Nothing lasts forever. You’ve probably heard this expression thousands of times by now, but you never truly understood the meaning… until now. Sometimes, the things we adored when we were younger tend to fade away… Whether that’s your first love, a favourite band or musician or simply an art style you thought was cool, there comes a time when it’s perfectly acceptable to say goodbye to your old ink. Of course, there are various methods of removing a tattoo, of which some are more or less effective. Surgical removal or excision, cryosurgery and salabrasion are some of the most commonly used methods of tattoo removal, but are known to be quite risky as well. In the last decade, laser tattoo removal had a major breakthrough and people who are looking for a safe and effective way to remove their tattoos mostly rely on this method. If you decide to opt for a laser tattoo removal, there a few things to keep in mind:
Know What to Expect
While laser tattoo removal is the most effective way of ridding your skin for any unwanted ink, It’s important to be realistic about the final outcome, as this method doesn’t provide you with a magical cure that’ll remove your tattoo. Tattoo removal is a serious procedure and it’s crucial to set your expectations and consult with a professional about what awaits you after the treatment. There are a lot of factors that can influence how effective the removal will be and sometimes, it’s much wiser to opt for a cover up tattoo, than a tattoo removal. Also, certain treatments are known to cause mild scarring or leave a ghost tattoo (a faded image of your previous ink.) These are all aspects that need to be thought out before undergoing this procedure.
Time Is Money
Another crucial factor to keep in mind is that depending on the size, colour and location of your tattoo, the procedure might require more than one session. Besides this, the recovery time between the sessions can vary and can take up to 6 weeks per interval. This might propose an inconvenience, especially for those looking to get rid of their tattoo as soon as possible, but those are certain precautions that need to be done in order to avoid potential side effects. Also, it’s good to keep in mind that professional tattoo removal can get quite expensive, so it’s wise to start saving on time.
Recovery Time
Although there is no lengthy recovery period required after undergoing laser tattoo removal, experts from Tattoo Removal Institute advise to be cautious in the days following surgery before resuming with all your usual activities. Also, some people might experience certain unpleasant symptoms during the first two weeks of recovery such as blisters, swelling, redness etc. This is a normal occurrence but if it continues to occur even after two weeks, it’s recommended to address your doctor.
Potential Risks
Laser tattoo removal is quite a safe procedure and its outcomes are usually risk-free. Of course, people with sensitive skin are known to experience certain side-effects that include lack of complete pigment removal and sometimes it’s even possible that the treatment would leave you with a permanent scar.
Whatever the reason for your tattoo removal is, it’s crucial to have a clear idea of what awaits you in the following period. While these procedures are known to be the best methods for removing unwanted ink, they also require multiple sessions, a stable budget and some patience. Of course, it’s best to consult with your doctor about every little aspect prior to the procedure, so you’d be thoroughly informed and ready to undertake the treatment.