What to Know Before Getting a Tattoo Removed
Have a Tattoo You Don't Like? Here's What to Know About Getting It Removed
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I've always said that tattoos being permanent is kind of like a blessing and a curse — the blessing being that a design that means a lot to you gets to stay on your body forever; the curse being that, for some people, "forever" can feel like a big commitment, and there's always the risk you'll regret getting it. Whether it's an ex's name, a basic butterfly, or a design that just brings up a bad memory, there are tons of people out there with ink they've grown tired of, but the good news is that there is another option.
Thanks to modern technology, it's possible to have tattoos removed via laser. If that's something you're thinking about either now or in the future, there are a few things you should know about the process. We spoke to a board-certified dermatologist about what you need to know before getting a tattoo removed. Check out what they had to say ahead.
How Does Tattoo Removal Work?
The most effective way to remove a tattoo is via a targeted, in-office laser, during which, laser energy is directed at the pigment "for a matter of picoseconds" (a very small fraction of a second) to break down the ink.
"The laser works to break up pigment particles as a sledgehammer would break up concrete to disrupt and break down the ink, allowing your body to absorb the smaller fragments and break it down naturally over time," Corey L. Hartman, MD, founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama, told POPSUGAR. "Other than surgical excision, there is currently no other effective method to remove a tattoo."
There are a handful of removal devices on the market, but Dr. Hartman recommends using the PicoSure laser, adding that it's the most advanced treatment available for removing tattoos: "It has revolutionized the way that lasers are treated, significantly reduced the frequency of side effects, and expanded its use for even the darkest of skin tones," he said.
How Many Sessions Will I Need Before My Tattoo Is Completely Gone?
In short: removing a tattoo isn't a quick fix. Because the pigment has been etched onto multiple layers beneath the skin surface, it will take time and multiple sessions to completely break up the pigment. Patients are typically advised to book sessions every six to eight weeks, and on average, it can take between eight to 10 sessions before your desired final result is achieved, depending on how large or faded your tattoo is initially. (Larger tattoos, for example, might require more sessions than 10.)
Will Getting My Tattoo Removed Hurt?
Pain is subjective, and someone's tolerance to the tattoo removal process might vary from one person to the next. You might compare the sensation you get from the laser similarly to getting the actual tattoo, but, according to Dr. Hartman, each session throughout the process is fairly short — it should take no longer than 15 minutes, depending on how large your tattoo is.
If your pain tolerance is low, consider asking your dermatologist or technician to apply numbing cream 20 minutes before treatment.
What Risks Are Associated With Laser Tattoo Removal?
As with any cosmetic procedure, laser tattoo removal does come with a few risks: "Whenever laser energy is involved, there is a risk of loss of pigment, darkening of the skin, or a change in the texture of the skin," Dr. Hartman said. He notes, however, that textural changes are rare, "since the laser targets pigment, and pigment makes up the normal skin anatomy."
How Much Does Tattoo Removal Cost?
Prices for tattoo remove largely depend on where you live, but in general, if you're looking to get a tattoo removed via laser treatment, you should know that it's not cheap. According to Dr. Hartman, the process can cost anywhere between $150 to $500 a session, depending on the size of the tattoo.
What Should I Do After Each Session?
After your tattoo removal session, the skin in the tattooed area might appear frosty, red, and cracked, and it may also feel sensitive. This is no reason to worry, as the sensation is only temporary and can be calmed with topical products. "This is easily treated with a healing ointment like Aquaphor Healing Ointment For Dry & Cracked Skin ($14) and resolves within days," Dr. Hartman said. "The tender sensation resolves within a couple of hours and the skin can be gently washed with a mild cleanser."
