There are a lot of people in this world who love to be inked and get a permanent tattoo on their skin which has a definite meaning, reason, or memory connected with it. But, sometimes we get bored of those tattoos, suffer from skin allergies, or just want to remove them due to some personal reasons. In such a case, tattoo removal is the only option that most people choose as it removes that permanent ink effortlessly from the skin within a few sessions only. So, to know everything about tattoo removal before and after, methods, side effects, meaning, aftercare, and more, read this complete blog with patience.
Table of Contents
What does tattoo removal mean?
We all know that a tattoo is a type of body modification that is somewhere permanent as it is done by injecting ink into the skin. Due to the large size of ink granules, it becomes impossible for our immune system to remove that external thing from the body hence, make it permanently stay under the skin.
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And, this is where the tattoo removal process comes to the rescue which is complex as well as sensitive and done purposely to vanish the dyes present under the skin’s surface. In this process, the large-sized ink is broken down into a smaller enough size so that it can be easily removed from the body.
Furthermore, it demands a dermatologist’s consultation and multiple sessions to enjoy that tattoo removal before and after the result. The best thing is that there are multiple ways to get rid of a tattoo and you can choose the best one as per your skin and body type after getting examined by a healthcare expert.
Is the tattoo removal process painful?
The pain level and discomfort associated with the ink removal process vary from method to method. And, that is why dermatologists inject anesthesia under the skin before the tattoo removal process so that the area becomes numb and the pain almost goes away.
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According to some individuals who have been through this process it is said that a few of them feel the same level of pain as they had while getting inked whereas some feel that a sharp rubber band is constantly hitting over their skin. The pain level also varies due to the skin’s sensitivity or soreness level. So, make sure to consult once about the anesthesia or numbing cream before heading for the tattoo removal process.
What are the methods of tattoo removal?
There are different clinically tried and tested methods for tattoo removal that help individuals in getting rid of that ink under the charge of a healthcare provider. So, to know about such tattoo removal before and after treatment methods read the below-shared points.
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1. Laser tattoo removal:
It is one of the best and most commonly used methods for removing tattoos from the body. In this, a sharp beam of laser light is used to break down the large ink granules into small ones. Doing this helps the immune system to absorb that and excrete out from the body effortlessly. It takes a number of laser therapy sessions to get the result or fade out the ink completely.
2. Chemical peels:
Another method of tattoo removal is chemical peeling. As the name suggests, a type of chemical named trichloroacetic acid is used in this treatment. In this, the medical expert basically applies the required amount of trichloroacetic chemical on the skin and leaves it for a moment which results in peeling off the outer layers of the skin from that area along with the ink injected there.
3. Dermabrasion:
It is one of the surgical ways to treat the tattoo and remove it from the skin. In this, the medical experts, first of all, inject the anesthesia under the skin and then use a special tool to remove the outer layer of the skin where the tattoo is inked. Doing this process leaves a tattoo-sized open wound there which then needs to be healed for getting the best tattoo removal before and after results. However, this may leave the wound scar so make sure to get a prescription for the scar removal as well.
4. Tattoo removal creams:
If you do not want to go through any surgical process or wish to have any subtle home treatment then tattoo removal creams may help you. Such creams are easily available in the market and have some acid content in them which burns out the outer layer of the skin and removes the ink gradually. It may also reflect some side effects on your body so make sure to use only a dermatologist’s prescribed cream. Furthermore, tattoo removal creams work slowly so it can take months to show the desired results.
5. Surgical excision:
As the name suggests, it is the surgical way to remove the tattoo from the body. In this, the surgeons first numb the inked area and cut out that skin with precision. Once done, they further stitch the remaining skin together and let that heal for a couple of days. However, this method is best suited for small tattoos only as it includes cutting of skin’s section which may make the condition severe if tried over large tattoos.
FAQs
1. Who is a perfect fit for tattoo removal?
There is no list of terms and conditions; however, an individual who is planning to opt for a tattoo removal process must have a tattoo on their body, good health, carry realistic expectations, and be aware of the possible risks or side effects of this treatment.
2. Why do people do tattoo removal?
There can be any anonymous reason for removing a tattoo but the most common ones are not liking the tattoo anymore, professionalism or the job doesn’t accept that, or it reminds you of something negative.
3. How to prepare the skin for tattoo removal?
If you have booked an appointment for your tattoo removal then you must take care of a few things to prep your skin for the treatment which includes avoiding sun exposure and tanning, shaving the inked area, maintaining hygiene on the target area, avoiding self-tanners, and following other instruction given by the doctor before coming for the tattoo removal treatment day.
4. How much time does tattoo removal take?
The time of complete removal of the tattoo depends on the size, color, and place of your tattoo. Moreover, the type of treatment you choose is also one of the factors that may affect the time. If you are using laser treatment then it may take only a few minutes but if you have opt surgical excision then it may take even hours to reflect the change. Furthermore, around six to twelve visits or sessions may be required to witness the tattoo removal before and after the result.
5. What can be the side effects of tattoo removal?
Some of the most common side effects associated with the tattoo removal process are scarring, skin rashes, discoloration, excessive pain, swelling, or infection in the treatment area.
6. What is the post-care of tattoo removal treatment?
Applying ice packs, using antibiotic cream, applying bandages, avoiding scrubbing, and covering the treated area are some of the post-tattoo removal care tips that you should follow. Furthermore, you should always consult about the same from your healthcare provider as well.
7. How much does laser tattoo removal cost?
It depends on the factors like darkness, colors used, size, and depth of the tattoo under the skin. However, the average cost per laser treatment session may vary from $450 to $1000.
Conclusion
Above we shared a brief guide on tattoo removal before and after the treatment process along with some most commonly asked questions related to this topic which might have helped you a lot in choosing the right way for you. In a nutshell, laser treatment is one of the most quick, effective, and recommended ways to remove ink from the skin. I hope the page helped you and if you need more assistance then connect with us through the comment box mentioned below.
