The art of tattooing has been part of cultural expression for well over five thousand years. Today, people view tattoos in different ways. Some see a tattoo form of permanent artistic expression. Others get a tattoo to commemorate a significant life event, such as the birth of a child or the death of a loved one. Although there are many reasons to get a tattoo, there seem to be equally as many to want it removed.
Why Tattoo Removal?
Getting a tattoo hurts! Therefore, people often wonder why one would want to go through getting a tattoo only to have it removed. The first reason is the age at which people often get their first tattoo. It is not uncommon for 18 year old's to make an appointment at a tattoo parlor to get a tattoo as soon as they are legally able. Often, several years later, the witty saying on your arm or the cartoon character on your ankle seems inappropriate. Another source of tattoo regret is names tattooed on your body.
At the moment, having your significant other's name emblazoned across your shoulder seemed like a great idea because it signified your undying love for each other. Now, a few years down the road, forever is no longer in the cards, and it makes sense to want that memory erased. Some wish to have tattoos removed for social reasons, personal reasons, employment needs, etc.
The Tattoo Removal Process
There are two commonly used methods for tattoo removal; dermabrasion and laser tattoo removal. The best method for you will depend on a couple of factors unique to your tattoo, including size, location, colors, and quality of the ink used in your tattoo. Dermabrasion for tattoo removal uses a process that scrapes the skin, removing the upper layers. Dermabrasion is designed to “wear off” the tattoo by destroying the outer layer of skin. This process is often less successful than laser removal, especially considering the ink in proper tattoos lies below the outermost skin layers.
The second method is laser tattoo removal. The laser tattoo removal process uses a laser to break up the tattoo ink within the skin. Different wavelengths are used to address different ink colors. The laser's focus dissolves the tattoo ink without harming the surrounding skin. Successful tattoo removal (generally) requires multiple treatments spaced apart to allow for healing.
The Pros and Cons of Laser Tattoo Removal
Laser tattoo removal is a safe and effective process. There are also cons to consider to help you with your decision and selecting the best med spa for you. Let’s review a shortlist of positives and negatives to consider.
Pros of Laser Tattoo Removal
In general, tattoo removal is relatively painless, especially when compared to getting a tattoo. Some people find it more unpleasant than others, similar to being "snapped" by a rubber band. Another benefit of laser tattoo removal is a non-invasive/non-surgical procedure.
There is minimal recovery time associated with each session, and you can resume your daily activities immediately after your appointment. A third benefit is the success of the laser tattoo removal process. Today’s laser tattoo removal tools have high success rates in removing any color (light or dark) ink, allowing most tattoos to be removed entirely after the correct number of treatments.
Cons of Laser Tattoo Removal
Perhaps the most notable con of laser tattoo removal is skin irritation. Each session impacts the same area of skin being exposed to laser light several times over. Therefore, redness and irritation of the treatment area can occur. After treatment, you may experience sensitivity and small white blisters that will fade within a few days.
There is also a small risk of infection with the laser tattoo removal process. Infection can occur with excessive itching, which can damage or "open" healing skin, subjecting it to infection. A third negative of laser tattoo removal is the associated cost. Depending on the size and coloring of your tattoo, it may require several sessions to remove, which can add up. However, the cost of laser tattoo removal is relative compared to the initial cost of the tattoo itself or the “cost” of keeping a tattoo you are no longer comfortable with.
If you are interested in learning more about laser tattoo removal, our trained specialists at Upkeep Med Spa will answer your questions about the procedure and how it can help you. Contact us today to schedule a consultation or learn more about our services.