Got a Tattoo you regret? Tattoo removal is your answer. But is it that simple? To know more keep reading to find out!
With all kinds of tattoos growing in popularity, the process of removing them has also become common in the world. With time, information, and research the process of tattoo removal has been normalized and the initial debate of whether tattoo ink is permanent has been put to rest.
Is The Tattoo Removal Procedure Painful?
It has always been discussed how the procedure of removing tattoos is way more painful than actually getting a tattoo. But like it has always been the case, that the pain felt during certain procedures can vary from person to person. Pain is very subjective so you can’t exactly predict how exactly the tattoo removal procedure will look like on the scale of pain experienced.
Like any other medical procedure, laser tattoo removal is not pain-free. Patients are likely to experience mild discomfort during the procedure. But it will be nothing more painful than the actual pain of getting a tattoo.
Whilst getting a tattoo can take hours, the good news is that getting it removed with the help of a laser is likely to take only a few minutes. An added relief to the pain of the process is that with each progressing session the pain levels are going to decrease.
During some procedures, the option of topical numbing cream is offered to those who need it. This helps in numbing the pain and helps relieve the pain to some extent.
Although pain is not only a concern during the removal process, rather you are also likely to experience discomfort in the days following the tattoo removal. Like any other wound, it will take time for the skin to heal and may blister but you mustn’t worry, rather prepare to follow the aftercare instructions given to you by the practitioner.
How To Manage Pain From Tattoo Removal?
It is pretty natural to be concerned about the pain despite the reassurances of the numbing cream and anesthesia. Here are some tips that may help in managing your pain during the procedure:
- Take a painkiller such as Tylenol before the procedure or after the procedure if needed.
- To limit anxiety try some breathing techniques so that you can relax
- To avoid any infection use an antibacterial ointment to help speed up the healing process after the laser tattoo removal
How Does Laser Tattoo Removal Work?
Amongst the various procedures of tattoo removal, one of the most preferred and popular methods is laser tattoo removal.
In this procedure, the laser technician begins by numbing the area of the skin that is tattooed with local anesthesia. But most times people don’t require anesthesia, which is why it can be an optional part of the procedure. Then proceeds to remove the tattoo by breaking up the pigment colors of the tattoo with the help of a laser. The skin can have many reactions during this procedure such as blistering, bleeding, and swelling.
Keep in mind that tattoo removal is not a one-time thing, it is more likely to take up to six or eight sessions to entirely remove the tattoo. But at the same time, the number of treatments required to remove the tattoo may vary from person to person based on your age, the size of the tattoo, and the color pigmentation of the tattoo.
What Are The Side-effects Of Tattoo removal?
There can be several side-effects that are common in people who get their tattoos removed, which are as listed below:
- Blistering
- Scabs
- Tenderness
- Redness
- Swelling
- Bruising
These are common side effects but they are temporary, so you shouldn’t worry about that. You should avoid panicking and religiously follow the aftercare.
Aftercare Of Laser Tattoo Removal
After the laser tattoo removal, your practitioner is likely to guide you about certain aftercare instructions. But some of the following aftercare tips will help in the recovery process:
- Keep the area treated dry and clean to avoid any infections
- Do not frequently touch the treated area or scrap the blisters on the skin as it will only worsen your condition and lead to scarring
- Wear sunscreen and avoid directly exposing the treated area to direct sunlight
- Avoid wearing tight clothes
How Much Does Laser Tattoo Removal Cost?
How much the tattoo removal costs depends on the size of the tattoo, the color, and how old your tattoo is because your sessions and treatments will be devised according to that. People with smaller tattoos can consider getting a laser tattoo removal as it will cost them lesser in comparison to someone who has a bigger tattoo. Therefore you should think before going to get the procedure because it is considered to be a cosmetic procedure which is why medical insurance does not cover tattoo removals, further making it an expensive procedure.
According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the average cost for laser tattoo removal per session can total up to $463!
So the question to ask yourself before considering this removal process is will it be worth the amount it costs?
Conclusion
Tattoo removal is a very common practice in modern times, with more research and development and it is no longer a permanent mark on your body.
But at the same time, tattoo removal methods can differ in cost and recovery time, which is why you should still think before you decide to permanently mark your skin with any tattoos. That being said, at the end of the day we are humans who make mistakes and may have a change in opinions with time.
So whenever you decide to get a tattoo removed, remember to make an informed decision of how much it is going to cost you and what the experience is going to be like. Making an informed decision will help avoid unrealistic expectations regarding the procedure and help in handling the side effects properly. Which in turn would lead to quick recovery and satisfaction in the patient regarding the tattoo removal.