Do you have an old tattoo you’re ready to let go of? Maybe it doesn’t fit your style anymore or brings back memories you’d rather forget.
There are a few ways to remove a tattoo, but laser removal is the most common and effective option.
The process can feel overwhelming because it’s more involved than getting a tattoo in the first place. That’s why it’s important to understand exactly what to expect.
In this post, you’ll learn about the pros and cons of tattoo removal, especially when it comes to laser treatments. This will help you decide if it’s the right choice for you.
Pros
Non-Invasive
Tattoo removal is not a surgical procedure, so no excision or blood is involved in the treatment. This means that the recovery process is minimal, and you can go about your daily life. It can be done in an outpatient setting where a specialist will take care of the process. However, it is advised that you find a qualified artist for the treatment.
High Success Rate
The laser tattoo removal process has high success rates. Although you might not see the results instantly, your tattoos will eventually fade out permanently after several sessions depending on your treatment plan.
Relatively Painless
Laser tattoo removal is relatively painless compared to other methods of tattoo removal. However, this will greatly depend on your pain threshold. If you went through the actual process of getting the tattoo, it might be less painful this time. People describe the sensation of tattoo removal as getting snapped by a rubber band, and others say they feel as if oil hits their skin from a frying pan. It’s all a matter of your pain threshold.
Ability to Have a Second Chance
Tattoo removal gives you the freedom to start fresh. Maybe your tattoo doesn’t feel like you anymore, or it brings back memories you’d rather leave behind.
- Many people choose removal to feel more confident in their skin.
- It’s a chance to create space for something new or enjoy clear skin again.
- You don’t have to feel stuck with something that doesn’t fit your life today.
An Effective and Permanent Solution to Ink
Tattoo removal is a long-term fix that clears away old ink for good. Once your sessions are complete, the tattoo won’t return.
- You’re no longer tied to styles or designs from years ago.
- Trends change, and so do personal tastes.
- Many see removal as a fresh start and a way to feel more like themselves again.
Cons
Pain
Pain is one of the biggest cons of tattoo removal. Some people say that the pain of removing a tattoo is more painful than getting it done.
An intense beam of light passes over the affected area for laser tattoo removal. The light breaks down the ink bit by bit until the tattoo gradually fades.
But don’t be scared; it’s not world-class pain. It’s pain you can withstand, remember no pain, no gain, right?
- Many people compare it to a rubber band snapping against your skin.
- The level of discomfort often depends on where the tattoo is located and your personal pain tolerance.
- Numbing creams and cooling tools can help make each session more manageable.
Risk of Infection
Although a minimal risk, tattoo removal can lead to infection. This is because the skin becomes inflamed after the procedure.
After tattoo removal, your skin will turn blistery, itchy, and white. The desire to itch or the process of itching can open the healing skin to potential infections.
- Keeping the area clean and applying ointment like Vaseline can help it heal faster.
- Avoid touching or scratching the skin as much as possible.
- Always follow your technician’s aftercare instructions to lower the chance of problems.
Uneven Color
In some rare cases, tattoo removal can cause uneven skin color. This occurs when the skin pigment reacts with the powerful laser.
Extreme exposure to light can trigger excess melanin production. When this happens, the affected area becomes darker than the rest of the skin.
If this happens, apply sunscreen to the affected area to keep the sensitive skin from darkening further. Skin pigmentation can also occur when the skin pigment reacts to the laser beam, resulting in uneven skin color. However, these happen in very rare cases.
- People with darker skin tones may notice slight color changes more often.
- Wearing sunscreen and following aftercare instructions can help reduce this risk.
- Talk with your specialist about how your skin may respond before starting treatment.
Costly
Tattoo removal is an expensive procedure. Getting the tattoo cost you several dollars, and so will removing the tattoo.
This will depend on:
- The size and location of your tattoo
- The ink colors used
- How many sessions you’ll need
The price is also contributed by the fact that you require multiple treatments to get rid of the tattoo completely.
However, the treatment will be worth it if you’re committed to having the tattoo removed for good. Many people feel the long-term benefits outweigh the cost.
Ink May Break Down in The Body
Some tattoo pigments may break down into toxic chemicals in the body when exposed to light. But this is not yet scientifically proven.
German scientists reported that concentrations of molecules from red and yellow pigments increased up to 70-fold after laser radiation.
- The bigger the tattoo, the greater the release of these particles.
- Research on this topic is still ongoing, and no clear evidence shows it causes harm in humans.
- If you’re concerned, ask your specialist about the types of pigments in your tattoo and any potential risks.
Is Getting a Tattoo Removal Worth it?
If you’re thinking about having a tattoo removed, it’s smart to weigh the pain and the price. These are often the biggest factors that make people pause before booking an appointment.
Pain levels depend on a few things:
- Your personal pain threshold
- The location of the tattoo on your body
For most people, the process feels less painful than they expected. Numbing creams can also help make it more comfortable.
Cost varies based on:
- How many sessions you’ll need
- The size and colors of your tattoo
- The experience of your technician
Most clinics offer free consultations, so you can get all the details upfront. This is a good time to ask about any promotions or discounts.
Above all, make sure you choose a qualified professional to handle your removal. The right specialist will guide you through each step and help you feel confident about your decision.
Takeaway
If you’re wondering, “Is tattoo removal worth it?”, it helps to look closely at the details. From pain and cost to long-term results, understanding the tattoo removal pros and cons can guide your decision.
At Arts of Attraction in St. Petersburg, we’re here to help you feel confident about your next step. Whether you want a fresh start with laser tattoo removal or you’re interested in tattoo removal training to grow your career, our team has the experience and training to support you.
Don’t let an old tattoo keep you from feeling confident. Book your appointment today and start fresh with the skin you love.
