Though, it doesn't have to be that way! Many clinics are now making their lasers much faster, removing needled in as little as 3-4 visits depending on size, location and color of ink used. This also allows the process to be faster with less damage to surrounding skin
Procedure:
The procedure itself won't hurt at all; the only side effect may be some redness afterwards which will disappear within hours. However, it is important to prepare for the treatment as much as possible.
First of all, let your tattoo artist know that you're planning on removing it by laser. The type of ink used will have an effect on how fast and successfully the removal process will be (see below). A consultation with a dermatologist may also be advisable before deciding whether or not to remove your tattoos completely. It's best if you are in good health otherwise certain complications may occur (such as immune system rejection), so get check up first of all!
Secondly, keep the area clean; after each session, apply some antibiotic ointment and cover it with gauze (ideally waterproof). You can take showers however leaving the area uncovered until the ointment has completely dried. Also, avoid direct sunlight as much as you can (keep it covered up) when the tattoo is being treated to stop or slow down the process of fading and color loss.
Thirdly, keep your appointment! If you don't show up for an appointment, no one can remove your tattoo: so be on time and stick to the schedule!
The best times to remove a tattoo are summer and spring when the skin tends to heal better. It is always best to choose laser clinics that have invested in quality equipment because this will ensure better results with less damage and more treatments per session.
Ink Toxins:
Different types of ink react differently to laser treatment. For example, black and grey usually respond to the treatment quite well. However, some red or blue pigments in tattoos may contain high levels of metals such as cobalt, copper and manganese; this can lead to complications such as pigment morphing (color change), tattoo spreading (stretching) or infections.
Therefore it is very important that you research your artist before getting a tattoo! Recently many artists have started using organic vegan friendly ink so make sure you ask what kind they use when deciding on one! Most importantly, check for allergic reactions after each session and during healing time if any occur which shows the type of ink used isn't suitable for laser removal at all.
Cost
You may be charged more per session because newer machines are more expensive; however they are still cheaper than going to a doctor or dermatologist. A few sessions may cost you around 400-700, but this is still less than surgery and the results will last longer!
Many laser clinics offer free consultations, so do visit them if you have any questions! Do make sure that it says ‘laser tattoo removal' in their services because some clinics don't specialize in it; therefore asking for advice from professionals is always best. Most of all though, choosing a good clinic is important too! If you ask someone who already has experience with laser tattoo removal, they're likely to recommend going somewhere reputable.
