Laser is the most efficient way to remove a tattoo, but your results may vary.
In fact, about 1 in 4 people with a tattoo regret it.
If you are in that group, you may wish to look into laser tattoo removal and other options.
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Keep in mind you may experience complications like tattoo removal scars, skin discoloration, or some pain.
This is below the epidermis, the surface layer of your skin that frequently sheds and changes.
There are four main options for getting a tattoo removed.
Laser Removal
Laser tattoo removalis the most common way to get rid of unwanted tattoos.
Laser tattoo removal works best on dark-colored tattoos.
Green, red, and yellow ink are difficult to remove with this method.
Once that happens, the ink cant be removed with a laser.
Laser tattoo removal doesnt always work.
Dermabrasion and Ablation
This approach to tattoo removal doesnt actually touch the ink.
Instead, it causes a mild injury to the epidermis.
This causes an immune response in the body, which can help lighten the pigment of the tattoo.
In dermabrasion, this minor injury is resulting from sanding away the top layer of skin.
With abolition, it is brought on by burning off the top layer of skin.
Neither of these options works particularly well.
They can lighten a tattoo, but dont often remove it entirely.
Theres also a larger risk of scarring or discoloration.
If youre considering one of these methods, talk with your healthcare provider about what you could expect.
Surgical Removal
Surgical removal can be a good option for very small tattoos.
A healthcare provider cuts out the tattooed section of skin, then stitches together the surrounding skin.
This carries additional risk for pain or infection since healthcare providers are cutting into your skin.
It is important to note that surgery will also leave a scar.
Does Tattoo Removal Hurt?
Laser tattoo removal is somewhat painful.
If you opt for surgical removal, talk with your healthcare provider about what to expect for pain.
While local anesthetic will be used during the procedure, you may have some pain afterward.
Who Is a Candidate for Tattoo Removal?
The removal likely wont leave your skin looking untouchedyou will still have some remnants of the tattoo or scarring.
The easiest tattoos to remove are tattoos with lots of black ink.
These healthcare specialists can help you determine whether youre a good candidate for tattoo removal and what to expect.
Whats the Procedure Like?
Generally, your healthcare provider will provide a local anesthetic.
Still, you might experience some pain during the removal.
Ask your healthcare provider what pain level to expect, and how long the procedure will last.
Does It Take More Than One Session to Remove a Tattoo?
In almost all cases it will take more than one session to remove a tattoo.
Sometimes it takes 10 visits or more.
No matter how many sessions you do, your tattoo may not be removed entirely.
Its important to talk with your provider about what to expect.
How Long Does Tattoo Removal Take?
Depending on the size of a tattoo, laser tattoo removal only takes a few minutes.
it’s possible for you to expect about 10 to 30 minutes per session for laser removal.
However, you will likely need multiple sessions.
Surgical removal takes a few hours, but only needs to be done once.
However, it is rarely offered, and would be used mostly for very small tattoos.
What About At-Home Tattoo Removal?
At-home tattoo removal isnt recommended because it doesnt work.
Creams penetrate the top layer of skin, but cant get to the dermis, where tattoo ink settles.
Is Tattoo Removal Safe?
Tattoo removal is safe when its done by a trained professional.
Someone with experience in tattoo removal can also help you set realistic expectations about removing your body art.
Potential Risks and Complications
Just like getting a tattoo, removing a tattoo comes with possible complications.
Whether you do laser removal or another option, talk with your healthcare provider about what to expect.
Summary
Laser tattoo removal is the most effective way to get rid of a tattoo.
you’ve got the option to also try dermabrasion, ablation, or surgical removal.
However, no form of tattoo removal is perfect.
Laser removal doesnt always remove all pigment, and it can be painful and expensive.
Many people opt to cover up tattoos theyre not happy with, with another tattoo.
Whatever option you choose, speak to an experienced professional and go in with realistic expectations about your outcomes.
Pew Research Center.32% of Americans have a tattoo, including 22% that have more than one.
Food and Drug Administration.Tattoo removal: Options and results.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Tattoo removal: Lasers outshine other methods.
American Society of Plastic Surgeons.How much does tattoo removal cost?
American Society of Plastic Surgeons.Tattoo removal.
