Tattoos are designed to be a permanent addition to the skin. Although tattoo removal has come a long way, it's still a procedure that takes many sessions to complete. A tattoo usually takes much longer to remove than it took to apply it in the first place, and many treatments are often needed. Beginning the process with realistic expectations and an understanding of the procedure is important.
Price of the Procedure
Tattoo removal is an affordable procedure. Large tattoos and those with colored ink often require the most sessions. The price to have one removed depends on the size and color of the tattoo. Due to the variety of tattoo sizes, colors and locations, the best thing to do is to visit the center for specific pricing. You may be surprised at how affordable it is to have your unwanted tattoo removed.
The Tattoo Removal Process
The process used to remove a tattoo requires a unique laser that targets the pigments in the ink under the skin. The laser leaves the skin and tissue around the ink unharmed. This means the risk of infection is very low. By targeting the pigments of the ink, the laser breaks the ink down into small particles that can be removed safely by the body. A session varies in length depending on the size, color and the person. Depending on the size, the treatment may target the entire tattoo or only a section at a time. Typically, sessions are spaced four weeks apart to allow the body to flush the ink out of the lymphatic system and heal before continuing.
Tattoo Color and Location
The color and location of the tattoo greatly impact the success of the tattoo removal. Black and dark blue inks are the easiest colors to remove because they are targeted easily by the laser. These colors absorb all wavelengths and break down quickly. Yellow, green, orange and light blue are difficult to remove completely and require extra tattoo removal sessions. Because these colors are selectively absorbed, they are harder for the laser to target.
What to Expect
It can take multiple treatments for tattoos to be removed completely. It is important to realize that not all tattoos can be removed completely. Colored tattoos are hard to break down, while some tattoos are too deep in the skin. Amateur tattoos are easier to remove. They are not as deep in the skin as professional tattoos. Even the skin of the patient can be a factor that determines success, as fair-skinned individuals are easier to treat. The pain of tattoo removal is typically not as bad as the tattoo itself and is usually compared to a rubber band being snapped on the skin. Anesthetic creams are usually applied to numb the area.
Tattoo removal can be a blessing for some individuals who have been living with a regrettable tattoo for years. Still, it's important to have realistic expectations about the process. Results are usually not guaranteed completely, although the process can remove most tattoos 95%. Even though the cost can be high, the relief that comes with removing an unwanted tattoo is priceless.
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