Maybe it’s Tweety Bird on your lower back. Or it could be a dolphin on your calf that you thought was so cute when you were in college. Or, in the worst-case scenario, the name of your ex on your well, anywhere. If you are one of the lucky few who have ink regret, don’t despair. There are ways to permanently lighten or completely eliminate that uber-embarrassing tattoo that makes you cringe every time you catch a glimpse of it in the mirror. Laser tattoo removal is one of the safest and most common methods for people with unwanted tattoos. Laser removal is the only process available today that’s safe, proven successful, and approved by the FDA.
Find a Laser Center
The most important part of the laser removal process is finding an expert medical provider. For those on the East Coast, the Laser and Skin Surgery Center of New York is a reputable facility with certified specialists who have the expertise and skills to carefully and accurately remove any tattoo. The procedure can be a bit overwhelming for beginners, but the laser experts at Laser & Skin Surgery Center are some of the best in their field. They make the removal experience as comfortable as possible for all of their patients. When you trust the laser specialist who is removing your tattoo, it helps the process go much more smoothly. It’s important to feel comfortable since it takes about six to eight sessions to remove a tattoo, or even more if it is large, new, or very colorful.
How Does Laser Tattoo Removal Work, Exactly?
Don’t bother trying creams and magic potions that promise to remove or lighten your tattoo. There’s no scientific basis behind those claims, and they won’t work. Laser removal is the only safe, effective, and FDA-approved method for removing unwanted ink. The process works by passing laser light energy through your skin barrier to reach the ink below. The ink particles are broken up, digested, and flushed out by the body’s immune system. It’s easier to remove a tattoo closer to your heart since the increased blood flow helps regenerate the skin cells faster. For instance, a foot tattoo typically takes longer to remove than one on your chest.
Does it Hurt?
One of the most common questions about laser tattoo removal is, “Will it hurt?” The answer is yes, but it’s tolerable. Most people liken it to the same amount of pain as getting the tattoo in the first place. Of course, there will be some local anesthetic to numb the worst of the pain. Though there is some discomfort involved, the end result is by far worth it. If you want a cover-up tattoo instead, the laser can lighten your existing tattoo enough so the artist can ink a cover-up without using a lot of ink, which can sometimes leave the new ink looking muddled or blurry.
Will it Work on Every Color?
Yes, laser tattoo removal works for all colors. Though it’s easier to remove black, with the new PICO laser technique, it now effectively removes lighter shades, too. It used to be more challenging to remove colors like yellow, white, or green, but with laser technology advancements, the full spectrum of colors can now be erased. However, if your tattoo is especially vivid and colorful, it will take more sessions to lighten and gradually remove.
Speed Up the Removal Process with These Quick Tips
As the removal process is wholly based upon your immune system and how it responds to the laser treatments, staying as healthy and hydrated as possible goes a long way towards speeding up the entire process. The ink particles are removed through your lymphatic system and liver, so with a healthy immune system, the process can go much faster.
Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated is also essential. Drinking lots of water speeds up the part of the process where your immune system flushes the digested ink particles. Water has long been a proven way to rid your body of toxins, and in this scenario, the broken-down ink particles are the “toxin.” Keep hydrated by drinking at least two liters of water a day.
No More Ink
Another way to hasten the removal process is by not getting any more tattoos in between sessions. Getting new ink will trigger your immune system again, and it is already working very hard to get rid of the old, digested ink fragments. By adding new, fresh ink particles, your immune system will struggle to get rid of the older ink fragments, and it will lengthen the entire process.
Regular Cardio
Exercising regularly to increase your circulation is another way to make the process go faster. Cardiovascular workouts are particularly beneficial for a speedy recovery. With increased blood flow and circulation, the tattoos will fade more quickly, and your body can flush the digested ink more efficiently, which means a speedy recovery.
Eat a Balanced, Healthy Diet
Eat a balanced diet packed full of lean protein, essential fatty acids, fruits, whole grains, and veggies. The vital nutrients and minerals those foods provide help boost your body’s natural ability to process and eliminate the digested ink. By keeping your body healthy, you help it work more efficiently and you can heal much faster, too.
Get Eight Hours of Sleep Each Night
Getting at least eight hours of sleep a night is critical. It helps your body rejuvenate and gives you the rest and healing necessary to speed up the removal process. Getting restful sleep also enables you to heal much quicker and handle the procedures with greater ease.
Wait for Six to Eight Weeks
It’s recommended to wait at least six to eight weeks between each session. Though you might think getting the laser treatments closer together will boost results, this is not true. Getting the procedures too early and close together has an adverse effect on the removal process. It’s also crucial to follow all of the aftercare instructions given to you after each session. Keep the area out of the sun, and apply any bandages or ointments as instructed. It’s critical to take good care of the blisters that will form, as this will keep your immune systems focused on removing the unwanted ink particles instead of spending extra effort to heal infected blisters.
Remove Your Unwanted Tattoo with Laser Tattoo Removal
If you’re one of the thousands of Americans with ink regret, then you’ve probably thought about eradicating your embarrassing tattoo plenty of times. With laser tattoo removal, that’s entirely possible. It’s the only safe and effective method for removing unwanted tattoos backed by scientific evidence and approved by the FDA. Most tattoos require six to eight sessions, but it depends on your tattoo’s size and location. Schedule an appointment today to get rid of your unwanted ink, and you can stop cringing in the mirror and get your self-confidence back for good.
