Your Nearest Location:

The Essentials of Tattoo Removal

The number of people getting tattoos each year is steadily rising and whether or not you have one, chances are that you know someone close to you who does. At the very least, we have all seen those internet lists showing off some of the worst tattoos that people have ever gotten done. So while tattoos can be an amazing way to pay tribute to the things that are near and dear to your heart, they can also sometimes be the result of a colossal mistake made by either the tattoo artist, customer, or both.

If you have ever had the unfortunate experience of getting a tattoo that you regret then there are a couple of options that your dermatologist in Pleasanton will likely recommend that you pursue. You can either wait until the tattoo has healed and try to get an artist to create a cover-up tattoo over top of it, or you can go visit a dermatologist clinic in Placerville and they will begin you on a tattoo removal skin treatment in San Francisco.

While a cover-up tattoo might be a less painful option, it also might not work for you. Depending on the size, location, and intricacy of the tattoo, putting a cover-up over top of it might not be something that the vast majority of tattoo artists are willing or capable of doing. In that case, you will need to seriously consider getting tattoo removal done by a dermatologist in Cameron Park. If tattoo removal is something that you are interested in then here is everything that you will need to know about the tattoo removal process.

How It Works

Tattoo removal is done with a method that is known as selective photothermolysis. What this means is that by using a specific wavelength of light combined with proper pulse duration, the tattoo particles are able to be specifically targeted and destroyed without significantly damaging the skin that surrounds it.

This, of course, only applies to the traditional method of laser tattoo removal. In actuality, there are several other methods that you could possibly take to getting your shameful ink removed but these often come with side effects and are deemed nowhere near as reliable of treatments as laser removal. Even within the field of laser removal, there are several different methods that can be applied. Choosing which one is best for you is something that your dermatologist will be able to help you with.

The Length That It Takes to Remove a Tattoo

Unfortunately, there is no solid answer to this question because there are so many determining factors at play here. In reality, completely removing the tattoo could take anywhere from 2-20 sessions or even more. The specifics of your exact tattoo that you are wanting to get removed and the process that your dermatologist has chosen to remove it with will all affect how long the removal process takes. For example, if you have a half-sleeve tattoo on your arm that you are hoping to get rid of then that will take a much longer time to remove than someone who is going in to get a small tattoo on their ankle removed.

Another important aspect is the color that is involved in the tattoo, which plays a massive role in how quickly and effectively the tattoo is fully removed. Whereas tattoos that used mainly black ink used to be the easiest ones to remove, that title has now switched over to green and blue tattoos thanks to the advancements in the laser technology used in the removal process.

It Is Not As Painful As They Say

While it is true that getting a tattoo removed usually comes with some pain, the exact amount of pain that it causes is often grossly exaggerated by movies and tv. Tattoo removal used to be much more painful a decade ago, but the advancements of the technology since then have made the process far more tolerable.

Depending on the specific tattoo, the specialist may be able to use ice, numbing cream, or local anesthetic to minimize or even entirely get rid of the pain caused by the removal process. Of course, the size and location of your tattoo will have a pretty big impact on just how much discomfort this procedure causes. If it is in a particularly sensitive area then it is obviously going to end up hurting you more but getting the tattoo done in that exact area in the first place should have at least somewhat prepared you for the level of discomfort that you will be feeling.

How the Treatment Affects Your Skin Post-Operation

Unfortunately, you will likely not be walking out of the tattoo removal process without a scratch. At least, not at first. Immediately after the procedure is over, you will likely experience some red, bruised, blistered, or swollen skin in the area that was treated. Applying the special ointment prescribed by the specialist is a great way to try and prevent these effects from taking place as often or as intensely.

Your skin will also not be in any condition to get tattooed again until after the healing process is completely over. How long this takes depends on how well you follow the aftercare treatment plan that your tattoo removal specialist likely provided you with at the end of your last session. The entire healing process could take anywhere from one to four weeks or even longer if there are certain complications.

After this window of time has passed and your skin looks back to its former healthy self, you can feel free to head off to the tattoo shop and try again. Just make sure that you are thinking it through this time, or else you will find yourself back at the specialist in no time.

Disclaimer: We are unable to guarantee any result, even though most of our patients do see success. The results of our services will vary greatly to each patient’s level of commitment and compliance with the program.

Scroll to Top