Tattoo removal
Tattooing is one of the few beauty makeup techniques that have stood the test of time. For the longest time, tattoos have always been considered as permanent beauties mark that should last a lifetime. Over 30% of the world’s population is believed to have tattoos; however, 25% of the people wearing tattoos have regrets of their tattoos and would want to remove them from their skin.
The need for people to rewrite their stories and change past decisions brought about different methods of tattoo removal. With the advancement of science and technology, there are new ways of tattoo removal being invented every day; some have proofed to work efficiently with minimal side effects. The most recent one being the introduction of tattoo removal creams. It’s important to note that not all methods have been proven to be efficient. Some ways also have their side effects which you should consider before choosing the perfect method.
Some of the most popular methods of tattoo removal are;
- Removal by replacement.
- Using Tattoo removal creams
- Use of laser tattoo removal treatment.
Removal by Replacement.
Unwanted tattoos can be substituted with a whole new symbol whose meaning, image or colour is different. It is mostly referred to us cover-up. A well-skilled tattoo artist can do a cover-up so neat that there is no trace of the old tattoo. To successfully conceal the old tattoo, a darker ink is used for the new symbol. In cases where the unwanted tattoo is too dark, the patient is always advised to use laser removal before doing the new tattoo.
Covering up of tattoos is the most popular way to get rid of unwanted tattooing’s. They are also cheaper compared to laser treatment. This method is also safe, and you get to keep the beauty.
Laser Tattoo Removal.
The laser machine produces a high –intensity light beam that breaks down the tattoo ink colour.The laser treatment makes the tattoo pigment underneath the skin to fragment into small particles after heating up. This process is repeated until the particles are small enough for a normal human healing process to remove them from the skin. When all the tattoo pigments are removed, the tattoo is no longer visible, and the surface can now heal.
For laser removal to work effectively, it is dependant on the following factors.
- The light colour must enter sufficiently into the skin to get to the tattoo pigment. Pigments found closer to the skin service are easy to remove than those found deeper.
- The laser colour should be different from the tattoo pigments. This ensures the laser colour is highly absorbed by the tattoo pigment and not the skin.
- The amount of time the laser is exposed to the skin should be very short this is to protect the surrounding tissue from burns and scars.the intervals should be in nanoseconds for tattoo removal
- The energy level should be high enough to fragment the pigment and low enough not to damage the skin.
How Many Laser Tattoo RemovalTreatment Sessions Are Required?
Several laser treatment is required to complete removing a tattoo. The sessions are supposed to be well spaced.Its recommended they are done for at least seven weeks apart. Having the sessions sooner will increase the chances of having skin complications, and it does not warrant the tattoos will fade away sooner. The success rate and recovery time depends on the immune system of an individual and also where the tattoo is located. Some body parts like ankles it takes longer to complete the process.
Pain Management During Laser tattoo removal Treatment.
According to most patient laser treatment is more painful and uncomfortable than having the tattoo done. The pain could be compared to having your skin accidentally touching a hot metal object. Patients will need anaesthetic cream applied to the area being treated or ice cooling before the laser treatment. Some patients might prefer to endure the pain through the treatment process.
After the treatment, there could be occasional bleeding on the skin and some white discolouration. This can be treated with simple non-occlusive dressing. Antibiotic ointments should be avoided as they can cause allergic reactions.
Side Effects of Laser Tattoo removal
Half of the patient treated with lasers to remove tattoos have changes in the normal skin pigmentation; however this changes disappear in about 12 months and are not permanent.
In darker skin tones, there is most likely to be hyperpigmentation. This can be resolved by using sunscreen for a few months. Spacing the treatments could reduce the chances of hyperpigmentation.
There are also the chances of allergic reactions caused by many tattoo pigments. By strictly avoiding sunlight during this process, the effects can be easily controlled.
Tattoo Removal Creams
In recent times tattoo removal creams are being produced in large numbers. The manufacturers have been targeting individuals who might find other techniques too expensive or long to endure. Despite tattoo removal creams being around for over ten years, they have not gained popularity among tattoo artists and their clients.
For a tattoo removal cream to effectively penetrate the skin, they would require an advanced formula. The process would involve the use of potentially harmful elements. The cream should also get to the innermost layer of the skin to affect the tattoos, and no cream can do so. Most tattoo removal creams are ineffective.
One should be careful when exposing their skin to tattoo removal creams. There have been reported cases of allergic reactions from the creams. They can also cause skin discolouration, itching and irritation. Most of the creams in the market are also not medically approved.
Anyone willing to completely remove there tattoo should go for the laser tattoo removal treatment. To those who still prefer to conceal their tattoo get a sound artist and you can show off your new tattooings with no regrets.