Nobody survives life without making a mistake or two. However, it might be much more difficult to forget a mistake that has been permanently inked on your body. Some tattoos just don’t work out, whether it’s the name of an ex, an image that hasn’t aged well, or a reminder of something you’d rather forget. Fortunately, you don’t have to live with a tattoo you despise for the rest of your life!
We at Beauty Techniques are pleased to provide Houston, TX, residents with laser tattoo removal. Although most individuals are aware of the existence of laser removal, there is still much confusion and misinformation regarding how the operation works. If you’ve ever thought about getting a tattoo removed, continue reading because we’ll go over everything you should know before deciding.
What exactly is laser tattoo removal?
Although there are other ways to get rid of tattoo ink from the skin, laser removal is both the best and most widely used. This is owing in large part to the excellent success rates and minimal adverse effects. This removal procedure has been much more widely available and economical over the past few years thanks to technological advancements, but a lot of people still have some questions about it.
Ink on the skin can be quite challenging to get rid of. Take into account the fact that your body perceives these particles as foreign substances and continuously attempts to clear them by utilizing a lot of white blood cells, but is unable to do so. This is because the ink particles are significantly larger and more resilient. White blood cells can only degrade the ink slowly, which explains why all tattoos eventually fade with enough time.
Those ink particles are tough, which is why we need something as powerful as a laser to eliminate them. The right laser is necessary, though. Laser tattoo removal necessitates the use of a specialized ultrashort pulse laser, which heats up and breaks apart the ink particles by producing very hot blasts in fast bursts.
Additionally, the ink’s pigment influences results. The laser must be tuned to the proper wavelength to dissolve the ink since different pigments absorb light at different rates. To break down each kind of ink particle in a tattoo with varied coloring, you will need more than one adaptor.
Do you still recall how the white blood cells constantly assault the ink particles? This is where they finally get their due! Once the laser has broken down the ink into small enough particles, white blood cells can capture them and take them to the liver, where they are flushed out alongside any other foreign items or toxins.
Almost anybody can benefit from laser tattoo removal, which is a very efficient process. However, keep in mind that it is not a one-time procedure. Tattoo removal usually requires several sessions.
How many laser tattoo removal sessions will it take?
Depending on the particulars of your tattoo, the typical number of sessions ranges from six to twelve, but there is no “one size fits all” answer to this. Rarely, but not frequently, removal may need twelve or more sessions. You must allow your body enough time to recover between each session, often at least six weeks. This provides you time to recuperate from any brief harm caused by the laser, and it also allows your body to flush out the broken-down ink particles.
The total number of laser removal treatments you may require will depend on a few different factors. We’ll go over each one in detail below.
The tattoo’s colors
The effectiveness of laser removal will be greatly influenced by the color of your tattoo. Less time is needed to break down darker pigments than lighter ones. Why? A laser is essentially amplified light, and dark or black ink, like any black surface, absorbs the most light. Thus, tattoos that are mainly inked with black or other dark hues will benefit most from the laser’s effectiveness.
Tattoos made with lighter-colored inks are much more reflecting, thus light bounces off of them. The laser gets less effective as less light is absorbed. Yellow and purple ink, for example, are notoriously tough to erase and may necessitate a few further sessions for the finest results.
Your tattoo’s location
Tattoos fade most quickly in areas of your body where there is the highest blood flow. Tattoos on your hands or feet, which are located distant from your heart, will remain vibrant for a longer amount of time. It will be simpler to get rid of a tattoo from your torso than it will be to get rid of one from your arms or legs.
When you get your tattoo
Despite being permanent, tattoos do deteriorate with time. Fewer treatments are required to get rid of a tattoo the older and more faded it gets.
It’s crucial to go into the laser removal process with reasonable expectations. The complete treatment will take around a year if you need, say, eight sessions and at least six weeks between each one for healing.
Does laser tattoo removal hurt?
Laser removal entails blasting really hot, concentrated light on your skin; it’s not a stroll in the park! However, everyone has a varied pain threshold. While some laser removal patients report substantial discomfort, others claim it was about as uncomfortable as getting inked.
After every session, there may also be some persistent soreness. This is typically comparable to how a minor burn or blister feels.
Does laser tattoo removal have any side effects?
Laser removal treatment is safe as long as it is carried out by a qualified medical esthetician. However, there is a risk of side effects, so it’s crucial to know them before deciding.
Hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation
Changes in skin pigmentation are typically the most frequent adverse effects of laser tattoo removal, especially in those with darker skin tones. Your body may produce too much or not enough melanin in the afflicted area as a reaction to laser treatment.
These disorders are purely cosmetic and have no connection to one’s health. As a result, the skin may become darker (hyperpigmentation) or lighter (hypopigmentation). Most of the time, any pigmentation changes will only last a short time and go away between six and twelve months after the laser removal procedure.
Skin sensitivity
Following the procedure, patients may experience redness, soreness, and swelling. There may also be some bruising and scorching. These, like pigmentation concerns, will resolve on their own over time. While the treated region heals, it is more vulnerable to infection, so you must follow all of the after-care guidelines to reduce the likelihood of any side effects.
Scarring
Many people are concerned that laser removal would result in visible scars, however, this is uncommon. Still, after-care is essential in this situation. Always take the necessary steps to care for the treated area as indicated so it can heal completely. Don’t pick at any blisters or scabs that appear! This can leave lifelong scars.
Laser Tattoo Removal in Houston, TX
Laser tattoo removal is among the safest and most efficient procedures to get rid of a tattoo. Beauty Techniques professionals will provide you with the results you want! Since all sessions are outpatient, laser tattoo removal is easy to fit into your busy schedule. Contact us today to arrange a consultation.