How Long Does It Take To Remove A
Tattoo?
It is easy to enumerate answers as to why people acquire tattoos, just as citing why some want to remove them after a time. But the removal process can be tedious and take far longer to do than having yourself inked. So those who no longer have a love for their current markings often ask, “How long does it take to remove my tattoo?”
All About Tattoos
If you are new to the world of tattoos, you might at least already have the idea that they are the marks, figures, or words you see on a person’s body. These designs are often permanent, placed on the skin by way of ink and needles.
An Overview of Tattoo Procedure
The tattoo artist deposits the pigments via a hand-held machine (much like a sewing machine) into the second layer of their client’s skin, otherwise known as the dermis. Its process involves one or more needles piercing the dermis repeatedly, the needles inserting tiny ink droplets with every puncture.
The procedure does not make use of anesthetics. Some amount of bleeding and potentially significant pain are common. But when the wound scabs over, the person getting a tattoo could see the new design adorning them as soon as the skin heals under a new layer.
Nowadays, tattoos come in many shapes and forms and are highly regarded as an acceptable form of body art. Many people who get them often associate the designs as a memorial piece or something that expresses their interests, hobbies, beliefs, or sentiments. However, the tattoo’s origins are far more symbolic and bear importance in cultural history.
History of Tattoos
Before becoming body art we know today, tattoos started as part of ceremonial rites and passages in most cultures worldwide. People donned tattoos back then for several reasons. Some of these intentions include the following:
Marking special events or milestones (such as puberty or marriage)
Paying honor or respect
Uniting the body to body with ash remains (that are inked under the skin later on)
Scarifying process (as observed in Africa)
Transmitting complex messages regarding identity (i.e., fixed social, political, and religious roles)
No matter the reasoning, tattoos are physical manifestations of a story written in any language and font design or drawn in symbols (usually of cultural imagery). They are special for their ability to speak volumes behind their artistic visage. However, the decision to getting one is not something that should be taken lightly.
Things To Consider Before Getting One
As you may have already gleaned from the tattoo procedure and its origins, getting a tattoo involves careful thought and deliberation. Here are some of the most important considerations to take into account:
Tattoos Cost Money
Acquiring one does not come cheap. Like the other professional services you utilize, a tattoo artist will set their rates (based on their skill level and reputation, the tattoo design, size, colour, and further details).
Tattoos Come With Risks
As you might have figured from the procedure, tattoos breach the skin, presenting some complications. These include:
allergic reactions (especially from red, green, yellow, and blue dyes)
skin infections
other skin problems (such as granuloma and keloids)
bloodborne diseases (e.g., methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), hepatitis B and hepatitis C)
MRI complications (while uncommon, the swelling or burning in the affected areas may hinder the image quality of magnetic resonance imaging or MRI exams)
Tattoo Safety Precautions
Learn or enquire about your prospective tattoo studio or artist.
Ensure the tattoo artist practices proper handwashing and wearing a fresh pair of protective gloves in each procedure.
Ensure they have the proper equipment.
Needles and tubes must come from sealed packages.
Any pigments, trays, or containers should be unused.
A heat sterilization machine (autoclave) should be used to sterilize all non disposable equipment between customers.
Tattoos Are Permanent
Tattoos are markings you will be wearing on your skin for the rest of your life. Make sure the design or phrase you will have etched on your body is one you will not come to regret in the years to come.
But if you decide later that your tattoo no longer serves you, there is, fortunately, a way to have it removed.
Laser Tattoo Removal
Most experts conclude that laser removal is the most successful and cost-effective way to rid yourself of your tattoos. This process usually involves a machine that sends out strong energy in pulses. The energy pulses work to heat up and then dissolve the ink embedded in your skin.
It takes several sessions of laser treatments over several weeks or more to get prominent results. But be aware that lasers cannot remove a tattoo altogether. It can, however, lighten up the pigmentation, so it is less noticeable. Many tattooed consumers who opt for the procedure often just have another tattoo cover the remaining mark.
Several factors could affect the number of laser tattoo removal sessions you need. These will help you determine the duration of your tattoo removal process.
Colors
The colors black, brown, dark blue, and green are much easier to remove than others. It is ideal to have your tattoos in these colors.
Size
Larger tattoos are more time-consuming and expensive to remove than smaller ones.
Skin Conditions
Tattoos are more challenging to remove if you have the following:
darker skin
a preexisting skin condition (e.g., eczema)
a health condition that affects the skin (e.g., herpes)
However, just because some of the above factors apply to you, these do not necessarily mean that tattoo removal is out of your reach. It often means the process will just take much longer or require more sessions. Your laser technician can best give you an estimated timeline upon physical consultation.
For expert tattoo removal, you can rely on Vanish Clinic. Our signature PicoWay laser treatment is designed to deliver quick and efficient tattoo removal (or fading for re-inking). We also offer a skin rejuvenation treatment with a flat fee pricing, which saves you more money than most clinics.
Do not hesitate to contact us and book a free consultation with our trained laser technician and aesthetic nurse. We are happy to formulate the perfect action plan for you.
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