Throughout history, the art of tattooing has evolved to make its mark across all classes of society. Unique trends, styles and techniques have emerged with cultural adoptions, while numerous variations in technology have made the art what it is today – a popular and prevalent way to shape identity and individualise self-expression. Indeed, in Australia approximately one in ten people have had a tattoo at some point in their lives. So then it comes as no surprise that while tattoos may be more popular than ever before, the vogue for getting inked has left a spike of people regretting their tattoo choices.
So, what is Laser Tattoo Removal?
Tattoos are simply a collection of ink droplets injected into the skin. They are visible because the ink droplets are too big to pass through the skin and so are locked in place by the body.
Laser Tattoo Removal utilises the unique physics of Laser technology to send extremely high-powered, ultra-short pulses of laser light into the skin. These laser pulses are absorbed by the ink particles and are shattered because of the speed and power levels involved.
These smaller shattered particles are now small enough to pass through the skin and are then removed by the body’s lymphatic system.
Thus, the tattoo fades as more and more shattered ink particles are removed from the skin during each laser tattoo removal treatment.
At Absolute Cosmetic Perth, we offer PicoSure Laser Tattoo Removal, Enlighten III and Q-Switched Nd:YAG Laser Tattoo Removal.
The Picosure laser is the gold standard in coloured tattoo removal technology. For this reason, we had the very first PicoSure machine in Western Australia and have performed thousands of sessions, resulting in extremely positive feedback from our patients.
How successful is Laser Tattoo Removal?
Tattoos are designed to be permanent. That means they are not simple to remove, however they are not impossible to remove either, but will require more than a single treatment. Not all tattoos are created equal which is why some tattoos are easier to remove than others. There’s a whole host of factors that contribute to how quickly, or effectively, your tattoo will be removed. Here’s a breakdown of things to consider before undergoing your tattoo removal process.
Factors Affecting Laser Tattoo Removal Results
Older tattoos are easier to remove since they are typically already faded. Tattoos that are less than a year old are much more challenging to eliminate.
Size matters. As you might imagine, small tattoos are easier to remove than tattoos that are spread across a large portion of the body. The size of the tattoo may impact the number of treatments needed to eliminate it completely.
Colour makes a difference. There aren’t any lasers that can remove every tattoo colour at once. Different dyes respond differently to various wavelengths. Black tattoos are the easiest to fade because the laser can target the black pigment easier than it would red or blue shades. Green ink is notoriously difficult to remove.
Fading is generally slower for tats located further down the arm or leg (where blood supply is weaker).
Skin colour is also a big factor. People with fair skin and dark tattoos tend to have an easier time fading their ink than others, as the laser can more easily target the tattoo pigment.
Layered tattoos (including cover-ups that are placed on top of an original, unwanted tattoo) and tattoos with a lot of detail are much more difficult to remove than ones with a simple design. This is because the volume of ink in the skin tends to be much higher.
Smoking can have a negative impact on your body’s ability to eliminate ink. This is because it leads to vasoconstriction which is a tightening of the blood vessels. Constricted blood vessels make it hard for your immune system to destroy the ink particles broken down by laser. Studies show that smoking makes laser tattoo removal nearly 70% less successful, so put down the cigarette if you want to speed up the removal process
Keep your body’s immune system healthy. A healthy immune system that’s working at its peak will speed up the tattoo removal process since they’ll break down the ink pigments easier than a compromised immune system.
Location can matter. The nearer your tattoo is to your heart, the more effortless the removal will be. The closer to your heart a tattoo is, the more blood flow goes through that area. The better your blood flow, the more easily your body can remove the ink. For instance, a tattoo on the upper arms, upper back, and neck can be removed more easily as compared to those on the hands, fingers, or feet.
What should be avoided before coming in for your laser tattoo removal?
Don’t go tanning – Although you may look fabulous with a tan, you should avoid any spray tanning or sun exposure for at least three weeks prior to your laser treatment session. Exposure to the sun causes the melanin levels in your skin to rise. This makes your skin absorb ultraviolet radiation and will put you at risk for hypo- or hyper-pigmentation. To speed up your laser tattoo removal success, it is crucial to limit the amount of melanin in your skin during the process. If you are going to be in the sun in the weeks prior to the appointment, be sure to cover your tattoo and the surrounding area.
Avoid supplements—Try to avoid fish oils, creatinine, and penicillin 48 hours before your appointment as they can cause excess swelling.
Life comes with numerous choices, of which we may come to regret. Your tattoo could be one of them. Whether you have lost love for it or changed your mind about it entirely, having the inks removed is a right that is available to you.
Several tattoo removal treatments are available on the market. But despite the array of options, most of these methods are ineffective, some even leaving the skin in unacceptable states that may or may not be reversible. That’s why, for high quality tattoo removal, look no further than Absolute Cosmetic. Tattoos are designed to be permanent – FOR LIFE permanent. Laser tattoo removal can undo that permanence. The service and skill required to do that correctly and safely is exactly what you are paying for. And as such, you should always demand the best.
Visit us in one of our beautiful clinic locations for a consultation with our trained nurses and doctors so that we can formulate the perfect action plan for you.
