Tattoos are forever, at least they used to be. As we get older, the tattoos on our bodies may not look the same as they did in our twenties. Laser tattoo removal is available for anyone who does not feel their tattoos represent who they are anymore. Whether you’re eighteen or eighty-three, tattoo removal options are available for you.
You might be wondering, why would someone want tattoo removal in their old age? Well, perhaps they wanted to remove their tattoos at a younger age, but they didn’t know that laser removal was an option. Nowadays, laser tattoo removal is as common as being tattooed. In this guide, we’ll be breaking down what laser tattoo removal is, how it works on older skin and the factors that play into removing tattoos on older skin.
Does Laser Tattoo Removal Work on Older Skin?
Laser tattoo removal is a process, it takes time to see complete removal results on all skin types. In short, laser tattoo removal does work on older skin but it depends on the person. As we age, our skin becomes looser, less elastic, and thinner. It’s important to take care of your health to maintain your body’s aging skin integrity over time. The following section will help you determine if laser tattoo removal is the right choice for you.
The Laser Tattoo Removal Process
Laser tattoo removal works by breaking apart the ink particles into tiny fragments for your body’s white blood cells to carry away through the lymphatic system. Over time, with continued laser removal sessions, you’ll gradually see the layers fade away.
The process works the same for a younger body as it would in a mature one. The only potential difference in the process is how the skin reacts to laser removal. The following factors will help you determine how a tattoo can be removed from older skin.
Factors That Determine How Quickly A Tattoo Can Be Removed on Older Skin
Some of the most important factors that determine how quickly a tattoo can be removed from older skin is the ink density, skin integrity, placement, tattoo color, and ink components.
Ink density is a huge factor that determines how quickly the tattooed skin could be removed. Over time, your body naturally fades the ink particles with aging. However, some older tattoos could be densely packed in the skin which could result in additional removal sessions. Especially if the senior client has a weakened immune system.
Skin integrity is another factor that could affect tattoos on old skin. The elasticity of the skin could become fragile resulting in thin and stretched skin. The laser technician can stretch the skin flat for treatment, but it’s important to be mindful of aftercare protocols to maintain the skin’s integrity.
Placement, tattoo color, and ink components will also play a factor in the overall removal process. Tattoos that are further away from the heart will likely take longer than those that are close to the circulatory system. The tattoo color and ink components will also determine how quickly the tattoo can be removed. Often, older tattoos have heavy metals which are difficult to break down. It’s possible but may result in additional removal sessions.
When it comes to treating aged tattoos, it’s important to remember that your general health plays the largest factor in the removal outcome. If you as a person with mature skin have a weak immune system, diseases such as diabetes, or have to take certain medications, it will likely take more time to see complete removal results or you may not be an ideal tattoo removal candidate.
