Don`t you like your tattoo anymore? Laser removal is a safe method to get rid of it. Laser tattoo removal has become more accessible due to the fact that celebrities advertise the wonders of tattoo removal on social networks; the tattoo no longer seems to us to be permanent. But do not confuse the laser with the magic eraser – everything is much more complicated.
Let`s learn most popular myths about the procedure to prevent negative consequences.
Myth №1. The location of the tattoo does not matter.
There are many medical centers and beauty salons that provide a service of removing tattoos from the body in big cities and small towns. That is the fact that the quality of services often needs to be adjusted. Remember, it is recommended to get tattoo removal only at specialist, especially a dermatologist. This doctor knows how to prevent or detect complications during or after the procedure and is aware of contraindications for tattoo removal. Laser tattoo removing process may lead to bleeding, infection and scarring, each of which can be successfully treated, but only with proper care under the supervision of a dermatologist. Your health is your choice, that`s why be sure to check the qualifications of the specialist beforehand. Unfortunately, in most countries medical education and a license are not required to work with a laser, therefore it is important to take a responsible approach to the choice of a clinic and a specialist.
Myth №2. Laser is a simple, reliable and easy solution to remove undesirable tattoo.
A big misconception of people who think that the laser is an eraser. Sometimes the complete removal of a tattoo can take one or two years, and the procedure is carried out every 6, 8 or 12 weeks. In addition, it can not be compared with the removal of unwanted hair. This is an invasive procedure that costs a lot of money. Lasers remove tattoos by breaking up the pigment molecules into tiny particles, which are pushed out of the skin due to the reaction of the immune system. Skin healing after laser removal is difficult and takes a long period. The laser destroys the surface of the skin, so recovery may be accompanied by bleeding, swelling and pain.
Myth №3. Tattoo removal is not painful.
Laser tattoo removal can be painless only if the specialist anesthetizes the location for the procedure. If the tattoo is large, the removal process may take a long time. In such cases, the doctor may give you an injection of Novocaine to numb the area, while a non-medical specialist can skip this part of the procedure. Small tattoos are technically as painful as the large ones due to the fact that tattoo removal takes into account the color of the tattoo, but its size.
Myth №4. Laser tattoo removal is safe for everyone.
Tattoo removal with laser is not suitable for all candidates. Due to the specifics of the laser, people with dark skin may face some problems during and after the procedure. The laser targets the pigment in the dye and can catch the melanin too. Thus, the darker your skin, the more difficult to use a laser to remove the tattoo. In addition, owners of dark skin may face with burns and hyper-pigmentation after the procedure.
Myth №5. Tattoos are easy to remove.
Every tattoo is different with its color, size and design. Black tattoos are easier to remove than colored ones. Green and blue are more difficult to remove than the black ones. While specialists often cannot remove yellow, white and purple tattoos. Different laser wavelengths target different colors in the skin. That is why different lasers are required for successful removal of a multi-colored tattoo.
Myth №6. If you did not face with any reactions during tattooing, you don`t face any reactions of the skin or body during its removal.
Even if the tattooing process was smooth and trouble free, a bad reaction to tattoo removal is still possible. First, lasers can cause scarring and permanent discoloration of the skin, which is less common when applying a tattoo.
In some cases, people want to remove the tattoo because their body has negatively reacted to its application. The worst thing you can do in this situation is to remove with laser. Laser-split pigment can get into the lymph nodes, which can lead to a serious reaction throughout the body. Such a somatic reaction dramatically increases the patient’s chances of prophylactic shock, a life-threatening condition. Alternative methods of tattoo removal in people with allergies include surgical removal or removal with an abrasive laser that removes the top layer of skin.
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