Have you ever wondered what most people ask us during a consultation for tattoo removal? Generally, there is a lot of confusion about the procedure, all the marketing claims they have heard about as well as queries and concerns regarding their skin quality following the laser treatment.
We see a variety of clients; from those who want a tattoo fade for a cover-up or a desire for complete removal. We like to educate and inform on all aspects of tattoo removal before they go ahead. We have found that explaining the science behind it is a great start to understanding how it all works!
Here are our top 5 most frequently asked questions.
How long will it take to remove my tattoo?
The short answer to this one is that it varies from person to person. Tattoo removal is definitely multi-factorial including the location of the tattoo, the age of the tattoo, the health of the persons immune system, the type of ink used, the colour of the ink in some cases, and whether there is any pre-existing scarring from the original tattoo procedure. The rule of thumb is to say anywhere from 7-12 treatments, however for tattoos that are mostly shaded (ink is less deep) and for very old tattoos (the body has been busy trying to remove ink already) the time can be less.
How can the speed of tattoo removal be increased?
Did you know that the laser does not remove the ink? It is your body that does! The lymphatic system is a marvellous ink moving system that needs to be healthy and working well for the fastest results. Our 17 Steps blog to improve the lymphatic system discusses ways in which you can help fast track the removal process. The speed of the actual laser pulse (nano versus pico) seems to have no significance in the speed of removal of the tattoo according to The European Assistant Professor of Dermatology of the National Institute of Laser Enhanced Sciences, Dr Asraf Badawi, a world leader in laser technology as well as a Board of Directors of the World Academy of Laser Application. We have seen plenty of each (pico and nano) come to visit us and have witnessed no difference in speed either. There is a mind field of misinformation with marketing out there. One prominent pico company has even been taken to court for false advertising.
In the last couple of years, an application patch (PFD) for multiple laser passes per treatment is trying to gain some momentum in the tattoo removal world. Our training company in the U.S.A with 30 years experience in tattoo removal found that not only are they expensive, they seem to block the penetration of the laser rather than aiding it, increase pain without any visible reduction in treatments required and will increase healing time required following treatment. It’s basically a really expensive silicon bandage that gullible clinics use in an attempt to reduce treatments. Another marketing hype it seems.
As you will read in the next response, if too high a power is used, or the wrong laser is used, the skin will become damaged and the time for tattoo removal will be lengthened.
The fastest removal happens by taking care of yourself and seeing an experienced clinician/technician who knows what settings to use to maximize the results whilst still protecting the skin.
Will my skin look natural again after laser tattoo removal?
Not sounding too much like a broken record, the most important thing to know about laser tattoo removal is the experience and training of the clinician as well the laser machine that is used. Even the best machine in the hands of a poorly trained technician can be harmful. Loss of pigmentation can result with too high an energy used on all skin types and increased pigmentation can occur with too high energy used on darker skin types as well as exposing the treated area to sun. The hypopigmentation and hyperpigmentation events can often arise from impatient laser technicians. If either of these do occur, time will eventually remedy the situation.
Scarring is said to happen in less than 1% of cases however we have seen many clients coming to us with scars from ill equipped tattoo removal machines and inexperienced technicians. Click here to read our blog on some of the tattoo removal disasters we have seen. For those of you wishing for a complete removal, this is definitely possible. If you have pre-existing scarring either from the tattoo artist or from laser treatment, the scar will need to be removed with another laser. Scarred tattoos do take longer to remove as ink traps within the denser tissue.
For the best results; experienced clinicians, machines specifically designed for the tattoo removal industry (correct wavelengths, square spot size, consistent power) and taking care of your bodies plus adding a dash of patience for the best skin protection makes a world of difference.
Unlike any other clinics we use a patent pending protocol to work on improving the lymphatics and keep the skin happy. A good clinician will not rush the entire procedure. Skin damage is just not worth it and will ultimately lengthen the process by creating scarring, trapping the ink.
Are there any side effects of laser tattoo removal?
The treated area of skin can feel sunburnt for a few hours and there can be a small amount of micro-bleeding, swelling and very mild scabbing. Newer tattoos can blister and red ink tattoos commonly blister. As mentioned above, there is a significant difference in who performs the treatment and the laser machine used. As the skin heals (3 days +), the skin can become itchy. Laser tattoo removal side effects should be very minimal and short lived. We provide post treatment using a skin healing laser and recommend a healing balm. Both these applications can significantly reduce itchiness as well as fast track the healing process.
Does tattoo removal hurt?
To be completely honest, tattoo removal does hurt. As small tattoos can take only a few seconds to treat, the treatment is done before you can even think about it. Larger tattoos are helped by our specifically applied laser targeting nerve pathways (those that create the sensation of pain). This “cold laser” helps reduce pain, heals skin faster and opens lymph channels for faster ink movement. The use of a cooling machine during treatment makes a significant difference to comfort. Numbing cream also can be used however due to absorption of white particles from the cream itself, this will block some of the laser light and can increase the number of overall treatments required by a visit or two.
Our machine is specifically designed for the tattoo removal industry, not the beauty industry. Due to its multi-laser technology, precision, consistent output, and ability to target all colours, this Italian company supplies lasers to the Vatican for fine art restoration, so you can be comfortable in the equipment we use.
There are different lasers used in tattoo removal. Do your research, read reviews and be wary of anyone that guarantees removal by a certain time or number of treatments. It is a scientific process and every tattoo is different as is the body. Cost maybe isn’t always the criterion to choose which clinic you attend. You might end up paying a lot more in the end due to inexperience.
Do your research, read reviews and be wary of anyone that guarantees removal by a certain time or number of treatments. It is a scientific process and every tattoo is different as is the body. Cost maybe isn’t always the criterion to choose which clinic you attend. You might end up paying a lot more in the end due to inexperience.
Renude Laser relove the skin your in!
