Tattoos are in vogue these days. A lot of people have them. Whether it’s a cool design or something meaningful, there are a wide range of reasons why tattoos are so popular. However, in the moment, a lot of us fail to realize that getting a tattoo is a lifelong commitment and you may not like the one you have down the line. It will stay with you, on your body, for life.

Even when your body ages and your skin sags, your tattoo will still be a part of you. Many times it happens that you like your tattoo when it’s brand new, but it will eventually start to lose its glamour over the years. Your likes and dislikes may also change, so getting that tattoo may end up becoming a regrettable decision.

In such cases, you could opt for laser tattoo removal to erase that stubborn ink from your body.

How Does Laser Tattoo Removal Work?

So what exactly is the science behind laser tattoo removal? When the laser is applied to your tattoo, it breaks up the tattoo ink pigment into particles that can be absorbed by your skin. The body will then break down these particles even further and remove them through its natural processes. With the latest developments in laser technology, a wide spectrum of colors can now be treated, even in tattoos that extend deep into the tissue.

Preparing For Laser Tattoo Removal

Before undergoing the treatment, it is advised to numb the area with an ice pack or numbing cream. Laser tattoo removal involves some degree of pain, but many patients who have undergone the procedure say it does not hurt as much as they expected. Many say that it hurts as much as getting the tattoo in the first place. Numbing the area will help reduce the amount of discomfort you’ll feel during the process.

Before the procedure, your surgeon may ask you to wear sunscreen or avoid long-term exposure to the sun, avoid shaving, stop smoking at least six weeks before the treatment to promote better healing, and avoid taking medications like aspirin. Make sure to stay hydrated as it can help assist in a safe recovery.

Post Session Care

After each session, it is important for you to apply ice on the area treated and to let the tattoo breathe. If you cover the tattoo, it could possibly trap the heat produced by the laser without letting it escape. This can result in scarring. You must also take proper care of the area and protect it from sun exposure and trauma for a few days after the treatment.

If you have decided to get your tattoo removed using laser tattoo removal, make sure you choose your doctor carefully. Choose a place that has been recommended by someone you know, if possible.

By scheduling a consultation with a doctor, you can find out more about the details behind the treatment process such as how long it will take, what you can expect from the procedure, and the potential cost involved.

Remember that the process of removing a tattoo takes more time and effort than the process of actually getting one, so it is very important that you are sure that you want your tattoo to be removed. Once you decide, stay patient and committed until the process is completed.

Contact Our Office

If you find yourself regretting a tattoo you received in the past, then a laser tattoo removal procedure is exactly what you need to fix it. Contact Salinas Valley Plastic Surgery to schedule your consultation today!