Laser tattoo removal works in mysterious ways- learn more so you can get the best results from your treatments
By now you’ve learned that the only legitimate way to remove a tattoo is through laser tattoo removal. When I say legitimate, I mean the only way to completely remove a tattoo that doesn’t permanently damage your skin. Just like any other cosmetic procedure, it’s smart to learn a little about the process before you start undergoing treatments so you know how to get the best results and what to expect.
Why tattoos are “permanent”
When you get a tattoo, the ink is deposited into the dermis, which is a layer just under the outermost layer of your skin. After getting tattooed, your immune system kicks in to heal the layer of skin that has had ink added to it. Some of the ink is moved through your system and away from the area…but most stays behind. This is why tattoos are considered to be “permanent” even though they typically fade over time and now can be removed by lasers.
How lasers can remove tattoos
Laser tattoo removal works by blasting the ink in your skin into tiny particles which are later flushed out through your body’s lymphatic system. This is why it’s key to be in good health and to not smoke when you’re removing a tattoo. Your immune system kicks into overdrive to remove the ink particles.
Your health plays a role
One of the most interesting aspects of how laser tattoo removal works is the role your body plays in the process. Since getting the laser treatment is what we focus on, we often don’t consider how the ink is ultimately removed from your body. Your body takes the microscopic particles of laser treated ink and flushes them out using white blood cells.
This process of cleansing and flushing actually never stops, and your body will continue to process out the ink particles for months and years after getting laser tattoo removal treatments. Check out the image below- there’s a year and a half in between these pictures with no laser removal treatments. It’s a testament to the amazing regeneration our bodies can undergo over time. And it’s another reminder of why your health is a key factor in how successful and timely your tattoo removal journey is!
Here’s another example of the body’s ability to continue flushing ink particles over time. The middle image was after this client’s last treatment. The last image shows the end result after the immune system has done it’s job…awesome!
The type of laser used matters
Speed and heat are key to how laser tattoo removal works. Different wavelengths on the laser can address different colors in your tattoo. At Black Sage we use the Quanta Q-Plus C laser, the only true three wavelength Q-switched system available in the world. This means we can specifically target each color in your tattoo removal process so you get the best results in the most efficient period of time. We also utilize a cooling system during laser treatments which increase your comfort and reduces the risk of burns or blistering.
Our cutting edge laser technology allows us to remove most any tattoos, while keeping in mind that there are a lot of factors other than your health that influence your results. These include the saturation of ink, color, age of the tattoo, and placement. Older tattoos made up of mostly black ink are typically the easiest to remove.
Choosing a tattoo removal clinic
Make sure you’re able to speak to the laser tech that will be removing your tattoo to ask questions beforehand. Find someone with experience, who doesn’t push you to purchase a package up front. Ask about the laser, their opinions on skin integrity (blistering), and anything else you’re curious about. Ultimately, for a highly personal decision it’s important you feel completely comfortable and trust in the technology and person who will be performing the laser tattoo removal process for you.
Lots of medi spas are popping up that offer laser tattoo removal, other skin treatments, microblading and more. This may seem convenient, but unfortunately, laser tattoo removal is not their specialty and your results can reflect that.
We consider all factors when consulting with you so that we can give you a fair and reasonable estimate of time to remove a tattoo and tailor your overall treatment plan to your situation. We have great success removing tattoos of all ages, colors and placements and we work closely with tattoo shops in Colorado for cover ups. Check out some images on our Insta to see for yourself, and shoot us a DM if you have questions or want to book a free, no pressure consultation.
Cheers,
Jim