Did you ever look at a tattoo and wonder, “What was I thinking?” You aren’t alone. At Vanishing Ink Med Spa, we see an increasing number of individuals who want to put past decisions behind them or refresh their body art. The ease and popularity of tattoo removal have grown with newer laser technological advancements that have rendered it safer and more effective than ever before.
Key takeaways:
- Laser tattoo removal is the most common and effective method of removing unwanted tattoos.
- The number of laser sessions depends on the size, color, and age of the tattoo.
- To reduce side effects and provide good results for tattoo removal, good aftercare is very important.
- The most necessary condition for taking all of the positive effects from the removal is that the provider should be qualified and experienced.
- Vanishing Ink Med Spa provides the best solutions in the business with state-of-the-art laser treatments for tattoo removal and a high level of personalized care for every client.
What Tattoo Removal Methods Are There?
Laser Tattoo Removal
This is the most recommended and widely accepted treatment for tattoo removal. It operates on the principle of laser energy converting tattoos into decreased ink particles. In turn, small particles will be screened out of the body with the body’s own immune system. Different lasers will treat different colors of tattoo ink relevant to your skin; they include the Q-switched Nd
laser. It is most effective in black and darker inks, whereas the Q-switched ruby laser is more effective in green and blue inks. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) quotes that the lasers approved specifically for the tattoo removal process must be used as they significantly reduce the risk of any skin reaction or allergic problems, which may also include skin discoloration.
Other Techniques
Of course laser removal is the most effective method of tattoo removal; however, there are other types of tattoo removal:
- Surgical excision: The surgical removal of tattooed skin, sutured together. It can be used for smaller tattoos, though scarring is a risk here.
- Dermabrasion: Employing a mechanical abrasive device rotating to remove the top layers of skin, which contain the tattoo pigment. It is not as common because it has a risk of scarring.
- Chemical peels: Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peels may lighten tattoo ink colors, but are generally less effective compared to laser removal.
Preparing for Your Laser Tattoo Removal Session
Choosing a Provider
Don’t trust your skin with just anybody! You need to be sure that you are working with a provider who is highly experienced in the field of laser tattoo removal and is appropriately certified. The AAD recommends seeking providers with tattoo-specific lasers and significant depth of knowledge on skin types.
Preprocedure consultation
You will undergo a consultation with the provider prior to your first treatment session. The provider will examine the tattoo to be removed, take a medical history, and explain the procedure in full. You may ask as many questions as you wish about the process, possible side effects, and anticipated results.
Pre-Treatment Instructions
Your provider will give you specific advice on how to prepare for the procedure so that it is optimized for results and any adverse reactions are minimized. Examples may be the avoidance of sun exposure or tanning beds weeks before your treatment, discontinuing some medications or supplements that may make you more prone to bleeding or bruising. Shave the area to be treated to avoid laser interference by the hair.
Pain management choices
Although laser removal can be uncomfortable, most people seem to tolerate it well. Your provider may suggest some topical numbing agents or a cooling device to help minimize any pain.
What to Expect During and After the Procedure?
During the treatment, you will be given protective eyewear. The use of the laser targets the tattoo ink. You can feel a snapping sensation against your skin, similar to when a rubber band snaps. The length of the session will vary depending on the size of the tattoo.
Immediate Aftercare
You may have red, swollen, and blistered skin following the treatment. The treatment provider can apply antibiotic ointment and a dressing to cover the treated area. Ice packs can be used to ease swelling and soreness.
Recovery
The treated area is more likely to be sore and itchy after treatment and this feeling may last for a number of days. Scabs may appear and the area should not be touched so that no permanent scar forms. Most side effects should disappear within a fortnight. After the initial recovery period, the patient should take care to avoid direct sunlight on the treated area by using protective clothes and sunscreens. Moisturize the skin regularly with a moisturizer that will also help in healing.
How to Get the Best Results
- Follow aftercare guidelines correctly: This is essential if you wish to prevent infections and experience the best possible results.
- Stay hydrated: Enough water will help your body flush out the ink particles.
- Shield your skin from the sun: Exposure to the sun may change the treated area and make it harder for the body to remove the tattoo completely.
- Live a healthy life: A good, healthy immune system will have a better chance at getting the particles of the ink out of the body.
- Have realistic expectations and be patient: Understand that tattoo removal is a process involving multiple treatments. Be sure you will require more than one treatment. So have realistic expectations and bear with the system.
Busting the Myths of Tattoo Removal
There are myths about tattoo removal as well. Let me straighten this out:
- There is no such thing as an effective tattoo removal cream. This kind of treatment has been advocated many times over, but the reality is that tattoo removal creams do not exist. Most of the ingredients found within them are irritating and may cause harm to the skin.
- DIY tattoo removal is dangerous. Trying to remove a tattoo at home with the help of abrasive tools, acids, or other substances can result in serious complications such as infections, scarring, and permanent skin damage. You definitely need to entrust this work to professionals.
- To add to that, getting rid of the said permanent makeup is as difficult as regular tattoos. These pigments are formulated for longevity yet can still be zapped off with lasers. The need might be even more because the pigment is placed shallowly. So, patients should look for an experienced permanent makeup remover in order to achieve the best results.
Your Tattoo Removal Journey with Vanishing Ink Med Spa
Tattoo removal is a very personal venture. Our staff will help guide you through this journey with compassion and leading-edge technology to obtain your goals. Our practitioners are experienced in implementing custom treatment plans that work for you and meet the needs and concerns of every individual, so you will require the least number of treatments. We offer a variety of laser tattoo removal packages that are well within budget, covering individual requirements and the size of the tattoo. So get ready to wave goodbye to that unwanted tattoo; today, call us to schedule your free consultation. We are happy to answer any questions you may have and walk you through everything.
We hope you found this guide helpful for tattoo removal and the recovery process. Remember that going to a qualified provider is the safest and best option for your tattoo removal. Vanishing Ink Med Spa is 100% committed to helping you get optimal results that make you feel confident.
