Thankfully, tattoos are no longer permanent. Learn how you can utilize laser to remove a tattoo completely (yes, you read that right!)
If you live in Colorado and you’re looking to remove a tattoo completely you’ve come to the right place to find out more about the process. Gone are the days where tattoos are permanent…and for all of us with tattoos we are no longer fond of this is great news.
Most everyone I know these days has at least one tattoo they’d rather get rid of and there’s nothing wrong with this at all. There used to be some stigma surrounding laser tattoo removal, but I love to view it simply as a personal choice. Just like getting a tattoo, removing it is also an option. If you’re wondering how how to remove a permanent tattoo, read on.
First of all, scrap the tattoo removal creams and fake laser pens. Not only is this stuff not effective, but it could permanently damage your skin. Laser tattoo removal is the gold standard these days to remove tattoos.
Tattoos that are good for removing
As you may have read in some of my other blogs, the age and saturation of your tattoo are key in how long the laser tattoo removal process will take. What does this mean for your tattoo? For example, a 10-20 year old tattoo will likely respond very well to laser treatments and lighten up quickly. A 2-5 year old fresh tattoo can absolutely still be treated, taking more sessions to break down the ink in your skin.
The saturation of your tattoo is a factor when undergoing the laser removal process as well. Saturation is basically how much ink is packed into the tattoo. Was the original tattoo pretty light to begin with, or did the artist really pack in a lot of deep, dark inks? These factors play into how many sessions you’ll be looking at to remove your tattoo.
How long does it take to remove a tattoo?
Lots of people ask how long it takes to remove a tattoo completely. Since this depends on several factors, I do my best as a Certified Laser Tattoo Removal Specialist to give you my thoughts and estimations based on my extensive experience removing tattoos of all types. It’s important for you to be able to speak with whoever is actually performing the laser tattoo removal service for you- so you are on the same page for expectations.
Don’t get caught up in a sales pitch where they pressure you into purchasing a expensive package for full tattoo removal without ever speaking to the actual person who will be performing the laser procedure. You deserve to consult directly with your laser tech.
What the tattoo removal process is like
When you show up for your first treatment, you’ll fill out some quick intake information and I will review it during your consultation. This is to ensure your results are the best possible, that we preserve your health and the quality of your skin. We’ll talk about the tattoo you’re looking to remove and I will give you an estimate on how many sessions I think will take to remove it as well as answer any other questions you have about the process.
After we chat, I will get the laser running and ready to go and ensure you’re comfortable. The best part about this process is that it’s QUICK. I will do a spot test with the laser to ensure there are no reactions. After we’re clear to proceed, I will treat your tattoo. Obviously the time you’ll be in the chair depends on the size of your tattoo, but for a tattoo only a couple inches in diameter, you could sit for around 30 seconds and be done! Bigger tattoos take longer, and I do offer a complimentary numbing cream for you if you need it. This is applied an hour before the appointment and definitely takes the edge off.
Is tattoo removal painful?
Lots of my new clients ask what the process will actually feel like…does it hurt? I like to say it’s spicy! Again, the best part is that it is a very fast process. After we finish up, we’ll book your next session. When you get home, it helps to take some of the heat out of your skin with an ice pack or aloe if you desire.
Completely removing a tattoo IS possible
Many people want to completely remove a tattoo completely instead of lightening it for a cover up. This is a personal choice that I respect, and it is possible to totally get rid of a tattoo that you no longer like. It’s just a matter of time and patience. Completely removing a tattoo is a journey that we can partner together on. If you want to find out what kind of timeline you’re looking at to erase an old tattoo, contact me and we’ll go from there.
Cheers!
Jim