Laser Tattoo Removal. Does it work?

Want To Get Rid Of Unwanted Tattoos?

Laser tattoo removal is a medical procedure that aims at permanently removing unwanted tattoos. Laser tattoo removal utilizes skincare technology that facilitates permanent discoloration to fade the tattoo.

Utilizing this technology allows victims to have tattoos of different colors, shapes, and sizes removed. Compared to some creams that claim to remove tattoos, laser tattoo removal is one of the most reliable options and can promise some good results.

Be Clear With Your Expectations

Before going ahead with a tattoo removal procedure, you should know that laser tattoo removal is not fully guaranteed. You need to find a plastic surgeon who will help you come up with realistic goals and treatment expectations. In some cases, the tattoo can only clear partially and leave a faded appearance.

Depending on your skin type and other factors, you can even form marks that may look like a scar. Therefore, you should contact the best cosmetic surgeon to minimize the risks of having adverse side effects.

Woman showing fading tattoo
Closeup of a woman before and after laser treatment. Different tattoos will fade at different rates.

How Does Tattoo Laser Treatment Work?

Laser tattoo removal is now becoming a common procedure and the ideal solution to individuals who want to remove their tattoos permanently.

Before considering the treatment you should get a better understanding of how the treatment works, and the benefits and risks involved.

Laser treatments could typically take two to four sessions to achieve quality results. In some situations, tailored treatment plans may be required to eliminate the tattoo.

A cosmetic surgeon determines the number of laser treatments required based on the tattoo’s size, pigmentation, and position.

What is the technology involved?

The treatment uses light pulses from a laser to break any kind of pigmentation under your skin. If the color pigmentation disintegrates, the tattoo begins to fade and a repeat of the procedure ensures that the tattoo is no longer visible.

Doctors use different lasers for different pigment colors and different skin types.

Dark colors such as black and brown respond better to treatments, while lighter colors may take a little longer to completely discard the pigment.

Which Tattoos Respond Best To Laser Removal?

Most tattoos can be removed using the laser treatment option. An older tattoo has settled over a long time period which might make the process easier.

Over the past decade, the inks that have been used are much stronger, making the removal process somewhat more difficult. Regardless of when the tattoo was done, some colors are easier to remove than others.

Shades of red and yellow are more difficult to remove and may require more treatment sessions than tattoos with dark colors. A multi-colored tattoo requires multiple treatment sessions because different ink colors respond to different laser wavelengths.

Another problem to consider is the position of the tattoo on the body. Areas with more body fat, such as arms, buttocks, legs, or chest, will give better results compared to areas with less body fat, such as ankles or fingers.

woman's back with fading tattoo.
Discomfort of tattoo removal will often depend on the location of the tattoo and your pain threshold.

Find A Good Laser Tattoo Removal Clinic.

Be careful when choosing a clinic to perform the laser tattoo removal procedure. You should never compromise when it comes to quality. If the procedure is performed by incompetent practitioners with little or no experience, you may be at risk of contracting serious skin infections and diseases.

We recommend that you seek multiple examinations from qualified professionals. In that way, you will have the chance to work with a team that has adequate experience and skills to perform the tattoo removal procedure.

It is also important to pay attention to the level of cleanliness and hygiene in the clinic.

Make sure that the clinic you select maintains a high level of cleanliness and that the devices are in perfect condition.

Another factor you need to consider is the clinic’s legitimacy, registration, and licensing. Also, make sure that they have the necessary permits to work as a clinic that offers services such as laser tattoo removal.

It is recommended that you obtain a recommendation from the local medical association regarding the quality of the services provided by the various clinics in your area of jurisdiction.

The Risks & Costs Involved

The total cost of removing tattoos through laser treatment can be very high. If your budget is tight, this option may not be within your reach.

The total cost may range between $ 300 and $ 600 per session. All tattoos require multiple treatment sessions to achieve quality results. Therefore, you may have to look for financing options that can help you get the cosmetic procedure done.

The first downside of this procedure is pain. Some people may suffer more than others, but it depends on some factors.

Some claim the removal procedure is more painful than the actual tattoo application procedure. Others report that it hurts less. However, the cosmetic surgeon who performs the removal procedure can minimize the pain by administering a topical anesthetic before the treatment.

hand fades.
When you have a laser treatment to remove a tattoo, it will take several sessions for it to fade and hopefully disappear.

You must be prepared to endure a certain level of pain during the procedure and the healing process.

Lastly, you must be aware of the possibility of scarring after the procedure.

You need to practice proper aftercare to minimize scarring, but there is no guarantee that it won’t happen.

The next risk associated with this method is hyper-pigmentation or hypo-pigmentation, which might happen in the treatment area and tends to become lighter or darker after it has healed completely.