Getting inked is extremely popular today for many reasons. Tattoos are one way of self-expression, while some people have laser tattoos to treasure their memories. Tattoos can also be a meaningful reminder of cultural and spiritual traditions. Basically, it can happen from various motivations. However, not everyone likes to keep these tattoos imprinted in their body forever.
The ‘Permanence’ Of Tattoos
What makes tattoos permanent? During the process, the pigment is delivered into your skin’s inner layer called the dermis, underneath the epidermis. The pigment can only be deposited up to this layer, as going deeper may cause the ink to penetrate your subcutaneous tissues.
Your body has a natural defense system against foreign bodies; it attacks the foreign body with white blood cells that absorb and eliminate it. In this case, the pigment for your tattoo acts as a foreign body. As the ink settles on your dermis, the white blood cells can only absorb or eat the small pigment particles, but not the bigger ones, which is what remains inked on your skin.
Tattoo Removal: What Are The Chances?
If you’re planning to get a tattoo removal, it’s best to talk to a dermatologist about your options for removing your tattoo. Your doctor may be able to offer you the best solution to your tattoo problem. When you go for a consultation, you will first undergo an assessment of having your tattoo removed, including discussing the pros and cons of the procedure.
You’ll have to choose between tattooing new skin on the existing tattoo or having your tattoo removed completely. The cost of the procedure will also be discussed, as well as the pain levels for each process. Your doctor will enumerate available removal options you can use, but you can also get more info on your own about them, especially on laser removal.
Reports show that one of the best and most effective ways to have a tattoo removed is through laser tattoo removal done by a certified professional. If you’re wondering how it works, then you’re in the right place.
The Basics Of Laser Tattoo Removal
Many people considering laser tattoo removal aren’t usually aware of the details or how it works. They should know that the first step in this procedure is measuring the amount of melanin pigment on your skin. The evaluation process for your skin will be done using the Fitzpatrick scale. Then, treatments can be conducted in several sessions if there’s difficulty removing your tattoo’s ink.
Laser removal will erase your tattoo by breaking the bonds between the pigment, ink, and the skin. Heating the skin will cause the ink to be broken down into smaller pieces that will be absorbed into your body. After this process, the tattoo will disappear naturally and without any scarring or discoloration.
Shattering The Ink Through Q-Switching
Ordinary laser pulses have a good ability to break down the tattoo pigment, but Q-switched lasers have stronger and more intense pulses that shatter or break down the pigment further. While Q-switched lasers only last for a few nanoseconds, they can easily target small ink particles by giving them enough time to warm up and explode without heating the surrounding skin.
Moreover, the typical laser removal method can damage the surrounding skin in some way, particularly leaving a fair amount of hyperpigmentation. With the quick solution offered by Q-switching, the pigment particles will be lifted successfully while allowing your skin to remain intact and less likely to develop hyperpigmentation.
Allowing The Body To Heal Itself
As mentioned, tattoo removals occur in numerous sessions, around five to ten, to be exact, and must be spaced at least six weeks apart. You should keep in mind that your entire tattoo can’t be removed in one treatment, so think about it carefully before having one. But why does tattoo removal require several treatments with large intervals?
On your first removal treatment, the lasers, whether ordinary or Q-switched lasers, can only penetrate the uppermost layers of the skin. While you can see the ink getting removed, it’s only for the top layers, but pigment remains on deeper layers of the dermis.
After the session, you can only come back after months to allow your skin cells to shed and naturally flush away the pigment attached to those skin cells. It’s essential to take note that your body can only eliminate ink at a constant speed, thus requiring your patience. Also, allowing enough time between every removal session helps the skin’s treated area to recuperate, reducing the possibility of skin irritation due to overtreatment.
Bottom Line
Surprisingly, removing a tattoo is much more expensive than getting one. That’s why people interested in getting inked should think about their decision carefully.
Before having your tattoo removed, it’s crucial to be educated on how the process works to help your skin feel comfortable and not irritated while the months to years of removal occur. This article provides points on how laser tattoo removal generally works, but your dermatologist might offer specialized treatments that can help your tattoo get removed faster and more efficiently.