IS TATTOO REMOVAL AS PAINFUL AS GETTING A TATTOO?

It depends. If you’re particularly sensitive to pain, or if you have a tattoo in a particularly sensitive area, then it may be uncomfortable. Most people, however, tend to think that laser tattoo removal is less painful than getting an actual tattoo. The feeling is very similar to having a rubber band snapped against your skin. Laser tattoo removal on areas with more fat, such as the arms or the buttocks, is generally not as painful as areas where there is less fat or close to a bone, such as a neck, ankle, or finger. If you’re concerned about pain, most dermatologist apply a topical anesthetic beforehand to help you feel more comfortable.

The science behind laser tattoo removal is quite amazing. Laser tattoo removal works by targeting pigment colors in the skin’s dermis, the layer of skin between the epidermis and subcutaneous tissues. The laser radiates light beams, which are absorbed by the pigment and then fragment as a result.

The body then absorbs and eliminates the pigment fragments. The Q-switch is the most common type of laser used in tattoo removal. It produces pulses of light boasting an extremely high peak power. Several types of Q-switch laser exist, and each one targets a different color spectrum at different wavelengths. Because Q-switch lasers are so precise and intense, tattoo pigments fragment instantly, resulting in minimal damage to the surrounding tissue.

The dermatologist will place a hand-piece against your skin and deliver laser pulses to the tattoo pigment. The amount of laser pulses depends on the tattoo’s size, and so does each treatment length. Most treatment sessions last from 15 minutes to 30 minutes.

WILL IT HURT AFTER A LASER TATTOO REMOVAL TREATMENT?

Sometimes, but not much and often, not at all. You may experience minor bleeding, redness, swelling, and blistering for several hours or days following treatment. Your skin will probably feel tender to the touch as well. The next several weeks may see the treated area flaking, peeling, and scabbing. While the site is healing, you should avoid sun exposure and public swimming pools. Once the skin has completely healed (usually a month after treatment), you can undergo additional sessions.

Amateur tattoos are also a lot easier to remove than professional ones because the ink tends to be less dense.

The number of laser tattoo removal sessions you’ll need depends on several different factors. The older the tattoo, for instance, the easier it is to remove. Amateur tattoos are also a lot easier to remove than professional ones because the ink tends to be less dense. Tattoos located on your extremities, however, are more difficult to remove because the circulation isn’t as good in those areas. Green, yellow, white and fluorescent inks are also notoriously difficult to remove–but it’s still possible to get rid of them with the right laser technology and treatment plan.

Does Laser Tattoo Removal Leave Scars?

Laser Tattoo removal typically doesn’t result in leaving a scar. But sometimes darker-skinned individuals can experience some loss of pigmentation. Over time, this becomes less noticeable. And occasionally the outline of the original tattoo can persist.

PREVENT LASER TATTOO REMOVAL SCARRING BEFORE YOUR VISIT

1. Drink lots of water. Staying hydrated before and after your procedure will increase the speed of recovery.
2. Take vitamins—especially vitamin E. Vitamin E and aloe aid healing.
3. Don’t smoke. The success of removing a tattoo after ten treatments are reduced by 70% if you’re a smoker. Quit smoking beforehand and maybe switch to nicotine gum as an alternative.

PREVENT LASER TATTOO REMOVAL SCARRING AFTER YOUR VISIT

1. Apply ointment three times a day. This will increase the speed of healing and reduce scarring.
2. Take it easy for the next few days.
3. Wash twice a day with mild soap and water. Antibacterial soap can cause irritation and inflammation.
4. Always pat the treated area with a paper towel to dry, and don’t rub. Rubbing can cause the scabs to come off too early, resulting in a longer healing process.
5. Change bandage and dressing after every wash.
6. Don’t pick at scabs; this causes scarring.
7. Don’t pop any blisters; this also causes scarring.
8. Stay out of the sun. You should stay out of the sun for several weeks after your last laser tattoo removal session. Sun exposure causes blistering and increases the time it takes to heal.
9. After several weeks, use sunblock when you’re out in the sun.
10. Wait at least six weeks between laser tattoo removal sessions. Why? Because your body continues to break down the ink in the tattoo long after the laser zaps it. The longer you wait, the better results you’ll have.
11. Once again, quit smoking!

By following these tips you should significantly minimize chances of scarring.

While scarring is possible, laser tattoo removal targets the pigmentation, not skin cells—which leaves the skin cells intact and undamaged. Most lasers are specifically designed to only travel deep enough into the skin to target the ink and pigment, not the skin cells that rest deeply and can produce scarring.  

 IS THERE A BETTER THAN LASER TATTOO REMOVAL?

Laser tattoo removal is the only safe and effective method to remove unwanted tattoos. After a series of successful laser treatments, most tattoos are pretty much gone. Keep in mind, however, that how fast your tattoo disappears depends on its color pigments, depth, and age. 

The good news about tattoo removal is that technology just keeps getting better. Newer laser technologies such as the Nd:YAG and Q-switch can now effectively treat even the most stubborn ink colors. Derm Texas has both types of new lasers with the latest technology and generation lasers.

How Many Treatments Does It Take Before The Tattoo Is Removed?

The number of treatments you’ll need depends on many different factors, including but not limited to: tattoo location, amount of ink, color of ink, depth/age of tattoo and preexisting texture of the skin. It is difficult to predict the precise number of treatments required. However we provide our best estimate based on the opinion of a board certified dermatologist and professionally trained staff.

During each laser tattoo removal session, the tattoo ink particles are broken into smaller ink fragments. Black and red inks typically respond best to laser tattoo removal treatment and in most cases can be fully removed. All other ink colors are typically more stubborn, as they absorb less laser light. 

It takes the body’s immune system a minimum of eight weeks to absorb and process the tattoo’s ink fragments via the lymphatic system. Most tattoos can be treated every 8-12 weeks, with each session breaking up more ink. Soon enough, you’ll start to see your tattoo slowly begin to fade.

In General, What Can I Expect After Each Laser Tattoo Removal Treatment?

After laser removal treatment, the skincare instructions are very similar to those you might have received after getting your tattoo. To minimize the risk of infection and let the treated area heal faster, you should gently cleanse the affected area and apply a topical antibiotic ointment.

The treated area might be swollen. The tattoo’s appearance might be pale or white, and the area may feel like you’ve suffered a sunburn. Over the course of a few weeks, the treated area might remain red and it might flake and peel. It might scab as well. The area should be handled gently. These reactions are completely normal. They mean your body is hard at work healing, absorbing and breaking down ink fragments within the tattoo.

You might also experience lightening or darkening of the treated area for several months following a laser tattoo removal session. It is important to make sure to protect the treated area from sun exposure until it’s completely healed.

Is Laser Tattoo Removal Safe?

As with any cosmetic procedure, complications can happen. But as newer laser technologies have entered the market, laser tattoo removal has become far safer than such old fashioned tattoo removal methods as dermabrasion, excision and salabrasion.

The most common laser tattoo removal side effects include risk of infection and potential scarring, hypo- or hyperpigmentation, and incomplete pigment removal. You can minimize complications by carefully following post-procedural care instructions. This may include gently cleansing the affected area, applying topical antibiotic ointment, refraining from picking at any scabs or blisters, avoiding public swimming pools, and staying out of the sun. Between sessions, allow yourself six to twelve weeks to heal.

Certain populations have a higher risk of complications. This includes smokers, the immunocompromised, and the elderly. But all of Derm Texas patients will discuss their medical history and all potential risks with our dermatologist prior to treatment.

The easiest way to get the answers to your specific tattoo removal questions, is to simply call or email us. We promise there is no pressure on you, instead a fun, wonderful customer experience and at an incredible value. 

We invite you to come experience our friendly and welcoming staff and our board certified dermatologist. We cannot wait to meet you!