What is tattoo removal?

A tattoo is a permanent form of body modification where an artist injects inks and pigments (dyes) into your skin. Tattoo removal is a procedure to remove this permanent ink from your body. Normally, your immune system works to remove foreign particles from your body, but ink particles are too big for your immune system to remove, which is why they’re permanent. Tattoo removal can be a complex process that can take several sessions to complete. This happens because permanent ink granules from professional tattoos exist below your skin’s surface.

There are several options for tattoo removal, with the most common being laser tattoo removal. If you’re interested in removing an unwanted tattoo, talk to a healthcare provider or a dermatologist to see what your options are for removing it.

Laser Treatment:

1. A Q-switched laser is commonly used, emitting strong pulses of energy that heat the tattoo ink and break it down into smaller fragments. 

2. The laser targets specific colors of ink, with darker colors like black and blue being easier to remove. 

3. Multiple sessions are needed, with a 6-8 week break between treatments to allow the body to absorb the broken-down ink particles. 

4. Topical anesthetics may be used to manage discomfort during the procedure. 

5. Each session usually lasts 15-60 minutes depending on the tattoo size. 

Multiple Sessions and Healing:

1. It can take multiple sessions, often 4-8, to fully remove a tattoo, depending on factors like size, colour, and ink depth. 

2. Each session allows the body to naturally clear the broken-down ink fragments, which is why multiple sessions are needed. 

3. Healing time between sessions is typically 6-8 weeks. 

How does tattoo removal work?

Each type of tattoo removal works differently. The goal of tattoo removal is to break down permanent ink particles into smaller particles that your immune system can safely remove from your body. This is how laser tattoo removal and tattoo removal creams function with a lower risk of scarring. Dermabrasion, chemical peels and surgical excision focus on removing skin or layers of skin that have permanent tattoo ink particles. This allows your skin to heal around where a tattoo used to be to make it look like the tattoo was never there in the first place. This usually causes scarring.. 

Does tattoo removal hurt?

Depending on what type of tattoo removal you choose, there may be varying levels of pain or discomfort. Some people say that removal feels the same as getting a tattoo, while others liken it to the feeling of a rubber band being snapped against their skin. Your skin may be sore after the procedure.

Certain procedures are painful, which is why your surgeon may give you general anesthesia or a dermatologist will apply a topical or inject a local anesthetic to your skin.

Who is a candidate for tattoo removal?

You might be a candidate for tattoo removal if you:

1. Have a tattoo you want removed.

2. Are in good health.

3. Don’t smoke.

4. Have realistic expectations for the procedure.

5. Understand the risks and possible side effects of the treatment.

Why do people get tattoos removed?

Everyone has their own reason for wanting to remove a tattoo. Some of the most common reasons include:

1. You don’t like your tattoo anymore.

2. Your job doesn’t allow visible tattoos.

3. Your tattoo reminds you of someone or something that had a negative impact on your life.

What are the benefits of a tattoo removal procedure?

The benefits of tattoo removal include:

1. Effectively get rid of unwanted tattoos.

2. Improve your appearance and self-confidence.

3. Limited recovery time after laser removal.

4. A minimal amount of pain or discomfort.

5. It’s relatively safe.