Misconceptions About Laser Tattoo Removal

There have been numerous methods used over time to remove tattoos, but laser tattoo removal is certainly considered the safest and most effective removal procedure currently available.

The laser works by delivering short, powerful pulses of energy to the tattoo, which shatters the ink particles. The body’s natural immune system then responds to the laser treatment by flushing away shattered ink over the course of a few weeks.

Even though lasers are by far the most effective method of removing tattoos, many misconceptions exist about the procedure and cause many individuals to be apprehensive about having the treatment done. Below are some common examples of laser tattoo removal myths:

“Tattoo removal creams work just as well as laser tattoo removal.”

This is definitely not the case. There has been no significant evidence to prove that these creams (i.e. Inkology, Inked Up, Pro Fade, etc.) work to remove ink from tattoos. In most cases, these creams just use bleach or other abrasive chemicals to mask the tattoo instead of actually removing any of the ink particles. When tattoo ink has settled into the deeper layer of the skin (the dermis, as opposed to the epidermis), these creams are not able to reach into that deep layer to target the ink.

“Laser tattoo removal often causes scarring.”

There is a minimal risk of scarring associated with laser tattoo removal. Scarring is possible but extremely uncommon, and the risk is very low if proper protocol is followed. Certified laser specialists will use a recommended amount of energy to ensure that scarring does not happen. We also recommend at least 6 to 8 weeks in between each treatment to ensure proper healing of skin. Individuals should also be aware that scarring can result from picking scabs after laser treatments, and should follow strict aftercare instructions to prevent this from occurring.

“A laser hair machine will be effective at removing my tattoo.”

Absolutely not! Hair removal lasers often do use some of the same wavelengths as some tattoo removal lasers, but the duration of the pulse is MUCH longer. The pulse from a hair removal laser is about one million times longer than that of a tattoo removal laser. Due to the difference in pulse width, hair removal lasers are completely inappropriate to use for removing tattoos. It will direct a pulse of energy that lasts for much too long, causing thermal injury (i.e. burning) and potential scarring of the skin.

“New tattoos cannot be removed.”

Tattoos do not need to be old and faded to be removed. We can treat fresh tattoos as long as the skin is completely healed, and there are no scabs. It is actually beneficial to treat new tattoos because there will still be ink settled in the top layer of the skin, which is easier to treat. Healing time will vary, but most people will need around four weeks of healing time before beginning laser tattoo removal treatment.

“Tattoos will come off with just one laser treatment.”

This is simply not true. Some companies make promises of this very claim, but it is not realistic. No clinic on earth has the technology to completely shatter all of the ink in a professional tattoo in just one visit. There are many different factors that influence how many treatment sessions someone will need to completely remove a tattoo, including the following:

• The type of ink used in tattooing
• The amount of ink in the tattoo
• The depth of the ink
• Any scar tissue present in the tattooed skin
• The part of the body tattooed
• If the ink is homemade or professional
• The condition of the immune system
• The circulation of the blood in the treated area
• Skin type
• Age of the tattoo
• Age of the patient, and more

There is just no way to predict how many treatment sessions it will take to completely remove a tattoo, but we usually find that it can range from five to twelve treatment sessions. It is a process, and it does require commitment, but we definitely have the technology to completely remove tattoos, no drama.

At Removery, we are the tattoo removal experts. We offer free consultations and will happily answer any questions you may have about laser tattoo removal. So book your free consultation with us today!