How to Get a Permanent Tattoo Removed?
If you are wondering how to get a permanent tattoo removed, then you have come to the right place. You see, the removal of a permanent tattoo is not something simple and easy, but with the right professional, it can be done without the fuss. There are four ways in which you can get your permanent tattoo removed, however not all of them work in the same way, providing you with the same results:
- Laser tattoo removal: The laser erase of a tattoo is one of the most common techniques people opt for when wanting to remove their tattoos. This is also the safest way with minimal side effects. You see, the laser therapy breaks down the pigments of the colors by using a high-intensity light beam. If your tattoo is black only, then you can expect faster results that will be more effective. If you have other colors as well, then you can treat them with other lasers made for those particular colors.
- Passive laser tattoo removal: The passive method of the laser-removing treatment is not as effective as the normal one with the laser. So with this one, you can expect fading of the tattoo only and not a complete removal. It is a cheaper method offered by tattoo salons or beauty clinics.
- Active laser tattoo removal: When it comes to the most effective and efficient way of removing tattoos, we should mention the active laser tattoo removal method because it is able to remove tattoos of any color. It uses an Active Q-Switched (AQS) technique that is considered to be the best instant tattoo removal method for any kind of tattoo. It causes the minimal scarring for which if it is taken good care, it will heal within 6-12 months.
- Intense Light-Pulsed Therapy: This is a method that uses a broad spectrum of light. By doing so it removes the top layer of the skin, breaking down the tattoo into smaller components allowing for the blood underneath the skin to absorb them and remove them from sight. The affected area heals by skin regeneration. Note that this method is not suitable for people of color because it will cause permanent discoloration (hypo-pigmentation). Also, it is suitable for bigger tattoos because it is emitting broader light pulsations.
- Cryosurgery tattoo removal: While this method is more commonly used as a way to remove skin cancers and warts, it can be used as a tattoo removal technique. What happens is that the tattooed area is frozen by a freezing-agent that is sprayed onto it. The most commonly used substance is the liquid nitrogen. Once frozen, dermabrasion is applied to the skin to remove the outer layers of the skin. Since it is the most painful method, general anesthesia is applied to the patient. This is the least recommended method because it doesn’t damage the tattooed area but also a big portion of the skin tissue. It’s the least effective for green and yellow pigments and it isn’t suitable for people who scar easily and have sensitive skin.
- Dermabrasion method of tattoo removal: With the use of a wheel or a high-speed brush the skin is abraded – literally sanded down to the layer of the ink-stained skin. Since it is painful, the skin is numbed with an anesthetic. It requires multiple sessions and there is a high risk of scarring and infection if not taking the proper after tattoo removal skin
How Long Does it Take to Have a Tattoo Removed?
The required time and treatments needed to get your old tattoo removed vary based on several factors. While the general requirement is 6-12 treatments. This all depends on the size of the tattoo, the colors used in the tattoo, and the age of it as well. This is why we recommend consulting with a dermatologist or a professional at a beauty salon.
How Effective is Tattoo Removal?
Depending on the method you choose as your tattoo removal technique, we would say tattoo removal is pretty effective. So if you have to undergo something like this, we recommend picking the laser technique because from experience laser tattoo removal before and after results show the best effect.
Is Laser Tattoo Removal Safe?
As mentioned before, laser tattoo removal is the safest method for removing unwanted tattoos because it causes the least scarring. The procedure doesn’t require anesthesia and is fairly painless.
Does Laser Tattoo Removal Hurt
While some laser removal methods are painful and require anesthesia and leave scarring for long after, laser removal does not include that risk. The patient is awake and fully conscious. However, you do need to apply the right aftercare of your skin because on it the healing process depends greatly. Otherwise, your scars might not heal completely.
How Much is Laser Tattoo Removal in the UK?
If you are considering to have your tattoo removed permanently then you should be prepared for the time-consuming treatments that might take up to 10 or more sessions per tattoo but also prepare for the potential cost and discomfort. Statistics show that in the UK for a single session of a small tattoo removal you might be charged approx. £150 while for a larger one you could pay up to £800.