Candidates with certain skin types, realistic expectations, and a desire for positive change tend to respond best to the procedure. On the other hand, individuals with specific medical conditions, active skin infections, or unrealistic expectations may not be ideal candidates.
If you have had previous skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis, these could affect the outcome of your tattoo removal. Discussing your skin history with your tattoo specialist to determine if the treatment is safe and effective for you is important.
Risks. Scarring is likely after most types of tattoo removal. Infection or skin discoloration is possible as well.
Laser tattoo removal can leave behind skin that is lighter than the skin around it. Other risks include possible scarring, infection, pinpoint bleeding, redness, or soreness, none of which should last for long.
The ink that breaks down is processed through the liver, so it is important to discuss liver problems with your doctor before proceeding. Keep in mind that a healthy liver will have minimal to no issues, but a liver that is already struggling could end up with adverse effects.
If you have a medical problem such as heart disease, allergies, diabetes, skin problems like eczema or psoriasis, a weak immune system, or a bleeding problem, talk to your doctor before getting a tattoo. Also, if you get keloids (an overgrowth of scar tissue) you probably should not get a tattoo.
As many as 25% of those with a tattoo say they regret getting it. If you're in that 25%, there is good news. Laser tattoo removal techniques can significantly diminish the appearance of your unwanted tattoo with minimal side effects.
When you get a tattoo, you can pretty much expect that it'll be with you forever. But, if for whatever reason you change your mind, there are removal options. Unfortunately, even after removal, the ink doesn't just disappear — we actually excrete it through our lymphatic system.
Tattoos are an expression of a person's passion or beliefs. So, why do people get tattoos removed? Over time, people may decide that the tattoo is no longer suitable for their lifestyle, or it no longer holds the same meaning it once did.
Older tattoos can be easier to remove than newer ones due to the body's natural processes and sun exposure breaking down the ink over time. Older tattoos usually have faded ink, which is less dense and easier for lasers to target.
Anyone can be suitable for laser tattoo removal
Those with allergies might not be suitable, along with those of darker natural skin tones (due to the fact that tattoo removal lasers target the melanin in the skin, which is found in reduced levels for darker-skinned individuals).
Certain conditions, such as autoimmune diseases (e.g., lupus, rheumatoid arthritis), immunodeficiency states (e.g., HIV) and diabetes, and some medications (e.g., retinoic acid and steroids) may prevent proper healing after a refractive procedure. You actively participate in contact sports.
Once the lasers have broken up the ink particles, the lymphatic system transports them to the liver. In the liver, enzymes break down the ink particles to then be eliminated through urine.
The average number of sessions needed for laser tattoo removal will vary depending on the size, location, and color of the tattoo. In general, however, a person can expect between 5-10 sessions to completely remove a tattoo. Some may require more, while others may require fewer.
Laser treatments may darken or lighten skin pigment over and around the tattoo. Sun exposure can also cause blistering and increase the time it takes to heal. Be sure to apply sunscreen before and after laser tattoo removal to minimize changes in your skin pigment.
It is difficult to give a one-size-fits-all answer to this often asked question, but broadly speaking, yes a tattoo can be 100% removed so long as your immune system is working effectively and you follow our sun-safe aftercare guidelines.
Areas like the feet, hands, stomach, chest, elbow, lips, and inner ear are not good tattoo locations. It's essential to consider a few things when choosing a proper placement, such as pain intensity, practicality, and visibility.
In conclusion, a growing body of evidence suggests a possible role of some tattoo ink compounds as triggers for the immune system, and the lack of extensive studies on different autoimmune diseases does not allow physicians to advise patients with consistent data.
Yes, you can donate blood if you have tattoos
The same rules also apply to ear and body piercings. Remember, tattoos also include tattoo “touch-ups” and permanent cosmetic tattoos.