Tattoo regret happens to many people. Whether your tattoo no longer expresses who you are, or you just do not like having a tattoo anymore, laser tattoo removal can fade or even erase the results of that fateful tattoo decision.
*Individual results may vary
How Does Laser Tattoo Removal Work?
When removing a tattoo, we use a laser that does not harm the skin but passes through and makes contact with the ink pigments in your tattoo. These pigments absorb energy from the laser and break apart into smaller fragments that the body can easily remove. The laser targets the colors in ink pigment, not the skin, and can remove some tattoos in just a few sessions.
Most tattoo pigments have been designed so the body will not remove them. The laser breaks up the pigment particles because the pigments, especially darker ones, absorb this energy, which damages them and causes them to break apart. The body’s lymphatic system will filter out these smaller particles.
How Many Sessions Will I Need?
The required number of sessions ranges from six to eight or more, depending on the size of the tattoo, the saturation of the colors, and even the age of the tattoo. Older tattoos have often faded already as the body has removed some of the ink particles, making the removal easier. Heavily saturated or bright colors will take longer to remove. Dark colors like black and blue remove more easily than bright colors like yellow. The darker colors will absorb more laser energy and break down more quickly.
What Results Will I See From Laser Tattoo Removal?
Some people will see their tattoos disappear entirely. For others, even after multiple treatments, a shadow of the tattoo will remain visible. Most people will not notice the faint traces that remain. If you plan on getting another tattoo, laser tattoo removal will leave you with a clean slate for the artist to work on.
Is There Any Downtime with Laser Tattoo Removal?
The laser’s pulses work so quickly that they cause no damage to the skin. You should have no downtime, although you should protect the treated area from the sun while it heals. You may notice some redness or sensitivity in the skin over the treated area, but this should resolve quickly.
Am I a Good Candidate for Laser Tattoo Removal?
Most people who have an unwanted tattoo can receive laser tattoo removal. If you have a skin infection or other active skin conditions like psoriasis near the area to be treated, your provider may recommend resolving these before proceeding.
Take the Next Step
If you’d like to learn more about laser tattoo removal, please fill out the form on this page or call (562) 997-1144. Laser Skin Care Center proudly serves the Long Beach, CA area and offers a variety of cosmetic dermatology services.
*Individual results may vary.
