4 Things To Know Before Getting Laser Tattoo Removal

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE TATTOO RE

As the name implies, laser tattoo removal is a process that removes tattoos by using laser light. Its become an increasingly popular process – not only because the success rate for laser tattoo removal can be as high as 98%, it works on all colours of ink.

However, if you are looking for laser tattoo removal in Brisbane, or anywhere else for that matter, there are a few things you should know before deciding to go ahead with it. Here we explain the 4 key things you should know before getting a laser tattoo removal. 

#1  Only get laser treatment from a licensed professional

Getting a tattoo lasered from an unlicensed professional is potentially a painful and hazardous event. To reduce the risk of infection and any lasting scarring, only get this procedure done from a licensed, qualified professional.

Because there are several things that must be considered before attempting to remove any tattoo such as the type of ink used by the tattoo artist, the location on the body where it’s located, and how old your tattoo is, it’s really important to go to someone who knows exactly what they are doing. 

The procedure itself can be described as feeling like warm, fast rubber bands snapping all over the area of the tattoo. However, any discomfort wears off quickly. For most patients, there is very little pain – 95% report pain levels of 1 or 2 on a scale of 1 to 10. A trained professional will know what areas are more sensitive and likely to need topical cream used during treatment (popularly lidocaine). In general however, the need for any topical creams or numbing creams is quite uncommon.  

#2 – Laser tattoo removal can be expensive 

Laser tattoo removal is often quite expensive because it can be a long process to rid all ink from your skin. A laser beam produces bursts of energy that pass through the skin and target melanin in tattoos and turn it into particles. This process often takes longer than expected depending on factors such as location and size of the tattoo.

On average, dermatologists charge $25 – $70 per minute of laser time, so it’s easy to understand how the cost may start to escalate. Furthermore, the type and aggressiveness of the treatment will also affect the price.  The more aggressive treatments may also involve cutting open the white part under the top layer of skin where pigment resides for quick access (excision) or using topical anaesthesia (lidocaine), which will also add to the total cost of the procedure. 

#3 – Several sessions are needed before the tattoo is completely removed 

Laser tattoo removal is the best treatment option for dark pigmented tattoos, but it takes time and patience. The laser emits energy that disrupts pigment cells without affecting surrounding skin, theoretically inducing new skin growth where the tattoo once was.

Different pigments fade at different rates depending on their contents and placement on your skin. The colours of black, brown, or green usually disappear in four to nine sessions. Blue may take 12 to 18 sessions, while dark reds, oranges, pinks, or purples usually take anywhere from 20 to 30 treatments because these are made up of smaller particles that need higher-energy light waves to break them up.

There are risks with any type of medical procedure – make sure you know what they are and if they apply to your situation 

Laser tattoo removal isn’t without risks, and some dangerous complications could result, such as permanent scarring of the skin, infection, or insufficient removal of the ink. Laser risks are highest when used on coloured or dark tattoo inks because these colours break down faster during treatment without adequate accompanying blue light wavelength to protect them.

With any medical procedure, there is always a risk for complications even if the procedure feels like it’s been performed without incident. If you have concerns about your procedure make sure to consult with an expert to discuss any safety precautions that need to be taken before proceeding with therapy.

MORE – Tattoo Regret? Everything You Need To Know About Tattoo Removal

MORE – 18 Unique, Fashion-Approved Tattoos For The Stylish Woman

No Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.