Are you considering tattoo removal and the not-so-proud regrettable owner of some ink? Well, I and many people I have known who had tattoos could definitely do without. So, you are not the only one. Welcome to the tattoo regret club.
It’s along the lines of it being insanely painful, like maybe even more than getting the tattoo in the first place, if you’ve heard anything about laser tattoo removal. There still isn’t a discussion around the dark side of ink jobs, but while there’s plenty of info on what to consider before getting a tattoo. If you grow up to no longer love that little shooting star or random Latin phrase then what happens?
We pick up a handful of tips along the way while going through the process that we wish we’d known going into it. I put together a list of everything that I’ve learned to do. Here’s what you will need to know about tattoo removal, from the potential side effects to the costs associated.
Table of Contents
Consultation with a Tattoo Removal Specialist
When I was living in small-town in Canada where there were not dermatologists or plastic surgery clinics, I had one tattoo zapped at a spa. It ended up burning and scarring my skin because the aesthetician used an outdated heat laser. So, always make sure to get treatments done by professionals. I suggest you find your own removal expert by asking influencers, friends, or even by stopping people that you see with removal in process.
Prior to Your Sessions Lather Up on the Sunscreen
Immediately start using your zinc oxide sunscreen on it, once you realize you’re unhappy with a tattoo on your body. The most common of reason people can’t get lasered is due to the fact that their tattoo had a sun exposure. You’ll help protect your tattoo by using a zinc oxide when you’re outside. It will allow you to get lasered regardless of the season.
Associated Costs
The bill for each of your visit can run you hundreds of dollars, If you have had your procedures done by a doctor. The average cost per session is estimated to be $463 by The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Tattoo removal cost can also vary based on the color, size, and age of your tattoo. Clinics specializing in laser tattoo removal, such as tattooremoval.clinic in Richmond Hill, have prices starting at $149 per session. And you can save up to 25% by getting a package deal.
Tattoo after Care Preparation in advance is must
You’ll need things that don’t rest on your tattoo like bandages, Aquaphor, and even clothes. Yes, you should actually buy shirts without material where neck/back tattoo is. Keyhole backs were a good investment I was cutting tags out, but when tag less cotton tees still made the spot hurt and itch. It will be best to plan your sessions accordingly, if you like to wear bras and shoes and have tattoos on your feet or ribs.
It also will help to apply a thin coating of healing moisturizer or antibiotic ointment three times a day for the first three days of the healing process, like from Kiehl’s or Aquaphor.
Easy to take out all Ink
Rest assured that all hues will disappear no matter your skin tone, contrary to the old belief that light colored is hard to remove. The previous explanation was that, the laser would solely be attracted toward dark colors, like black similar to laser hair removal. You can also get out yellows and greens with newer technologies, previously the most stubborn.
Block out your daily schedules
Not all but some laser sessions are quick and easy. Some take about 45 minutes due to cleaning the areas and injecting them with lidocaine for freezing. Afterwards, aestheticians laser them, ice them, and then bandage them. Sometimes a weird side effect happens where you may taste metal when the laser hits the skin. When the lidocaine is hit by laser, it’s a sensation that some people may experience and it’s totally normal.
Instead of a full tattoo removal Get a cover up tattoo
You can also simply lighten them enough to get a good cover-up work done, If you don’t want to take your tattoos all the way off. This is one tattoo removal method that isn’t talked about as much and it is called semi-removal.
After your tattoo removal procedure there might be some slight discomfort
It is advised that you budget for about a week for about a week for discomfort. For most, the sites blister and need to be bandaged and covered in a salve for a few days. After that they start to peel, scab, depuff, and regenerate. There is good news though! The less after care there is, the more treatments you have since there’s less ink reacting to the laser.
