Does Tattoo Removal Leave Scars? What You Should Know
By Gr0 Core Team
Sometimes our ink just doesn’t work out. Maybe it was an idea from an old boyfriend or a tribute to a band you no longer like. Either way, you just want to get rid of that tattoo, which is totally understandable. Thankfully, it’s possible to get rid of unwanted tattoos with laser tattoo removal. The process can be a bit lengthy, but it’s really the only way to get it done.
If you’re thinking about getting a tattoo removed, we understand that you might have some concerns about pain, scarring, and cost. Lucky for you, we’re here to help explain all you need to know, so let’s get started.
How Do You Remove A Tattoo?
Tattoo removal involves a laser beam, similar to the one used in laser hair removal. The laser directs light energy onto your skin, and it gets absorbed by the ink within. Once the pigment has absorbed the energy, the ink is broken up into small pieces.
After that, your body removes the small pieces of ink over time through your immune system. The ink is broken down throughout multiple sessions until it can’t be seen anymore.
How Long Does It Take?
The process can vary in time, depending on a few different factors. The most obvious one is how big the tattoo is. For example, if you have a huge back piece, it is going to take longer than an infinity sign on your wrist. It can take over a year for the body to completely get rid of your ink, and this is mostly because tattoo removal is entirely reliant upon your body’s ability to break down the ink and absorb it.
If you have a tattoo with multiple colors, you’ll need lasers with different wavelengths to treat the tattoo properly.
You’ll need to schedule multiple sessions with your tattoo removal practitioner. You’ll also have to wait about six weeks in between sessions, so you don’t cause any damage to the skin. When you go in for a consultation, the person removing your tattoo should go over how long it will probably take to complete, as well as possible concerns and side effects.
Does It Hurt?
Well, yes, unfortunately, it does. You’re removing ink from within your skin, so there’s some level of pain to be expected. How much it will hurt will depend on your threshold of pain and the location of the tattoo, but odds are if you were able to get the tattoo in the first place, you’ll be okay getting it removed. It’s definitely not pleasant, but you won’t need anything to bite down on.
Many places that offer tattoo removal also offer numbing options for your skin during the removal process. These numbing agents may help with the pain but don’t guarantee there won’t be some residual pain after they wear off.
What About Scarring?
There are a lot of misconceptions about scarring during laser tattoo removal. Some people think that you’re guaranteed a scar after getting this process done. However, if tattoo removal is done correctly, scarring is rare. If you do have scarring, it’s usually not from the removal process and instead is most likely a result of the original tattoo’s application. That initial scarring might just be invisible since your tattoo is hiding it.
Since tattoos are supposed to be permanent, there might be a small amount of skin color variation after the treatment is completed, and noticeability will vary.
There are some cases where people experience scarring after their removal treatment, but this generally only happens if you don’t follow the aftercare routine recommended during removal, so make sure you follow the steps you’re given!
If you do end up with any lasting scars from your tattoo removal, look into at-home microdermabrasion as a way to minimize their appearance.
Risks During Aftercare
If you fail to take proper care of the area where your tattoo was, you risk getting things like scabs and blisters. After getting your tattoo removed, your skin will be sensitive, and you’ll have to take extra care of it to avoid unwanted side effects. These could include bruising, hyperpigmentation, tenderness, and redness. But don’t worry, these effects are only temporary.
You might be limited in what clothes you can wear depending on your tattoo’s location and what activities you can do. The person who removes your tattoo should go over all of this with you so that you don’t risk extra damage to the area. Many places will give you a sheet to take home with you that has the aftercare instructions on it, so make sure you pay attention to everything on that sheet for the best possible outcome.
What About Revision?
If you have a tattoo that you want to partially get rid of, you can still go to a laser tattoo removal place. So maybe you want to keep that flower tattoo but erase the “Chad” lettering that goes through the middle. We get that.
It will probably take fewer sessions for this kind of process. If you plan on getting another tattoo to replace that portion, you will only have to fade the tattoo a certain amount to be drawn over easily.
If you had initial scarring in the area that you want the tattoo to be removed, you might want to reconsider getting the tattoo revised. Removing a specific part of a tattoo and leaving the rest might alter the overall look of the piece. Make sure you consult with your removal specialist and ask them about any initial scarring of your tattoo.
Do Some Research
As with most anything else, the cheap option is not always the best. Don’t go to a sketchy place because you have a coupon for laser tattoo removal. This is serious business, and it’s your skin we’re talking about! Be careful about deciding which place to go to if you decide to get a tattoo removed.
Do some online research and look for trusted and certified professionals. You can also look for customer reviews on their website to see how good they are. Finally, ask people you know who have gotten tattoos removed where they went for the process and whether or not they were satisfied.
When you go in for your initial consultation, don’t be afraid to ask questions! Anyone who does this for a living wants to help you. Don’t ever feel embarrassed about the tattoo that you want to get removed. Everybody makes mistakes, and they’re not there to judge you.
Can I Use KENZZI For Tattoo Removal?
We understand that our IPL handheld device is similar to laser treatments. But, that being said, you cannot use IPL on tattoos. You can go around tattoos when you are using the IPL device to get rid of unwanted hair.
The laser process used to remove tattoos is very specific and cannot be replicated with a device like ours. However, the IPL handheld device is a great alternative to laser hair removal treatments. It can be a lot cheaper and even less painful. The best part is that you can do it yourself and you don’t have to make any appointments.
In Summary
Deciding to remove a tattoo is a pretty big decision, so remember that once a tattoo is gone, it’s gone forever. As long as you take the proper precautions and go to a good practitioner, you shouldn’t experience any scarring from the process. If you think that getting laser tattoo removal is the best option for you, you should go for it!
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