What to Know About Laser Tattoo Removal
Not all tattoos turn out or remain the way you hoped, or maybe the tattoo you got in high school just doesn’t fit you anymore. Whatever the case, tattoo removal is available to reduce, and in some cases, completely remove unwanted tattoos. Here’s what you need to know about the process and what to expect.
The Color of Your Tattoo Matters
During laser tattoo removal, lasers with high-intensity light beams are directed at the tattoo and work to break down pigment colors. Because black absorbs all laser wavelengths, this pigment is the easiest to treat and can sometimes be completely removed. Other darker colors such as blue are also easier to treat, however, some brighter colors can only be faded, not removed completely.
Several Treatments Will be Required
Depending on the color, size, and placement of your tattoo, you may require several treatments to get rid of your tattoo. You will see improvement after each treatment with the tattoo becoming lighter. While some parts of your tattoo may always be visible, the appearance can be greatly diminished with several laser treatments, making the tattoo a lot less noticeable to you and others.
There Will be Some Discomfort
Laser tattoo removal can cause some discomfort but very few patients require anesthesia. There are some things you can do before and after the procedure to ease this discomfort. In some cases, anesthesia cream can be applied to the area before treatment. Immediately after treatment, you will want to use ice to soothe the area and apply an antibiotic cream to protect it. It is important to use sunscreen on the area when outside.
If you are in the Farmington, Michigan area and have an unwanted tattoo that you’re ready to have removed, contact Dr. Baird today to schedule your first consultation.
