How effective is Tattoo Removal?

  Because a variety of tattoo removal methods exist, the effectiveness of removal and result timelines can vary. The most common method of tattoo removal is laser removal, due to its practicality compared to chemical and surgical removal options. Removery is the leading expert in laser tattoo removal, utilizing the most advanced laser technology to target ink particles directly – without harming surrounding skin tissue.

Book a Tattoo Removal Consultation

   

Does tattoo removal work?

  Absolutely—if you choose the right technique. Laser removal is a highly effective and safe way to remove a tattoo. For most people, it can completely eliminate an old tattoo, leaving the skin with its “pre-tattoo” appearance. In some cases, the client and laser specialist may determine that substantial fading will meet the client’s goals best–especially if they are interested in a coverup.   No other removal technique has been proven as effective for tattoo removal, making laser removal a top-choice to fully remove a tattoo. Every day, Removery helps clients complete their tattoo removal journey with no remaining ink in sight.   A skilled laser specialist will often fade the ink to the point where it becomes unnoticeable. Many colors will become invisible once faded to a certain extent, depending on the client’s exact skin tone. Our laser specialists evaluate the best course of action for each individual client, determining whether full removal or fading will meet the client’s goals best.

Call Now: 1-866-235-5961

How Laser Tattoo Removal Works

  Once you get tattooed, your body is constantly trying to remove the ink particles from your system – like how your body fights diseases. To ensure tattoos have longevity, ink pigments are purposely composed of larger particles that are 100-200 nanometers in size. This prevents your immune system from successfully breaking these particles down and flushing them from your body; thus, making tattoos “permanent.”   Laser tattoo removal does what your body is unable to do naturally: break down those larger particles of ink into smaller pieces. Removal lasers produce a high-intensity light that targets ink particles directly, ignoring the surrounding skin tissue. Tattoo ink absorbs this laser’s energy, shattering its particles into those desired smaller pieces. After each session, your immune system removes the smaller particles from your body gradually – typically through the digestive system. Your tattoo will start to lighten and disappear until it’s fully gone.  

Common Myths About Tattoo Removal

  There are countless misconceptions surrounding tattoo removal, often discouraging people from starting their journey. Here are some of the most common myths about tattoo removal and why they’re wrong: 

• Laser tattoo removal is excruciatingly painful. 
  Tattoo removal isn’t a painless process, but laser specialists do everything to ensure clients are comfortable regardless of their pain tolerance. For most, laser tattoo removal is best compared to having a rubber band snapping on the skin.  
• Laser tattoo removal can burn your skin and cause permanent scarring. Advancements in laser technology have significantly decreased any chances of experiencing complications during treatments including burns, hyperpigmentation, and scarring. As long as your removal provider is using top-notch tech, your skin is safe. 
• You can remove a tattoo with DIY treatments, or over the counter (OTC) creams. While it may be tempting to try tattoo removal at home, it’s something that should be done by a medical professional. Certain methods, such as OTC removal creams and exfoliation kits can cause permanent damage to your skin – and won’t even remove your tattoo in the process. 
• A tattoo can be removed in one session. Aside from surgical excisions, it’s impossible to remove a tattoo in a single treatment session. Every single removal technique takes time, especially methods that are less effective than laser tattoo removal. To make your goals happen, you’ll need some patience and a lot of time. 

 

Comparison of Techniques

  There are many tattoo removal methods out there, but not all are created equal in regard to safety and efficiency. Treatments, such as chemical peels, utilize chemical solutions to exfoliate and remove the first layers of skin, stimulating new skin growth underneath the treated area. Chemical peels can be great for one’s luxury skincare routine, but most solutions are not strong enough to penetrate the dermis where tattoo ink is held. Another exfoliation method is dermabrasion, a controlled abrasion technique that exfoliates the first layers of skin to remove tattoo ink and promote cell regeneration. This procedure is considered to be highly effective for most but can impose some serious skin risks: hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, and scarring. Though it’s extreme, some may even choose to have tattoos removed via surgical excision, a procedure that involves removing tattooed skin from the body with a scalpel. Excisions are the fastest way to remove a tattoo, but the procedure can cause permanent scarring in the treated area.   

Advantages of Laser Removal

  Out of all removal methods, laser tattoo removal is the safest and most effective way to remove an unwanted tattoo. Advanced laser technology allows the tattoo ink particles to be targeted directly, a process known as selective photothermolysis, to prevent the surrounding skin tissue from being damaged. Compared to other removal methods, laser removal is far less invasive and actually breaks down ink particles effectively. The overall process might be lengthier, but the preservation of skin health makes it worth the effort.     

What Is the Most Effective Tattoo Removal Method?

  Today’s top-of-the-line lasers such as the PicoWay have the ability to use every wavelength necessary to target every color of ink. Some lasers used in the past, like PicoSure, can only break down certain colors of ink. Today’s more advanced lasers can break down a much broader spectrum of colors. That’s why laser removal with PicoWay is far more effective than other tattoo removal methods.   You may have heard about tattoo removal creams or other home remedies like lemon juice. Although these techniques may sound harmless at first glance, they can actually expose your skin to significant damage. Exposing your skin to sunlight after doing a lemon juice treatment can even cause burns!   Tattoo removal creams actually peel away the skin using a powerful acid, which can cause permanent scarring. Furthermore, these treatments don’t actually eliminate the ink from the dermis, the deeper layer of skin where it is located. It’s not just a matter of wasting time and money on such methods—it’s a matter of causing permanent damage.    

Who Should Get Laser Removal?

  You may be wondering if laser removal is for you, particularly if you have a darker skin tone. Outdated equipment (which certain facilities still use today) cannot safely remove ink from all skin tones. Fortunately, today’s high-end lasers can remove ink from any skin tone when operated by a highly trained specialist.   Make sure you trust your laser removal provider and ensure that they will be using the best equipment available: the PicoWay laser. People with darker skin tones have a higher risk of experiencing issues like hypopigmentation if they go to the wrong facility. This involves lightening of the skin in the area where the tattoo was removed, which is often permanent. Hypopigmentation is usually completely preventable, however.   When the right laser is in the hands of the right specialist, laser removal will be extremely unlikely to cause any issues. Likewise, hyperpigmentation from tattoo removal (when the skin in the tattooed area becomes darker than the surrounding skin) is unlikely to happen as well.  

Ideal Candidate Profiles 

  Laser tattoo removal is safe for most people undergoing the process; however, there are some instances where this removal method might not be the best option. Because laser tattoo removal relies heavily on your immune system to work, people with autoimmune disorders or other immune system issues could experience complications throughout their removal journey. Those that are pregnant, or actively breastfeeding should also avoid treatments for this reason. To ensure laser tattoo removal is a safe option for you, consult a medical professional before proceeding.     

How Long After Laser Tattoo Removal Will the Tattoo Fade?

  Tattoo removal can take 1-2 years, depending on factors the size, the age, and color of the tattoo. A black and gray tattoo that has already faded may take less time than a tattoo with colors like turquoise and lime green.   In regard to the number of sessions needed, most people achieve their goals in 6 to 12 treatments. Sessions must be spaced at least six weeks apart, allowing time for the skin to heal completely between sessions. This also gives the body plenty of time to expel the ink between sessions, so you won’t be overtaxing it.   After each treatment, the immune system begins flushing out the affected ink. You may not see the results immediately due to redness and scabbing, which are a completely normal part of the process. As your skin heals over the next couple of weeks, you will probably notice that the ink has faded. Further fading may occur in the remainder of the time before your next session since the body is still actively working to remove the ink particles that have been targeted by the laser.  

Treatment Stages 

 

1. The first laser removal session consists of reviewing your removal plan, what you can expect from the experience, and of course, getting your first treatment. In the weeks following this initial treatment, it’s common to see significant fading – usually in the tattoo’s outline.  
2. The second treatment session will initially focus on discussing how the first session went, and where your tattoo currently is in the fading process. The laser specialist can give you a more realistic timeline of your goals and revise your removal schedule if needed. After this, you’ll receive your second treatment. 
3. The third removal session will start the same way as the second: observing the current condition of your tattoo. You’ll receive your third treatment and be on your way! If your goal is to fade your tattoo for whatever reason, this might be the final session that you need to make that happen. 
4. From this point forward, you’ll continue seeing significant fading in your tattoo with every single treatment – until your tattoo is fully removed or faded to your liking. 

 

Recovery Timeline 

  When it comes to laser tattoo removal, it takes time to happen – no matter the size, color, age, or placement of your ink. Every treatment’s success relies on great technology, and a healthy immune system to efficiently get rid of ink particles. Removery leaves 6-8 weeks between removal treatments for clients, so their bodies have maximum time to fulfill this natural process. In most cases, clients will see fading within 3-5 removal sessions – and can achieve a full removal with 8-12 treatments. Because it can take more than one session to remove a tattoo, most clients will have a removal journey that lasts 1-2 years total.     

What Does a Removed Tattoo Look Like?

  The results of tattoo removal depend on the client’s goals. Many clients want to fade their tattoo to prepare for a coverup, meaning the old tattoo must be lightened substantially. The degree of fading depends on the design of the client’s new tattoo. Those who want a tattoo with more blanknegative (blank) space within it will need more substantial fading than those who want a darker, traditional-style design.   Other clients want a full removal of their tattoo, with nothing to replace it afterwards. For most clients, a complete removal is possible. This erases all visible traces of the tattoo, and returns the skin back to its “pre-tattoo” look.  

Get Removal Estimate

Importance of Tattoo Removal Aftercare

  Tattoo removal aftercare will help you achieve the best possible results (and avoid any complications like hyperpigmentation). Proper aftercare plays a major role in ensuring the effectiveness of tattoo removal. After each tattoo removal session, follow the aftercare guidelines given to you by your specialist, such as the following:

1. Keeping the area clean and dry for three days.
2. Not engaging in rigorous exercise for the first 24 hours.
3. Applying hydrocortisone cream as directed by your specialist.
4. Avoiding sun exposure.
5. Not picking at any blisters or scabs.

  Check in with your laser specialist about any questions that arise. In most cases, they will simply provide peace of mind that any symptoms you notice are a completely normal part of the process.