When you first came up with the idea of getting a tattoo, you probably never thought about getting it removed one day. But circumstances can change and if for some reason you want to get your skin clean again, unfortunately there is no magic cream or scrub you can use. The best option? Laser tattoo removal. Here's everything you need to know about it.
It takes time
Tattoos are meant to be permanent, meaning they are not easy to remove. Depending on the size, colors and design of your tattoo and how quickly you heal between sessions, it can take months or longer for your tattoo to finally disappear.
It's not cheap
Most people know that tattoo removal is expensive. Even the smallest professional laser removal can cost € 75.00 per session. And if it's a big one, it can cost hundreds of dollars per session. You can expect that removing the tattoo will be many times more expensive than having it done.
It's painful
You may think that removing a tattoo isn't that painful because it involves a laser, but forget it! It really hurts. The pain is often described as "an elastic band that snaps on the skin" or "splattered oil from a frying pan." Depending on your pain threshold (which depends heavily on the location of the tattoo), you can feel quite a bit of pain. One thing is certain:everyone will experience some discomfort or pain from the procedure.
Hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation
The most common side effect is a change in skin pigmentation, especially for those with darker skin tones. The body sometimes responds to laser treatment by producing too much or too little melanin in the affected area. As a result, the skin becomes dark (hyperpigmentation) or lighter (hypopigmentation). These conditions cause the treated area to have a different shade than the skin around it. This sometimes results in a noticeably blotchy area of the skin.
Risks of treatments
Every treatment has its potential side effects. Removing a tattoo is no exception. Hypopigmentation and hyperpigmentation (which we've already discussed), scarring, infections, burns, skin texture changes, blisters, swelling, rashes, irritation, and long-term pain are all potential side effects of tattoo removal. Most of them are not serious, while others may require further treatment.
You should think carefully before choosing to delete
Tattoo removal is often a long process, with results often taking many sessions to notice changes, and the final result will not be 100% perfect. If you are realistic about this, you will be less likely to be disappointed.
Always choose a reputable clinic
For obvious reasons, do some research before getting your tattoo removed. Make sure you choose someone who is trained in this, and view photos of before and after treatments. Also, see if the clinic uses a high-quality device for better results and less risk of complications. Always avoid clinics with extremely low prices (tattoo removal devices are generally very expensive) and keep hygiene in mind. Untrained personnel or practitioners who are not known should also be considered a red flag. In addition, there are standard safety procedures for using lasers, such as using eye protection for both doctor and patient, so if not, look elsewhere.
