Laser tattoo removal: how to erase or fade a tattoo?
A tattoo is generally thought to last a lifetime. Yet, our tastes, desires and plans can evolve over time. A design may no longer suit us, become difficult to live with or simply make way for a new idea. In this case, the laser tattoo removal helps to gradually fade the pigments present in the skin.
However, removing a tattoo takes time and several sessions may be needed. Colours, size, age of the tattoo or even ink depth: many factors influence the result. Here is the main information to know before considering tattoo removal.
How does laser tattoo removal work?
When a tattoo is made, the pigments are deposited in the dermis so that they remain visible for a long time. The principle of tattoo laser removal consists of targeting these pigments using very short light pulses.
Under the effect of the laser, the ink particles are fragmented into smaller elements. The body can then progressively eliminate them. Thus, the tattoo fades over the course of the sessions rather than disappearing immediately.
The treatment must also respect intervals between sessions in order to allow the skin time to recover.
How many sessions are needed to remove a tattoo?
It is impossible to determine a precise number of sessions without examining the tattoo. Indeed, each project is different and several factors can influence tattoo removal.
Among the main factors are:
- the size of the tattoo ;
- his length of service ;
- the amount and depth of the pigments; ;
- the colours used ;
- the body area ;
- skin type.
Therefore, certain tattoos may fade more easily than others. In particular, a dense, recent or multi-coloured tattoo may require more time.
Laser tattoo removal must therefore be considered as a gradual process that can extend over several months.
Which colours are the easiest to remove?
Not all inks react in the same way to the laser. Black pigments and certain dark colours are generally simpler to target.
Conversely, certain shades such as green, yellow or certain nuances of blue can be more resistant. A multicoloured tattoo may therefore require a more complex treatment.
Furthermore, the composition of the inks varies from one tattoo to another. This is why the final result can never be guaranteed solely on the basis of the design's appearance.
Is laser tattoo removal painful?
Pain is one of the main questions people have before a session. As with getting a tattoo, the sensation varies greatly from person to person.
The treated area, the size of the pattern and individual sensitivity can notably influence the sensation. The passing of the laser may cause a quick sensation of heat or a snapping feeling on the skin.
Depending on the situation and the recommendations of the healthcare professional, solutions can be used to improve comfort during the session.
Therefore, even if the laser tattoo removal can be painful, the intensity felt remains very personal.
Can a tattoo be completely removed with a laser?
The laser can significantly fade a tattoo, but complete removal is not systematically guaranteed.
Indeed, certain pigments can be particularly resistant. A slight colour difference or a few traces may also remain visible after the treatment.
Moreover, the goal is not always to make the tattoo disappear entirely. Some people simply choose to lighten it in order to prepare for a cover-up, i.e. a new tattoo intended to cover up the old one.
In this case, a few laser sessions can offer more possibilities for the tattoo artist, particularly when the old design is very dark or heavy with ink.
What are the risks of laser tattoo removal?
Like any procedure performed on the skin, laser tattoo removal can lead to side effects.
Following a session, it is notably possible to observe redness, swelling, tenderness, scabbing or sometimes small blisters. Pigmentation changes may also appear.
More rarely, the skin texture may be altered or a scar may form.
For this reason, tattoo removal must be carried out in a suitable medical setting. An initial evaluation makes it possible in particular to take into account the tattoo, the skin and any potential contraindications.
How to look after your skin after a session?
After the laser treatment, the skin needs time to recover. The recommendations given by the professional must therefore be followed carefully.
It is particularly important to keep the area clean, not to pick off any scabs, and to avoid unnecessary manipulation of the skin. Direct sun exposure should also be avoided for the period indicated by the professional.
Furthermore, you must wait long enough before the next session. This time allows the skin to regenerate and the pigment elimination process to continue.
In the event of severe pain, an unusual reaction or signs that could suggest a complication, it is best to seek medical advice promptly.
Laser tattoo removal or cover-up: which option to choose?
Completely removing a tattoo isn't always essential. When the goal is simply to replace an old design, the cover-up could be another possibility.
However, a very dark or particularly dense tattoo can be difficult to cover up directly. A few laser sessions can then make it possible to lighten it before getting the new tattoo.
Therefore, the choice depends mainly on the desired result. If you no longer want any tattoo in the area, removal will generally be preferred. If, on the contrary, you want to transform your old tattoo, discussing it with an experienced tattoo artist can help explore cover-up possibilities.
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The Tattooist
Meika
Tattoo artist
A fresh start for your tattoo
The laser tattoo removal now offers a solution to fade an unwanted tattoo or prepare the skin for a new design. However, the process requires patience: several sessions may be needed and the result depends heavily on the characteristics of the tattoo.
If your goal is to transform an old design or get a cover-up, the team at Inside Body Piercing in Geneva can help you with the thought process and creation of a new project tailored to your wishes.
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