It can happen to anyone: you get a tattoo that feels like a great idea at the time, only to find years later that the tattoo has lost its charm. While tattoos are designed to last forever, the truth is that people often change with time, and your tattoo may no longer reflect who you are. At DrYoungForever in San Antonio, TX, we’d be happy to talk with you about your tattoo removal options.
Tattoo removal is carried out in a series of treatments, and each treatment can fade the tattoo more as the ink is broken up. Six treatments may be enough to clear out a tattoo for some patients, but others could need more sessions if their tattoo is large, newer, or has a lot of ink. A consultation will provide us with more insight so we can give you a proper estimate.
Once we work out a treatment plan with you, we will discuss how to space out your appointments. Since laser removal helps the body process and dispose of the ink, you will be able to watch your tattoo continuously fade after each session with us.
The length of a laser removal appointment can also vary. It’s primarily dictated by the size of your tattoo. For very small tattoos, each treatment may only take a few minutes. The larger the tattoo, the longer each session will tend to be.
We know it’s important to have an idea of how long your sessions will take so you can understand what to expect and how to schedule your appointments. When we look at the condition and size of your tattoo, we will also have the chance to talk to you about your expectations and scheduling needs. Some factors that can play a role in how many sessions you’ll need and how long your sessions may take are listed below.
Large tattoos will have more pigment, which is why your series may be completed faster if you have a small tattoo. Small tattoos often have thin lines, so breaking up the pigment tends to be a faster process. Each treatment will be able to completely and easily target a small tattoo.
It’s important to note that patients with large tattoos don’t need to be discouraged. The technology behind laser removal is still the same, and large tattoos can still be treated effectively.
If you look at a picture of a brand new tattoo and compare it to even a year or two later, you can often see a significant difference in how “sharp” the tattoo looks. While high-quality tattoos can look good for a long time, age does take its toll on ink. Sun exposure and friction can also speed up the fading of tattoos, and areas like the feet and hands can be especially prone to fast fading.
The body can often break down a tattoo on its own, but very, very slowly, and the process is always incomplete if it doesn’t get any help. Laser removal can help by drastically speeding up the process. When the laser causes the pigment in your tattoo to break apart, the body is able to more effectively dispose of it.
High-contrast tattoos, especially those that are in black ink, may respond faster to treatment. The contrast can help a laser system target your ink’s pigment. Patients who have many different colors in their tattoos may need a few extra appointments or a specialized laser system that’s designed for colorful tattoos. Thankfully, laser technology has come a long way. No matter what your tattoo looks like, we’d be happy to talk through your options.
Laser removal is a well-respected technology, completely non-surgical, and able to deliver good results while keeping the patient’s skin safe and intact. There are many different types of lasers in use. The goal is to find a good match for the type of tattoo the patient has. By effectively targeting the pigment in your tattoo, the laser can harmlessly pass through your skin.
If you have to look at your unwanted tattoo every day, removing it can offer a sense of freedom and relief. There are many reasons you may no longer want your tattoo. It could range from a simple change of taste, realizing the tattoo is poor quality, or no longer liking what the tattoo represents.
If you’re concerned your tattoo can get in the way of your career, or you find yourself not wanting to look at it, you may have been trying to cover it up with long sleeves, jewelry, or thick foundation. With the tattoo gone, it may help you feel more spontaneous since you won’t have to worry about hiding it anymore.
Now more than ever, people are taking pictures to memorialize big events or the little daily moments that make life special. When you look back on these pictures, you may not want your unwanted tattoo taking a place in those memories.
Since tattoo removal requires a series, let us know if you have an important event coming up. If there’s enough time, we may be able to either completely remove the tattoo or help it fade enough, so it’s easier to cover up.
Having an unwanted tattoo can negatively impact a person’s confidence in their personal life as well as in the workplace. If you’re interviewing for a new job, for instance, you may not know how the company or the interviewer feels about tattoos.
Some companies have continued to become more flexible about tattoos in the workplace, but many still view them as unprofessional. If your tattoo is making you feel more nervous during interviews or limiting your workplace options, it may be worth it to remove the tattoo.
There are times when a patient may either get matching tattoos or a tattoo to commemorate a special relationship. If the relationship changes, the tattoo may be a sad reminder. Removing the tattoo could be cathartic and help the patient feel more confident as they date or even when they look in the mirror.
On the other hand, it could be that you enjoy getting tattoos and realize that one of your tattoos doesn’t match the vision or theme you have for your other tattoos. Removing the unwanted tattoo can give you more space to pursue higher-quality body art.
There’s more than one way to remove a tattoo, but we encourage our patients to be careful as they look into their options. Laser removal is widely considered the safest option since it can effectively break up the tattoo’s pigment without breaking your skin along with it.
Some patients may opt for surgical removal, which may require a skin graft if a large tattoo is removed. Others may consider at-home remedies, but these at-home remedies can range from completely ineffective to dangerous. In some cases, at-home treatments can leave the patient with a severe scar along with their unwanted tattoo. By trusting a safe and approved method, you could save yourself distress in the long run.
As you look into a removal method that works for you, remember that seeking out quality care from professionals is of the utmost importance. Even if you feel desperate to get rid of your tattoo, it’s better to have it done right than done in a rush.
If you’re reading this article, chances are you have already made up your mind about removing your tattoo. It’s worth saying, though, that since tattoo removal is permanent it’s a good idea to make sure you really want to get rid of the tattoo. Once you’re sure you can say goodbye to your unwanted ink without any regrets, it’s time to set up a consultation.
While you may be excited to dive right into treatment, it’s important to take the time for a consultation first. This allows us to make sure we’re on the same page as our patients, and it will give you the opportunity to ask your questions and go over your needs and your schedule with us.
During treatment, the hand-held laser device will target your tattoo. Laser energy will pass through the skin and be absorbed by the tattoo’s pigment. On contact, the pigment will break up into smaller particles, and for several weeks after each treatment the body will carry away these shattered particles. Each treatment should noticeably fade your tattoo until you can’t see it anymore.
We would be happy to answer any questions you have about tattoo removal, or any of our other cosmetic treatments. We strive to make our office a welcoming and friendly environment, and we are dedicated to helping each person who walks through our doors find the right treatment for their needs. Contact DrYoungForever of San Antonio, TX, today and set up your consultation!
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