What Is Laser Tattoo Removal?
Nearly 30% of people in India have at least one tattoo. Almost half of all millennials have one. But not all of them are happy about their decision. As many as 25% of those with a tattoo say they regret getting it.
If you’re in that 25%, there is good news. Laser tattoo removal techniques can significantly diminish the appearance of your unwanted tattoo with minimal side effects.
Laser tattoo removal is a treatment to help diminish the appearance of unwanted tattoos. During this treatment, dermatologists or technicians use lasers to send out high-intensity pulses of light that target the ink inside your tattoo while leaving the surrounding skin unaffected. As the ink absorbs these pulses of light, it begins to heat up. This heat breaks the ink into tiny particles, which your immune system can then naturally clear away. As the ink fades, your tattoo gradually becomes less visible.
How Does Laser Tattoo Removal Work?
Lasers remove tattoos by breaking up the pigment colors with a high-intensity light beam. Black tattoo pigment absorbs all laser wavelengths, making it the easiest color to treat. Other colors can only be treated by selected lasers based on the pigment color.
You should first schedule a consultation with a trained professional who can evaluate your tattoo and advise you on the process. The number of treatments you need will depend on the age, size, and color of your tattoo. Your skin tone, as well as how deep the tattoo pigment goes, will also affect the removal technique.
Does Laser Tattoo Removal Hurt?
Laser tattoo removal can be uncomfortable, but there are ways to help manage the pain.
Before starting the treatment, your doctor may apply a numbing cream or give you a shot of numbing medication in the area being treated. They may also perform a small test patch to see how painful the laser feels for you and to make sure the treatment is working effectively.
After a treatment session, your skin may feel sore or swollen. You can apply an ice pack to help soothe the area. Your doctor may also recommend taking an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen before or after your sessions.
How much pain you feel will depend on where your tattoo is located, the type of laser used, and other individual factors. Some people say the laser feels like a rubber band snapping against the skin. Others say it hurts about the same as, or even less than, getting the tattoo itself. Tell your doctor if you feel severe pain during or after a treatment session.