Body tattoos are nothing new to humans. They have been around for more than 5000 years. However, not every tattoo is meant to stay forever. Some tattoos become a regret for life and should be removed. Previously, it was almost impossible to remove the permanent tattoos completely. The methods used for tattoo removal were also very painful. However, medical technology has now gone through a lot of advancements. Innovative laser technology has been introduced for tattoo removal that has made the process easy and convenient.
If you are also regretting the tattoo, you once loved, laser tattoo removal is the option for you. In this article, we will discuss some of the most important facts related to tattoo removal that you must know if you are going for the procedure.
1. How does laser tattoo removal work?
Laser tattoo removal in Dubai is a non-surgical procedure that utilizes a laser to break the tattoo ink particles. A special laser device is used during the procedure that directs the laser beam onto the tattoo. As a result, the tattoo starts heating up and is broken down into smaller particles. The broken ink particles are then removed from the body through its lymphatic system. The laser used in the treatment is skin-friendly and approved by the FDA. Therefore, no harm is done to the surrounding skin.
However, multiple treatment sessions are required to remove the tattoo completely. With every session the tattoo becomes lighter and, in the end, becomes no longer visible. Technically, laser tattoo removal follows the theory of selective photothermolysis.
2. How many sessions are required to remove the tattoo?
According to experts, when you use a nanosecond laser, the number of required sessions is 10-20 for absolute tattoo removal. The number of sessions required varies from patient to patient because several factors influence the response of tattoos towards the laser. These factors include the color of the ink, the age of the tattoo, your skin type or tone, and the size of the tattoo. People who have fair skin complexion require fewer sessions. Similarly, dark tattoo colors like black and red can be removed in fewer sessions. If we talk about average then 4-6 sessions are required at least to remove the tattoo. Also, a gap of six weeks is kept between every session so that the skin can heal and the immune system can flush away the ink.
3. You will feel a stinging sensation
Although laser tattoo removal is a non-surgical procedure, it involves some level of pain. You will experience a stinging sensation as the laser removes the tattoo from your body. However, this pain will be bearable. It should not be a problem because you have already gotten a tattoo and the pain involved in application is much more than removal. Patients who have undergone laser tattoo removal have compared the stinging to the sensation of a rubber band snapping against your skin. In simple words, laser tattoo removal will hurt but it will be bearable.
To tackle this concern, laser specialists apply numbing cream to the skin so that you do not feel any discomfort. Also, a new soothing procedure is being used nowadays known as Zimmer Cryo 6. It involves blowing cold air on the skin before and after the treatment with the help of a chilling machine. Some other numbing options include ice packs or lidocaine injections.
4. Laser Tattoo Removal is not risk-free
One thing should be clear in your mind that tattoo removal is not a risk-free procedure. Like every other medical procedure, laser tattoo removal also has its own side effects. Some of these risks include;
- Scarring
- Redness
- Tenderness
- Blistering
- Scabbing
- Bruising
- Hyperpigmentation and Hypopigmentation
- Swelling
- Permanent lightening/ darkening of the skin
Therefore, it is important to get the treatment from a board-certified laser expert who is experienced in performing laser tattoo removal. Only an experienced professional knows about the suitable laser wavelength and pulse durations. All the side effects mentioned above will be temporary if proper protocols have been followed during the procedure.
Effects like redness, tenderness, and swelling are normal and usually subside in two days following the procedure. On the other hand, scabs, bruises, and blisters take almost a week to subside. Hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation are also temporary side-effects that disappear over time. You will be advised to follow aftercare instructions strictly to avoid both temporary and permanent side effects. Moreover, the doctors should inform the patients about all the possible side effects that can occur as a result of laser tattoo removal so that they are well-informed before the procedure.
5. Laser tattoo removal itself does not leave a scar
The laser used in the procedure is known as Q-switched laser and it does not produce scarring. However, if the tattoo already has scarring then expect that to remain. Many people do not know that the scarring they usually observe after a laser tattoo removal is basically caused by the tattoo-making procedure. It is very common that a tattoo you have on your body will feature pre-existing scarring and laser treatment can’t finish that scarring.
When all the laser protocols are followed during the procedure, it is rare to develop a scar from a Q-switched laser. Therefore, it can be concluded that laser tattoo removal will not leave a scar if performed accurately but if pre-existing scarring occurs, it is likely to remain. Your doctor will examine your tattoo to determine if scarring is present or not. If you have scarring before the removal, he/she will inform you beforehand. In this way, you will keep realistic expectations from the procedure.
6. Laser tattoo removal is an expensive treatment
Pricing is one of the biggest concerns of the patients whenever they think of getting any cosmetic or laser treatment. Laser tattoo removal is a costly procedure. It can cost you a great amount of money approximately ten times more than what you paid for tattoo making. This can be a shock for many patients. Although the cost varies from patient to patient depending on some variable factors, a single session can cost around 200$-500$. It is better to consult with your doctor to know about the exact cost that matches your case.
The factors that can contribute to the overall cost include the following;
- The size of the tattoo
- Ink color
- Time required to remove the tattoo
- Your skin types
- Type of laser being used
- The location of the clinic from which you are getting the treatment
- The expertise of your doctor
You better think twice before getting a tattoo because getting it removed can be heavy on your pocket in the future.
7. The results of laser tattoo removal are permanent
The biggest advantage of laser tattoo removal in Dubai is that it offers permanent results. The tattoo once removed does not come back. Therefore, it is considered the only effective and permanent tattoo removal procedure.
8. The recovery period is short
The recovery period of laser tattoo removal is short and there is no downtime associated. During the recovery phase, you will feel tenderness, redness, or swelling at the treatment area but all these conditions will subside in a day or two. The recovery is not as complex as it is in surgical procedures. You will heal within a few weeks.
9. The tattoo darkens before it starts to fade
It may sound weird but it is true. The tattoo gets darker before it starts to disappear which is normal. So, do not be judgmental or doubt the efficacy of the treatment. It is a part of the removal phase. The tattoo will either remain the same or darkens after your first session of laser tattoo removal. It reflects the way lasers impact the layers and tissues of the skin.
As the lasers target the deepest layer of the pigment first, the layers present near the surface become darker. Another reason for the darkening of the tattoo is the irritation and bruising that occurs after the treatment.
10. Laser tattoo removal is not good for everyone
There is a certain candidacy criterion for every procedure. Laser tattoo removal is also not good for everyone. People with the weak immune system are not suitable candidates for the laser tattoo removal procedure. Similarly, pregnant or breastfeeding women should also avoid the laser. You should not be suffering from any skin disease or infection and you must be 18 or above in age. If you meet all these requirements then you are an ideal candidate for the procedure.
The Final Words
Laser tattoo removal has allowed people to get rid of permanent tattoos very easily. With minimum pain, it removes the tattoo permanently. However, before you decide to get the treatment, do consult with an expert to know all the details of the procedure. He/she will tell you about the pros and cons of the laser technology so that you can have realistic expectations from the treatment. Mentioned above are ten important facts about laser tattoo removal that you need to know.
