Getting a tattoo is easy, but removing it can be a pain. You can try cover-up makeup, but if you want to get rid of it, don’t worry! In this article, we’ll teach you how to easily remove a tattoo. There are several reasons why you might want to get rid of a tattoo. Maybe the color has faded or you’ve changed your mind. Maybe you no longer believe in the beliefs you held when you got a tattoo that represented your beliefs, or maybe you’ve simply changed your mind. Whatever the reason, thanks to technological advances it is now possible to remove it.
While permanent tattoos used to be removed through surgery, which left a scar in the tattooed area, laser therapy can now do the job better. So scroll down to find out more.
Permanent tattoos are meant to last forever and it is virtually impossible to remove the ink without leaving a mark. In the past, tattoo removal was usually done using surgical techniques that left scars. With recent technological advancements, laser therapy has now become the standard for tattoo removal.
How do you remove a tattoo?
1. Laser tattoo removal:
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Laser treatment is the most commonly used method for tattoo removal. Thanks to modern laser treatment, multi-colored tattoos can be removed with minimal scarring. Jingxi Gu, a licensed tattoo artist, says, “Laser treatment is painful and requires multiple treatments, but it is generally effective and is the most standard way to remove a tattoo. Be aware that there are cases where laser does not work well, depending on the skin.”
The laser treatment breaks up the ink in the tattoo and lightens it. The ink is then naturally absorbed through the body’s lymphatic system, causing the tattoo to fade.
Tattoo removal by laser treatment depends on a number of factors, such as the ink used, the amount of different colors used, and the size of the tattoo. The number of sessions required is conservative based on these reasons, the average sessions are 6 to 15. The therapist will first apply anesthesia to the tattooed area before the sessions begin. Each session lasts approximately 20 minutes.
Smaller tattoos are easier to remove. The same goes for older tattoos, because the ink breaks down relatively easily in both cases. Black and green ink on light-skinned people are the easiest to remove, unlike pastel and floral colors. Removing a tattoo on the chest and head is very difficult. A simple tattoo can be removed in 2-3 sessions, but removing complex tattoos requires a series of treatments of 15-20, with intervals of about 8-10 weeks.
Did you know?
Dr. Leon Goldman performed the first laser tattoo removal treatment in 1967 using an ND:YAG laser and a 694 Ruby laser.
Side effects of laser tattoo removal:
Side effects of laser tattoo removal include hyperpigmentation of the skin, burning, pain, redness and swelling of the area. Other possible side effects include infections or permanent scarring.
2. How to Remove a Tattoo at Home: Home Remedies
There are many professional tattoo removal processes, but they can be expensive and extremely painful. Home tattoo removal is the safest and most cost-effective way to get rid of a tattoo. This process will not completely remove the tattoo, but it will lighten the tattoo considerably.
Make a mixture of aloe vera gel, apricot and vitamin in equal proportions. Apply the mixture on the tattoo and massage it in circular motions. Then leave the mixture for a while and wash it off with cold water. Repeat this procedure 2 to 3 times a day for about 4 weeks. Make a mixture of sand powder and aloe vera gel. Apply it on the tattoo and rub it gently with pumice stone. Repeat this 2 to 3 times a day and you will see that your tattoo fades. The wax paper method is especially for those who can tolerate hard and painful techniques. Apply wax paper on the tattoo and then hold a hot iron on it, which will burn the tattoo. You should cover the burn with bandages and they should be changed every half hour. This method is very dangerous and risky and should be avoided.
3. Tattoo Removal Cream:
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Tattoo removal creams are the cheapest and least painful method of removing a tattoo. Constant use of the home tattoo removal procedure and tattoo removal cream will give very good results. Tattoo removal cream should be applied regularly for 6 weeks, at least 2 to 3 times a day on the tattoo. These creams are quite expensive, so you should keep the cost in mind while buying these creams from the market and opt for the best cream available. This is definitely the least painful answer to how to remove a tattoo from skin,
There is also a tattoo removal solution available in the market that contains 1% hydroquinone. This chemical fades the tattoo in the long run because it contains bleach. You need to use an exfoliant or a cleanser to rub the tattoo with it.
Quick tip
It is recommended to apply an activator cream to prepare the skin for the final tattoo removal cream for effective infusion. It helps to fade the tattoo ink after a long time.
4. Other medical methods:
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The other methods of tattoo removal are not as effective and more painful than the other methods mentioned here. These other methods include:
This method removes the top layer of skin by means of abrasive friction.
A saline solution is rubbed onto the skin, warmed and scraped away (ouch)
This is a deadly method where the skin on which the tattoo is applied is cut away and then stitched back together.
Both methods are extremely painful and dangerous and cause severe scarring. They are only used in extreme cases, when laser treatments do not work.
Infographic: Preparing for Laser Tattoo Removal
Laser tattoo removal is your best option if you want to get rid of a permanent tattoo fast. With the advancement in technology, it is possible to remove the most stubborn inks of all colors. However, the process can be a bit uncomfortable and you will need to make some small changes to your lifestyle before undergoing the treatment. The infographic below shows some things you can do to prepare yourself physically and mentally for laser tattoo removal.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
Tattoos are a fun, creative, and exciting way to express your sense of style. But over time, our personalities, priorities, and styles change. Your tattoo that meant the world to you now has no meaning and needs to be removed. The above steps for removing a tattoo design will help you with what to do next and how to handle the aftercare. Laser tattoo removal is a popular and effective method. There are a few home remedies; however, they can only lighten the tattoos, not remove them. Remember that you may still leave some marks if you have a permanent tattoo. If you notice anything unusual on your skin, see a dermatologist.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest way to remove a tattoo?
The picosecond laser is considered the fastest and most effective way to remove tattoos. It can remove almost all tattoo ink.
Can you remove a tattoo with a needle?
You may remove the stick and pierce tattoos with a needle. But this must be done by a professional.
How to remove tattoos naturally?
It can’t. Salt and lemon can help bleach and lighten the tattoo a little, but they can’t remove it permanently.
Does Vaseline remove tattoos?
Vaseline is a petroleum-based product that can lighten or fade your tattoo, but cannot completely remove it.
How much does it cost to remove a tattoo?
Tattoo removal costs can range from $50 to $100. The cost also depends on the tattoo area and the experience of the tattoo expert.
Which tattoos cannot be removed?
Green and neon tattoos are the most difficult to remove and require multiple treatments.
Does tattoo removal work on dark skin?
Yes, but it takes more sessions to remove tattoos on dark skin than on lighter skin.
Which skin type is best suited for tattoo removal?
It is easiest to remove tattoos from lighter skin. But regardless of skin type, tattoo removal is a long and often painful process.
What can I expect during and after a tattoo removal session?
Tattoo removal can be painful if it is your first session. You can expect some mild redness, swelling and itching.
Key Points
Laser therapy breaks up the ink in the colored tattoos and lightens their appearance. This therapy can cause permanent scarring, redness and burning of the area. Apply the mixture of aloe vera gel and sand powder to the tattoo and gently scrub it with a pumice stone to fade the tattoo.
Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team
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Learn how to remove a tattoo with the most effective treatment! Watch this video to get rid of unwanted ink quickly and safely with this step-by-step guide.
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