Tattoos are a form of art and a way of expression. They allow you to become creative with your body, and sometimes people get tattoos for aesthetic purposes. Tattoos are usually permanent, meaning they will be part of your body for the longest time. Over time, people grow and experience changes in how they perceive the world. A tattoo you got in your teens may become a nuisance in your 30s. If you need to remove your tattoo, it is best to work with your doctor at Metro Area med spa because the process is more complicated than getting a tattoo. Here is more you need to know.
How does tattoo removal work?
The process involves using a laser device that emits a concentrated beam of light through your skin’s epidermis to the inner layer of your skin. The laser energy heats the ink beneath your skin and breaks it into smaller particles that the body eliminates. Colored tattoos require the use of multiple lasers functioning at different frequencies.
What to expect during the procedure
First, your doctor applies a topical cream on your skin which numbs a specific area to reduce pain levels during treatment. Laser tattoo removal is less painful and has lesser risks than traditional tattoo removal. You may wear protective shields to cover your eyes from the light. Your specialist tests your skin reaction to laser to determine the right frequency to use. The doctor moves a handpiece against your skin surface and directs laser light on the tattoo.
You may feel some discomfort, but it is a feeling that most people can withstand. It may require much time if your tattoo covers a large area of your skin. Your skin may feel tender after treatment, but you can soothe that with an ice pack. A topical antibiotic may help prevent the treated area from developing an infection. Ensure to follow your doctor’s instructions after treatment to avoid side effects such as scarring.
How painful is tattoo removal?
People with low pain tolerance may need anesthesia before the procedure to help relax. Specialists may use local injection or topical cream to desensitize a specific area. Discomfort levels vary from person to person, depending on pain tolerance. People who have removed their tattoos describe the pain as a rubber band snapping against your skin.
How effective is laser tattoo removal?
Your first appointment may not give you the results you need, which is why tattoo removal usually requires multiple treatment sessions. The tattoo will still be visible after your first treatment, but you may notice some fading after several treatments. Factors such as color and ink depth also affect the quality of your results. For example, black tattoos are easier to remove since the color responds well to laser treatment and absorbs light energy.
Colors which resist laser treatment may be difficult to remove, and sometimes the ink is way below your epidermis for the laser to reach.
If you want to get rid of your tattoo, reserve a session with your specialist today at PureMD.
