Getting a tattoo is a personal decision, and when someone opts for permanent tattoo, they don’t expect to get it removed anytime soon. However, there are various reasons why people choose to remove an existing tattoo.
Reasons include –
- Shoddy work by the tattoo artist
- New job
- Change in views
- Lost relevance of the tattoo
- To get beyond past relationships
- For a fresh start in life
No matter your reason, there is the choice of laser tattoo removal. Do you wonder if it hurts, or if the procedure is safe? In this post, we are sharing the basics about tattoo removal.
How does laser tattoo removal work?
In case of laser tattoo removal, specific wavelength of laser light is used to break down the pigments of the tattoo, which is then flushed by the body naturally. The whole process may need a few sessions, depending on the location, size, age, and design of the tattoo.
Does it hurt?
People have different pain tolerance levels, and therefore, what may seem like normal pain to someone can feel excruciating to another person. There are varied kinds of numbing options that tattoo removal clinics offer, and you can decide on one that works for you. Mostly, a local aesthetic injection is used, while in other cases, topical anesthesia is more than enough. Many clinics also rely on cooling equipment, which cools the skin before, during and just after the tattoo removal process is done.
Know the procedure
There are numerous laser treatments for tattoo removal, and we recommend that you select a clinic that offers the best option. For instance, PicoWay® by Syneron Candela is among the better FDA-approved options. The clinic will explain what to expect from the procedure, and we recommend that you consider all pros and cons before giving a nod. Laser light can cause some irritation on the skin, but these side effects are pretty much manageable and should subside within a few hours. If you have a health condition, or have a mole or birthmark underneath a tattoo, let the clinic know. While laser tattoo removal is safe, there are a few exceptions. For instance, if you have a mole, it must be checked first before tattoo removal can be initiated.
Check for clinics that specialize in advanced laser tattoo removal, and don’t shy away from asking for further details related to cost for each appointment, and number of sessions needed.