More and more people are getting tattoos in recent years because society has become more accepting of them. While tattoos are generally beautiful, there are times when a person who has one would like to get them removed for various reasons, such as a change of taste or a breakup. The good news is that tattoo removal these days is an easy process.

However, tattoo removal is also plagued with many myths and misconceptions, like many things. These myths range from the common to the outlandish and might be having a person think twice about whether or not they should get a tattoo removed. Regardless, it’s worth knowing some of these myths and distinguishing fact from fiction. These include:

#1 – A Tattoo Removal Cream Is More than Enough

No topical treatment alone is sufficient to remove a tattoo. Although some creams are available, they cannot remove a tattoo in totality because they can only reduce it but not altogether. Some creams cannot even reduce the tattoo by more than 50%. Laser removal is still the best way to thoroughly remove a tattoo because it goes deep in the dermis, which is the layer of the skin where the tattoo ink is placed.

#2 – You Can’t Remove New Tattoos

Let’s say you got a tattoo that has been on your skin for at least a month. After thinking it over, you decide it isn’t for you and want it out. Not being able to remove new tattoos is a myth because the tattoo is still only a few weeks old and is still fresh enough to be removed. However, it would be harder to remove if the tattoo has been there for a long time because the ink will have penetrated deep into your skin.

#3 – Laser Tattoo Removal Is Painful

While some say that getting tattoo removal with a laser is painful, this is not true. Most of those who have undergone laser tattoo removal procedures state that the treatment is purely painless, and sometimes the person is not even aware that the laser is being used. Even though a few people say that the treatment hurts, it is highly possible that the pain just wasn’t that bad for them.

No matter what kind of tattoo removal methods you use on your tattoo, you should never forget to be careful about your choice and make sure that you do it only if you are sure that you no longer want that tattoo.

#4 – Laser Tattoo Removal Leaves behind Scars

Tattoo removal with laser is a safe way to remove a tattoo in a short amount of time, with no known risks. Some people are concerned that the laser would leave behind noticeable scars or other disfiguring marks. This is a myth because the laser uses a beam of light that passes through the skin’s epidermis, which holds the ink. The laser passes through the epidermis at high speeds to remove the ink by breaking down its components.

#5 – You Only Need One Session to Remove a Tattoo Completely

This is another false belief about tattoo removal. Most people think you only need a laser session for tattoo removal, but this is not true. If you don’t have enough sessions, you will still see the tattoo. To altogether remove a tattoo, you need to have at least 4 to 6 sessions, depending on your skin type and the tattoo itself. Each session will only remove some tattoo ink, but it’s essential to have enough sessions to remove the tattoo entirely.

#6 – Tattoo Removal Causes Infections

In most cases, an infection would occur after the tattoo removal, not during it. The tattoo is done in a sterile environment, and the ink is removed in the same manner. Some people disagree when they see a friend who had laser tattoo removal and experienced an infection, but this is very uncommon.

Conclusion

Tattoo removal is not always a bad thing. Removing your tattoo may sound scary and painful, but if you know you are going to regret it later on, it’s definitely worth the cost and effort. Remember to be knowledgeable when you remove your tattoo to ensure that you get the best results.

SKYN® provides top-quality services for tattoo removal in Perth. Our skilled and experienced dermatologists will ensure that traces of your tattoo will be removed like it wasn’t there before, and we also provide other skin and cosmetic treatment services. Reach out today for a consultation!

After months or years of thinking, you’ve finally decided to get rid of your tattoo. Now it is time to learn all that you can so you can prepare for your first laser tattoo removal session. To get optimal results, there are some things you should do prior to your treatment. Likewise, there are some activities you need to avoid. Mental preparation is essential, too, and should start at least a few weeks before your appointment, so do not wait until the last minute to prepare for your tattoo laser removal. For you to understand the process, we are answering your top laser tattoo removal FAQs.

Why Is the Tattoo’s Location an Important Factor?

The location of your tattoo is the first and most important factor in the process of tattoo removal. Light, small tattoos can be removed in less than three laser treatments, but larger tattoos need more than three treatments because the laser only targets black pigment. If the tattoo is big and it comes in many colours, more treatments will be required.

Can Laser Remove All Tattoo Colours?

The tattoo ink used by amateur artists is easy to remove. Sometimes, it fades completely in one or two sessions. Some colours are harder to remove than others, though. Metallic green, for example, can take up to fifteen sessions or even more. In addition, fading red tattoos is both time- and energy-consuming. Blue and yellow tattoos also present a challenge since they do not fade away fast. Multicoloured tattoos that are partially green can be very challenging, too.

Does the Size of the Tattoo Matter?

Another laser tattoo removal FAQ is about the size of your tattoo. The number of laser tattoo removal sessions required for larger tattoos is increased because your immune system can only clear a certain amount of ink at every session. Large tattoos like sleeves may take up to 20 sessions to remove. With large tattoos, we highly recommend partial removal or fading for cover-ups. Small tattoos usually require fewer sessions.

What Is Tattoo Layering and Why Is It Important in Removals?

As you already know, removing a tattoo is not an easy task. Different colours of ink are located in different layers of skin. The first layers of the skin can be removed with the most powerful lasers, but the layers at the bottom of the skin are very difficult to remove. Whenever you see a tattoo, remember that it is buried in the skin and not just on top of it. This is why you see that some tattoos can be easily removed while others resist laser removal.

How Many Sessions Will It Take to Remove a Tattoo?

The amount of sessions required to completely remove a tattoo depends on the size and location, as well as the ink colours used. In general, the forearm takes 6-10 sessions, the calf takes 5-10 sessions, and the thigh takes 8-12 sessions. The head and neck also need from 8-12 sessions, and the chest and back need around 8-15 sessions.

Conclusion

After reading this, you have learned the basics of laser tattoo removal. The next thing you need to do is look for a reputable laser tattoo removal clinic. Reach out and ask about the preparations you need to do. After doing all the preparation, you are ready to book your first appointment. Make sure you are healthy enough for treatments and be informed about your next sessions, too.

SKYN is an established aesthetics clinic that offers an array of services, including laser tattoo removal in Perth. Contact us today to book a consultation with our tattoo removal experts!