According to research released in the Journal of American Academy of Dermatology, around 24% of people aged between 18 and 50 get tattooed. However, 17% of these people end up getting their tattoos removed. The main problem with the tattoo removal process is that tattoos are supposed to be permanent, and there is still no technology that can make them disappear completely. The success of the procedure depends on skin color, tattoo pigment, and size. However, the tattoo removal process has evolved significantly in recent years, and you don’t need to worry about going through skin-damaging and embarrassing treatments to get your ink removed. Instead, you can now benefit from highly advanced and innovative laser technology.
Do Not Attempt These Tattoo Removal Procedures
Regardless of how badly you crave to have that unwanted tattoo removed from your skin, never try the methods mentioned below. Most of these have a risk of potential skin damage and infection or can cause permanent scarring of your skin:
- Dermabrasion: In this process, the skin is scraped or sanded down to remove the tattoo. Similarly, salabrasion, another potentially hazardous tattoo removal method, involves pouring a salt solution followed by heat to scrape off the skin. In both methods, you might be able to remove the tattoo, but they will leave long-term scars on your skin even after the wound heals.
- Scarification: Scars are a very common side-effect of tattoo removal. However, the scarification technique can alter the targeted area while simultaneously removing the tattoo. Similar to chemical peeling, the tattoo is removed by using an acid solution. The scars that form in place of the tattoo cover-up any remnants of it.
- Cryosurgery (Cryotherapy): This process removes tattoos by using liquid nitrogen to freeze-burn the tattooed skin. The process can also remove warts and skin lesions.
- Surgical Removal: Surgical treatments would also leave a prominent scar on the target area. During this procedure, the tattooed skin is removed surgically, and the surrounding areas are stitched back together. However, surgically removing tiny tattoos is a comparatively safe option.
Dermatologists and skin experts do not recommend the tattoo removal methods listed above. Using any of those treatments involves burning the skin or leaving behind scars that may not be aesthetically pleasing and, at times, potentially hazardous.
Laser Treatment for Tattoo Removal
For about a decade now, the best and most widely used permanent tattoo removal processes involve using quality-switched, or Q-switched, lasers. The laser light detects the contrast between the ink and skin tone and intensely pulses on the skin to break down the ink into smaller, easily absorbed particles. Here are some facts about the laser tattoo removal process:
- Cost of Laser Tattoo Removal: Typically, the laser tattoo removal procedure costs three to four times more as compared to the tattooing process. However, the procedure is minimally invasive, with almost no visible ink remaining behind. It would take multiple sessions to show a precise result.
- Duration of the Process: In general, it takes about six to eight sessions to remove a tattoo with laser treatment. Your body will usually take about a year to absorb the ink completely. Most skin experts and dermatologists recommend a six to eight-week break between laser tattoo removal sessions to heal the skin. However, the duration depends on the patient and the ink pigment.
- Level of Pain Involved: The process does involve a certain degree of pain. However, most patients claim the procedure to be uncomfortable yet tolerable. Some patients report the procedure to be about as painful as getting the tattoo.
- Possibility of Scars: If the tattooing process has previously scarred the skin, then these scars generally remain. However, if your doctor adheres to proper laser protocols and if you follow all patient aftercare steps, it is highly unlikely that the procedure will leave a scar.
Camouflaging a Tattoo
If you are not ready to go through the laser treatment or the process seems expensive, you can always opt for heavy-duty makeup to camouflage a tattoo. Many companies and websites sell effective tattoo hiding or fading creams. The creams are convenient to use and comparatively less expensive. However, the FDA warns against DIY tattoo removal methods as they increase the chances of skin reaction. You can also opt to get another tattoo to camouflage a previous one. Depending on the size, design, and location, an experienced artist may incorporate the older tattoo within a new design.
Laser Tattoo Removal in Freehold, NJ
If you are a New Jersey resident and are looking for laser tattoo removal or considering getting rid of an old tattoo, schedule an appointment with us at The Youth Fountain. We have an experienced team of skin experts who can create a personalized laser tattoo removal solution for you based on your skin type and preferences. Our team at The Youth Fountain ensures that your laser tattoo removal process is safe, comfortable, and affordable.
