Tattoo removal is very effective, however, it needs to be done over a series of sessions meaning you’ll gradually see it disappear and it may take a bit longer than anticipated. In this blog, we will discuss how effective is tattoo removal and what to consider before getting tattoo removal.
How effective is tattoo removal?
Will my whole tattoo disappear?- In almost all cases, your tattoo will be completely removed. This may take more sessions than you expected, but it can be done. It all depends on the thickness of your tattoo and how much colour it has.
Aftercare is crucial- If you don’t care for your tattoo properly after getting tattoo removal, it can look worse than the tattoo you want to get rid of! The tattoo removal aftercare process is a similar process to getting your tattoo in the first place. If you don’t look after your skin after the tattoo removal procedure, your skin could get infected, making the appearance of the area unpleasant. You shouldn’t pick at the area, use any soaps on it and you should avoid alcohol, sunlight and smoking. If you notice a discharge coming out of the area of the tattoo removal skin after 2 weeks, consult a doctor as this is a sign of infection, which will require immediate attention. How effective is tattoo removal when receiving great aftercare? Very.
How long does it take before my next tattoo removal session? - Most removal technicians spread their sessions out between 1-8 weeks, depending on your and the technician's availability.
How many sessions will I need before the tattoo is removed? - Although the procedure varies greatly from person to person, generally, it takes 6-8 sessions to remove a tattoo with laser treatment. You’ll also have to wait 1-8 weeks between these sessions for the best results. With this in mind, it can take 1 year and 2 months to 1 year and 6 months for your tattoo to fully be removed.
What to consider before getting tattoo removal?
Is tattoo removal painful?- Getting tattoo removal is about as painful as getting the tattoo done in the first place- so pretty painful. Some people choose to use numbing cream, which can be a great pain reliever, especially if there is a big area to remove, or you’re expecting to go in for a number of sessions.
Use a doctor or a tattoo removal specialist- Make sure that you find someone who has been trained properly. Look them up and make sure they are trustworthy and reputable. After all, this is a surgical procedure and the regulations around it need to be kept for health and safety reasons. At the end of the day, how effective tattoo removal is is only as good as your technician, so make sure you pick someone who’s had sufficient training and experience.
Have you considered getting a coverup tattoo?- Why not ‘coverup’ an old tattoo by replacing it with a new one? You could get your tattoo removed so it’s faded slightly and then get a coverup for the next part of your tattoo.
Prepare for your tattoo- The events after tattoo removal is the same as the process after getting a tattoo. You’ll need to prepare for the aftercare before you start the session as you might need to wear something that doesn’t cover the tattoo as it may irritate the area. You may also want to use specific aftercare soap so that you can clean the area without it being irritated by any harsh chemicals. It’s also important to use moisturizer twice a day on the sensitive area.
Take some time out of your schedule- Allow a good few hours for the tattoo removal process- don’t try and squeeze it in your work lunch break! The result will be better if the artist isn’t rushing. The process may take longer than expected as you’re not just taking out the time for tattoo removal, you’re also taking out the time out to take photos, to clean and bandage the area and there’s a lot of aftercare information that gets spoken about.
To answer the question ‘how effective is tattoo removal’ quickly, it all depends on how well you take care of the area in between the sessions. To make sure the tattoo removal process works effectively, take a look at tattoo numbing cream products where you can find numbing cream, aftercare soap and moisturising goo.
