If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and cursed your tattoo, this is one article you want to read.
Tattoo regret is more common than you think – three out of every 10 Australians want to have a tattoo removed. If you’ve decided that it’s time to have your tattoo removed, here are some answers to commonly asked questions about the removal process.
7 Common Tattoo Removal Questions & Answers
1. What is the most important thing I should know about tattoo removal?
Removing a tattoo is much harder than getting one. Depending on the size, location and age of your tattoo, it can take a year or two before it’s completely gone. Other factors that play a role include your immune system, age and whether or not you were tattooed by a professional. This is one process that requires patience if you’re serious about seeing results.
2. How much is this going to hurt?
Tattoo removal is not excruciating but it isn’t comfortable either. Topical anaesthetics can be used to numb the area but overall it will feel as if your skin is being exposed to grease splatters or the snap of an elastic band.
3. Why does the location of my tattoo matter?
Since certain parts of your body have less blood circulating through them, they heal slower, which means the ink particles from the tattoo won’t be eliminated as quickly. This is why tattoos on the feet can take much longer to remove than one on your chest, which is closer to the heart. Unfortunately, the location and the colour of your tattoo will play a significant role in how quickly it can be removed. It could be gone in 3 sessions or it could take 25 – your clinician such as Clinica Lase in Carlton and Ballarat will be able to give you a better idea.
4. What about the age of the tattoo?
Yes, the age of your tattoo matters too. Some older tattoos tend to fade quickly because they’re already slightly faded. With that being said, new tattoos can sometimes take longer to remove because of the ingredients in modern ink.
5. Who should be removing my tattoo?
Not just anyone should be removing your tattoo. Only a trained clinician with proven laser tattoo removal experience should be an option.
6. What questions should I be asking my clinician before I go ahead with treatment?
Start by making sure that they specialise in tattoo removal. Not all lasers are the best option for tattoo removal and it’s also important to determine whether your clinician has actual experience with tattoos. Next, look at reviews of the clinic to see how happy patients have been with the service and the results. During your consultation, make a point of asking as many questions as possible about the procedure for your own benefit and to gauge how knowledgeable the clinician is. Include questions about what to expect during the procedure, how long it will take to remove your tattoo, what wavelengths the laser system produces and how you should care for your skin following each session.
7. Are there other removal options besides laser?
You may have come across scrubs and creams that claim to remove tattoos but these products will never produce the result you’re hoping for. Laser tattoo removal is the only effective way to target all ink colours across all skin tones.
