind so that you cannot decide yet. Here are some things you need to know about undergoing laser tattoo removal.

Consider a doctor

Due to budget constraints, you might be easily tempted to have your tattoo removed by a tattoo artist at the corner of the street. With these corner of the street tattoo shops, there is no assurance that there will be no complications after the end of the treatment. On the other hand, letting a doctor or a specialist remove the tattoo is the safer option. Laser tattoo removal is the safest procedure in the market today.

Tattoos won’t disappear right away

Just because it was removed by laser doesn’t mean your tattoo will disappear right away. It takes several sessions for results to be visible. Also, the ink still needs to be broken down and naturally digested by the immune system. It will take months or even years for the tattoo to completely disappear when it has been completely flushed away by the body.

It’s an expensive procedure 

If you consider having your tattoo removed by a doctor or specialist (like in #1), your bill could reach Aa hundred dollars for each session. This is why a lot of people would opt for a removal session outside of the clinic because it is much more affordable. But then again, you get more peace of mind with a doctor removing your body ink.

All color of inks can be removed

There was an old belief that light colored ink was hard to remove. With laser technology, however, it is now possible to remove all colors of ink. Nowadays, even yellow and green ink colors, previously the most stubborn, can now be removed.

It will still involve needles

Laser tattoo removal involves more than a quick and easy laser moment. Also, there will still be needles involved. The professional performing the procedure will inject the target area with lidocaine for freezing before applying laser, ice, and bandage.

There will still be pain after the procedure

Although laser tattoo removal does not involve any downtime, expect to still feel some discomfort for about a week. The area targeted might get blistered and needs to be covered in salve and bandage for a few days. The area may also depuff, scab, peel, or regenerate. Fortunately, more sessions reduces the number of aftercare needed.

Wear clothes that don’t rest on the tattoo

You may have to buy clothes that didn’t have materials that will touch the area where the tattoo was removed. For example, if the tattoo was removed or your feet or ribs, avoid wearing shoes or bra after the procedure. You may also need to apply a thin coating of antibiotic ointment or healing moisturizer like Aquaphor, Lubriderm, or Kiehl’s three times a day.

You could just opt for a light-colored tattoo

If you don’t want to take your tattoos all the way off, you can simply go for a lighter color and get some good cover-ups done. Keep in mind that when a tattoo is removed, the skin left might not be flawless as it used to be. That is why going for a light skin pigment can be a good option.