Deciding to get a tattoo is a significant decision, and for the most part, many of the millions of people who have them are happy with their choice. If you are not, however, you may want to explore tattoo removal options. Before you begin the process of removing a tattoo, here are a few things to consider.
1. The process involves lasers.
When applied to the area of the tattoo, the laser uses its high-intensity light beam to break up the color. Black is the easiest color to remove, and specific types of lasers have to be used to remove other colors. Before beginning this treatment, the technician will give you a pair of protective eye glasses to put on, and they’ll also do some preliminary testing with the laser to find out how your skin responds.
While the procedure is somewhat uncomfortable, it does not require any type of anesthesia. Follow-up care will include ice packs, antibiotic ointment and protective bandages.
2. The process is slow and gradual.
It is important to understand that the laser breaks up the color, but does not remove it. The colored towards the surface of the skin in small particles which enter your immune system, proceed to your blood stream and kidneys, and ultimately come out in your sweat and urine. Because of this, the tattoo gradually fades and eventually goes away altogether.
It is important to keep in mind that because the color is traveling through your body, you should not put any unnecessary stress on your system by having too many tattoos removed at the same time.
3. A consultation is needed before the process can begin.
You will have to get a tattoo removal consultation with your technician before they actually perform the procedure. This gives you the opportunity to discuss expectations, ask questions, and develop a level of rapport with the expert. Based on this consultation, you will be able to decide if you are comfortable moving forward, and if you trust that technician enough to allow them to perform the procedure.
4. A significant number of people regret getting tattoos.
Out of the millions of people who have gotten tattoos, approximately 1/3 of them end up regretting it. Depending on what it is, it may be a source of embarrassment later on in life, or a reminder of a terrible decision. Whatever the reason, if you are looking to have your tattoo removed, know that you are in good company.
5. The tattoo removal process will not damage the skin’s natural color.
If you are concerned that the tattoo removal process will damage your skin’s natural color, have no fear. The type of lasers used for tattoo removal are designed to remove the pigment in the ink, but will not do any damage to your skin’s melanin. Different types of lasers are used to bleach skin, so those with darker skin tones should not be worried about their tattoo removal procedure resulting in lighter skin patches.
Conclusion
While tattoo removal is becoming an increasingly sought after procedure, tattoo artists should not be worried about their jobs becoming rare or obsolete. As the tattoo industry grows at a steady pace, so does the tattoo removal market. As long as people keep getting tattoos, and as long as some of them regret it later, both industries should continue to do quite well.
Sources:
https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/laser-tattoo-removal#1
http://info.astanzalaser.com/blog/7-most-frequently-asked-questions-from-tattoo-removal-patients
http://cosmedmd.blogspot.com/2014/01/just-facts-about-tattoo-removal.html
http://www.zapatat.net/resources/myths-and-facts
https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/9bzq97/lasering-tats-is-big-business-0000314-v21n5
