A tattoo can be a symbol of a memory, a tribute, or just a piece of art you liked the look of at the time. But things change, and so can your feelings about a tattoo. It’s quite a common thing for people to regret tattoos later on in their lives, so don’t feel like you’re on your own if this is the case.
If you are looking to get rid of a tattoo, you’ve probably heard it’s a nightmare. Well, these days, it’s actually not as difficult as everyone makes out. New technology that wasn’t afforded to older generations has popped up, allowing you to easily get rid of your unwanted tattoos for good.
There’s a huge amount of myths around laser tattoo removal, many of which are just plain outdated or misunderstood. It’s 2023. So, it’s time to set the record straight. Stick around, and we’ll debunk some of the most common misconceptions, giving you a clear and honest look at laser tattoo removal.
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Myth #1: “You Can Remove the Tattoo on Your Own”
DIY can be useful when you’re fixing a leaky tap. But when it comes to tattoo removal? Not so much.
Some people swear by creams, potions, and even some wild home remedies. But tattoos are designed to be permanent. The ink resides deep in the skin, beyond the reach of any topical application. Using these DIY methods can, at best, fade the tattoo slightly and, at worst, cause skin burns.
If you’re really considering removing that ink, you should always consult with a professional. They’ve got the tools, the knowledge, and the experience – all things you definitely want on your side when altering your skin.
Myth #2: “It’s Painful”
We’ve all got that friend who insists that everything is absolute agony, from stubbing a toe to peeling off a plaster. And naturally, they’ve probably told you tattoo removal is right up there with being chased by a swarm of bees.
But everyone’s got their own pain threshold. We’re not saying it won’t hurt at all; it might give you a bit of a zap. With today’s advancements, though, it’s far from the medieval torture some make it out to be. You also have an option of using a numbing cream if that makes you feel more comfortable.
Many people describe the sensation of tattoo removal as similar to a rubber band snapping against the skin. Sure, it’s not a day at the spa, but it’s certainly not as bad as some of the tall tales you might’ve heard.
A word of encouragement: a little discomfort for a short time might be worth the lifetime of satisfaction from having that unwanted ink gone.
Myth #3: “The Process Will Burn Your Skin”
It’s easy to jump to this conclusion. The word “laser” is often associated with the idea of burning and intense beams of light. In the early days of tattoo removal, lasers weren’t as advanced. So, the heat generated did cause burns at times.
However, the tech used these days has progressed. Modern tattoo removal lasers aren’t about torching your skin to ashes. They target the specific colours of the tattoo ink, breaking them down into smaller particles. This process uses photoacoustic energy, not heat. Once these ink particles are broken down, your body naturally eliminates them over time.
It’s a targeted method that preserves the surrounding skin and only hits the area you want to change.
Yes, there might be some temporary redness or swelling, but that’s a natural reaction, not a burn. With proper aftercare and following expert advice, it’ll fade quickly, and you’re on your way to saying goodbye to that old ink.
Myth #4: “It’s Too Lengthy”
We won’t sugarcoat it: you’re not walking in with a tattoo and strolling out 15 minutes later with baby-smooth skin. But “too lengthy” is a bit of an exaggeration if you actually understand what’s going on. It’s a process, not a one-time fix.
Each session is relatively quick, often way shorter than the time you spent getting inked. And there’s usually a break of several weeks between sessions to let your body do its thing. After each session, your body naturally works to break down and flush out the ink particles targeted by the laser, like it would with any other foreign particle, such as an infection.
The number of sessions varies because of the size, colour, age of the tattoo, and where it’s located on your body. Most tattoos can be removed in 4-10 sessions to give you a rough idea. Plus, sessions only take between 5-30 minutes.
Myth #5: “It May Not Work on All Ink Colours”
For those sporting vibrant, multi-coloured tattoos, you might’ve come across this myth. In the past, certain ink colours played hard to get when it came to removal. This led some to resort to cover up tattoos instead.
Modern laser tattoo removal devices use multiple wavelengths of light to target different ink colours. This allows practitioners to customise the treatment for each individual tattoo and its colours.
If you have a multi-coloured tattoo, you may need multiple sessions with different laser wavelengths to achieve maximum removal. Some tattoos may be more resistant to treatment than others. So, you should have realistic expectations about the results.
Final Words
It’s clear that myths about tattoo removal have been hanging around a bit too long. By understanding the reality behind these myths, you can make decisions about getting rid of any unwanted ink on your body.
Knowledge empowers choice, so always opt for reputable sources and professionals when considering tattoo removal. Your skin deserves the best care.
