If you’ve got a tattoo that you no longer want, you might want to consider getting laser tattoo removal. Previously, tattoos were regarded as permanent body art, with no way to remove them. However, thanks to modern technology, it’s possible to fade and even remove tattoos completely. All it takes is a few sessions with a powerful laser, some patience and a tattoo removal expert.
The tattoo removal process is complex, and it’s not always easy to understand how it works. We’ve broken it down into a few simple explanations to help you get a better idea of what you’re in for.
How Long Does Laser Tattoo Removal Take?
A laser tattoo removal session doesn’t usually last very long. In fact, it’s likely you’ll spend more time discussing your health and preparing for the treatment than you will spend being lasered. The laser moves very quickly, and we can pass over a small tattoo in a matter of seconds. Larger areas will take a little longer, but it’s unlikely that we’ll need to be actively lasering you for more than a total of ten minutes per session.
If you’re wondering how long it’ll take for your tattoo to disappear, the first thing to keep in mind is patience. It usually takes between four and eight sessions to remove a tattoo, and you’ll need at least 6 weeks in between each session. Although this may seem like a long time, don’t let it put you off! Many people say they regret not starting the removal process earlier. As well as that, a lot of people feel much happier with their tattoo during the process as it starts to fade and become less noticeable.
How Does Laser Tattoo Removal Work?
Removing a tattoo is a gradual process. You’ll need to have breaks in between your laser treatments. This time is needed because your body will do a lot of the work to remove the tattoo. The purpose of the laser is to shatter the ink particles, making them easier for your lymphatic system to break down and filter through your system. Eventually, the ink will be processed by the liver and kidneys and is then eliminated from the body.
As a result, it’s important that you stay hydrated and lead a healthy, active lifestyle during your tattoo removal. You also need to ensure you’re leaving enough time in between treatments for your body to break down the shattered ink particles. Taking at least six weeks away from treatments allows your skin to heal and reduces the risk of scarring. Your laser technician will advise exactly how long you should be leaving in between treatments for the best results.
Does Laser Tattoo Removal Hurt?
Laser tattoo removal can feel quite uncomfortable. Most people compare the feeling to an elastic band being snapped on the skin, and there are others who say it feels like an insect sting. Although it can be painful, you won’t have to be in pain for long. Even a tattoo which took hours to be done in the first place can be lasered in a matter of seconds. If you’re really worried about the pain, consider applying a numbing cream at least an hour before your laser treatment to help reduce the sensation.
After your treatment, the area may feel like a bad sunburn. It’s important to follow your aftercare instructions and treat the skin gently for a few weeks. Don’t forget to use sun protection on the lasered skin, keep the area clean and drink plenty of water to help keep your skin hydrated.
Q-Switch Lasers
If you’ve been doing your research, you might know that there are two main types of tattoo removal lasers on the market. These are Q-Switch and picosecond. Picosecond lasers can deliver very fast pulses, and are named so because each pulse lasts for a picosecond. This is about a trillionth of a second. Therefore, they’re great at shattering ink particles quickly.
Q-Switch lasers are named so because of the way the light passes through the device. The light is held back a little before it’s released, allowing it to build up more power and deliver a more effective pulse. As far as speed goes, Q-Switch lasers aren’t quite so fast as picosecond, but they do deliver pulses in around a billionth of a second.
Both lasers are highly effective at removing tattoos, and there’s no conclusive evidence to determine that one is definitely more effective than the other. Some people say that picosecond technology can remove tattoos faster, but it’s unlikely to be hugely faster than what a Q-Switch laser can achieve. Some more stubborn colours like green and blue may be treated more effectively with a picosecond laser.
Picosecond technology is very sophisticated, and comes with a hefty price tag. This means that picosecond laser treatments tend to cost a lot more, but the results are very similar to that of a Q-Switch laser. As laser techs, our job is to ensure that the laser we’re using is safe and able to remove the density and colour of ink in your tattoo. At Plymouth & Exeter Laser Clinic, we use the RubyStar Q-Switched Laser and the Quanta Q-Plus Series machine.
Can All Tattoos Be Removed?
Black tattoo ink is generally more reliable to remove. This is because black ink is able to absorb the most energy from the laser’s light. However, the quality of the tattoo and the ink used will affect the result of your laser treatment. Some higher quality inks are more stubborn than others, and other inks will lift surprisingly quickly. The amount of ink in the tattoo will also affect the outcome. For example, thick, dense lines will take longer to remove than shading.
There are some colours which are known for being more difficult to remove than others. Lighter colours tend to be the most problematic, because they’re less able to absorb energy from the laser. Yellows, greens and blues often require more sessions to remove.
As well as that, the position of your tattoo can have an effect on how long it takes to remove. Your lymphatic system is what works to remove the ink from your body. This system is operated by the heart, so the closer your tattoo is to the heart, the faster it will fade. Therefore, the further away it is, the longer it will take to fade. Tattoos on the ankle, for example, can take a little extra time to remove.
Contact Plymouth & Exeter Laser Clinic For Laser Tattoo Removal
If you’re based in Devon, Plymouth & Exeter Laser Clinic are well-placed to help with your tattoo removal. Our team of experts would be happy to arrange a consultation and patch test. From there, we can provide a quote for your treatment and an estimate of how long it might take. Get in touch today to arrange your appointment and start your tattoo removal journey.
