Tattoos have become more commonplace over the years. Up to 30% of our population now has at least one tattoo. Unfortunately, sometimes those numbers come with regret. As many as 25% of those with a tattoo say they regret getting a tattoo. People get tattoos for many reasons and many circumstances, but sometimes those circumstance change (job, relationship, etc.) and the tattoo no longer has meaning to the individual. No matter the reason for wanting a tattoo removed, there is good news: Tattoos are no longer permanent and irreversible. A skilled professional can safely and effectively remove tattoos through a series of treatments. The question for many is: is laser tattoo removal really effective?
Laser Tattoo Removal
Lasers are helpful, efficient, and effective when it comes to tattoo removal. Laser treatment is often safer than many other tattoo removal methods, such as excision, dermabrasion, or salabrasion because laser treatment only treats the pigment in the tattoo. There are very few, if any side effects from this procedure.
Lasers remove tattoos by breaking up the pigment colors with a high-intensity light beam. More specifically, with laser removal, pulses of high-intensity laser energy pass through the epidermis and are selectively absorbed by the tattoo pigment. The laser breaks the pigment into smaller particles, which may be metabolized or excreted by the body, or transported to and stored in lymph nodes or other tissues. It’s important to ONLY have tattoo removal done by a trained professional.
What to Know Before the Procedure
To be considered for laser tattoo removal, the first step is to book a consultation with a laser removal specialist. They’ll be able to inspect your tattoo and advise you on how many treatments may be required and if there are any issues that may impede success. They will also advise you on what to expect, and how long healing from the procedure should be. Depending on the size, age and ink used in the tattoo, treatment times may vary.
Does Laser Tattoo Removal Word on Everyone?
As mentioned above, how easily a tattoo can be removed depends on different factors. Newer tattoos respond more positively to removal than older tattoos. Darker inks are more easily picked up by the laser than lighter colors. Removal is always going to be more difficult in patients who have a darker skin tone based on laser physics and the way the laser works.
Are There Side Effects to Laser Tattoo Removal
How well someone responds to laser tattoo removal depends on the individual. There may be some swelling after the procedure, as well as slight discoloration. Your laser removal professional will discuss this during consultation based on their observation of the tattoo you want to remove.
If you’re ready to learn more about laser tattoo removal, contact Lipogenex and book a free consultation to learn what your options are.
