How it works?
Lasers work by targeting the pigment in the ink to break it down into tiny particles. The particles will then be removed via the lymphatic system. After several treatments with intervals between each session the body breaks down the pigment which causes the tattoo to fade considerably.
There are some tattoo removal methods out there which solely focus on disturbing the skins natural barrier, from tattoo removal creams, Dermabrasion, Salabrasion (water and salt with dermabrasion device) to skin peels none of them can affectively remove the tattoo itself. At best you may get a slight fade but all can make the skin irritated, sensitised and disturb the PH of the skin and when this happens you can easily develop other skin issues like hypo or hyper pigmentation where patches of the skin get darker or lighter. It is important to note that ingredients used with tattoo removal creams, dermabrasion and peels can cause skin burns when not carried out by a professional.
The safest method to effectively remove a tattoo is to get Laser Tattoo removal. You need to be aware to protect the area with SPF and ideally keep the area covered and not expose it to the sun whilst undergoing treatment.
Does laser tattoo removal hurt?
No method of tattoo removal is completely pain free; it depends on the individuals pain tolerance. Some describe it similar to the feeling of having a rubber band repeatedly flicked against the skin. Others describe it to be fast sharp pinpricks and the area feeling hot.
A lot of energy is required from the laser in order to target the pigment.
The Technician may cool the skin before, after and during the treatment to minimise discomfort. An aftercare lotion may be recommended to cool, calm and hydrate the area.
When the laser targets the pigment, you may see areas of the tattoo turn a grey white colour this is called frosting and usually subsides around 20 minutes after the session.
How long until the tattoo is completely removed?
Each tattoo is different, the size, the colour of ink, the skin type and the depth and age of the tattoo are all important factors in understanding how many sessions are required.
You can attend a consultation where the technician can give you an approximate idea of how many sessions you are likely to need. However, the technician will have a better understanding during the first tattoo removal session.
What if I don’t want to remove the tattoo completely?
This is possible with Laser tattoo removal you may only require a few sessions in order to fade the tattoo. Some people just want the tattoo to be less visible or would like to have a cover up so may not need to remove it entirely.
Are recent tattoos easier to remove?
No not necessarily. You may have changed your mind with a very recent tattoo however the process for removal is still the same and you will be advised approximately how many sessions will be required during the first session.
Tattoo particles are injected into the dermis, the tattoo ink still needs to be broken down in the same way as with any tattoo.
Is Tattoo removal safe?
Yes, the laser energy is selectively absorbed by the tattoo ink only, surrounding tissues are not affected and there is no lasting damage to the skin.
Things to consider:
Avoid the sun – keep the tattoo out of the sun. Tattoo removal and sun exposure do not mix. Reapply mineral sunscreen every hour or so, you can cover the area to avoid permanent discolouration of the area. Follow the aftercare recommended by the laser technician to ensure a smoother, faster process for removing the tattoo. By not following the aftercare this can slow down the removal process as you may have to wait even longer in between treatments.
Time in between treatments – take the advice from your technician on how long you should wait for your next treatment. Having more treatments closer together does not mean better or faster results. Your body, in particular your lymphatic and circulatory systems are doing most of the work removing the broken-down particles and they require time to do this.
Allowing time in between treatments ensures that your body can process and eliminate most of the particles broken down by the laser and maximises the effectiveness of each treatment and adequate healing time.
Tattoo placement – this can affect how quickly your tattoo fades, your body is doing a lot of the work at removing the tattoo and needs the circulatory system to get this done. Circulation is the weakest in your extremities, hands, wrists, feet and ankles can take longer to remove that tattoos what are placed closer to the heart.
Ink composition – There are countless inks and pigments on the market, this means we may not know what some ink is made of. Some are organic and others are synthetic. Organic inks are made from plant-based materials, while synthetic inks are composed of heavy metals and sometimes even plastics. Synthetic inks are usually more stubborn to remove so can require more treatments.
Ink density and saturation – will impact how quickly your tattoo fades. Tribal and black out work tend to be denser and deeper in the skin as compared to shading. The more ink particles in the skin means more work for the laser and your body at breaking this down. If an area is heavily dense the Technician may recommend working on part of the removal at a time as to not overwhelm your body with breaking this down.
Tattoo Age – Newer tattoos tend to be a little more stubborn than older tattoos. As your body has had little or no time to digest and eliminate any ink. Your body recognises ink as a foreign substance and your immune system wants to process and eliminate it. Older tattoos blur and fade as they age.
Poorly applied tattoos – how your tattoo was applied will affect how your tattoo is removed. If the tattoo was applied without a tattoo machine may be more superficial, if the Artist was heavy handed then the ink may be applied too deep in the skin which can cause blowout or scarring. It is important you have an understanding of this to avoid any disappointment once your tattoo is removed.
Health – this places a factor as your body is handling the removing process. Age, any underlying health conditions, hydration, activity levels all play a role in how quickly your tattoo is removed. It is important to remember that our immune system can naturally weaken with age. Dehydration and lack of physical activity may mean the tattoo could be a bit more stubborn. Any medical conditions which effect your immune system or circulation system will typically slow the removal process down.