Tattoo Removal: What You Need to Know Before Getting Started

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Do you have a tattoo that you don’t like and that makes you self-conscious? Whatever the reason (spelling mistake, youthful mistake, poorly done design…), you have the option to part ways with your tattoo permanently. Tattoo removal is indeed a medical act that consists of completely erasing a tattoo or at least minimizing it as much as possible. Are you ready to take the plunge? Here’s everything you need to know about tattoo removal.

How does tattoo removal work?

Tattoo removal is a medical procedure that must be performed by a qualified professional. This can be a dermatologist or a certified physician. Therefore, make sure to do your research before stepping into a center that offers tattoo removal services. Discover in more detail how tattoo removal sessions are conducted.

The pre-removal consultation

The pre-removal consultation is a mandatory step before the tattoo removal procedure. It is somewhat of an information appointment with the doctor. You must visit the clinic for an initial consultation to assess the feasibility of your project. Your doctor will determine your Tattoo Profile and can then provide a personalized quote. Here’s how the first consultation goes:

• the patient discusses medical contraindications with the doctor,
• the doctor notes the patient’s medical history,
• the patient shows the tattoo to be removed to the doctor,
• the doctor explains the tattoo removal process to the patient.

At the end of the first consultation, which is very important, your doctor will explain how the session will go and will talk to you about the technique used, the equipment, and the aftercare. The practitioner will prescribe an anesthetic cream to be applied to the skin two hours before the procedure and to be covered with a transparent film. He will then give you a quote that includes the price of the tattoo removal as well as the number of necessary sessions.

The number of sessions will depend on certain factors, particularly the type of tattoo (professional or amateur), the color of the ink, the depth of the ink, and the size of the tattoo. The number of tattoo removal sessions is given as an estimate, as it is not possible to know in advance the exact number of sessions needed for tattoo removal.

The tattoo removal session

On the day of the tattoo removal, you will be seen by the doctor who, after a brief exchange, will ensure that you fully understand the process of the sessions. The session typically takes place on a medical table where the patient sits or lies down, depending on the location of their tattoo.

After removing the film placed over the anesthetic cream applied two hours earlier, the doctor begins the tattoo removal session using a laser appropriate for the tattoo color. The ink pigments will detach from the skin, and you will notice the formation of small scabs and blisters shortly after the session. To achieve a complete tattoo removal by a certified physician, you can visit a website dedicated to tattoo removal.

After the tattoo removal

Once the tattoo removal session is complete, the practitioner applies a healing ointment over the treated area and covers it with a bandage. You must keep the bandage on for 24 hours, then allow the skin to remain bare. Your doctor will inform you about the necessary aftercare for proper healing of your tattoo. After the tattoo removal session, using a mild or antiseptic soap is essential.

You should also use healing cream or greasy cream (such as petroleum jelly) on the treated area for about ten days. An antibiotic cream may be prescribed if needed. This cream should be applied to the affected area only if the blisters or bubbles burst. Avoid sun exposure during the treatment period and for one month after the last tattoo removal session.

Tattoo Removal: What are the different techniques?

There are various options for getting rid of a tattoo. For example, tattoo removal can be done by covering it with another tattoo (also known as a cover-up). However, if you want to completely erase a tattoo, the three techniques currently used are: mechanical destruction by dermabrasion, chemical destruction or peeling, and ablation or physical destruction of particles by laser, a solution that is less painful and less damaging to the skin.

The mechanical destruction by dermabrasion involves mobilizing the particles that are subsequently evacuated towards a bandage or the bloodstream or lymphatic system. If you have a small tattoo, you might opt for ablation, but this is an invasive surgical procedure. This technique involves “tearing” the skin where the tattoo is embedded so that it regenerates like new.

The laser, an effective technique

The laser is much more common. This method is now considered the safest and most effective by physicians. The laser penetrates the skin and fragments the tattoo pigment particles with different wavelengths. This means it breaks them down into small enough pieces so they can be eliminated through the blood or lymph. This method requires several sessions. It is important to note that some tattoos are more difficult to remove depending on their ink quantity, location, and colors. Light colors such as yellow or light green will require more sessions as the laser has a reduced effect on these colors.

The different types of lasers

There are two types of lasers: the so-called “Q-Switched” lasers and picosecond lasers. To reduce the “burns” on the healthy tissues surrounding the tattoo, Q-switched lasers are used, which emit high-power pulses for very short durations. However, these types of lasers have disadvantages. They are slow, quite painful, and not very effective on colors.

The nanosecond pulse can cause too much thermal effect and not enough photomechanical effect to fragment the tiny pigment particles. Certain pigment colors: blue, yellow, ocean, and green resist treatment. The same goes for deeply localized pigments. Several sessions (ranging from 10 to sometimes 25 for recent tattoos) are often required for complete tattoo removal.

Picosecond lasers, which have three different wavelengths, are effective on red, blue, black, purple, and green colors. Their impact duration is much shorter, ranging from 450 to 750 picoseconds, unlike Q-switched lasers (5 to 60 nanoseconds). This type of laser is faster and more effective, leaving few scars and side effects since it has almost no thermal effect. It also requires fewer sessions for complete tattoo removal.

Tattoo Removal: What are the contraindications?

Generally, anyone can have a tattoo removed by a doctor or a dermatologist. However, there are contraindications. Tattoo removal is not recommended for pregnant women, breastfeeding women, or anyone suffering from an infection. If you are taking anticoagulants, you should abandon the idea of tattoo removal. It is also advisable to discuss any ongoing treatments with your doctor before any procedure. Tattoo removal is also contraindicated if you have a significant tan.

The risks and complications of tattoo removal

Every skin reacts differently to laser treatment depending on certain parameters such as the dye used, the depth of the needle, the patient’s age, the size of the design, etc. After the session, pinpoint bleeding and blisters may appear in the treated area. This is followed by the formation of scabs that you must care for with antibacterial cream until the scab detaches. Redness and swelling of the skin often occur. With the best follow-up care, these heal quickly without complications. In rare cases, fragmented color pigments from the skin may cause allergic reactions.

Is tattoo removal dangerous?

The risks associated with tattoo removal depend on the size of the design, the colors used, the affected body area, the pigment concentration, and the type of laser therapy. Apart from risks such as swelling, bleeding, scarring, or infections, various products are released during the separation of color pigments, which may potentially contribute to cell damage.

Does tattoo removal leave scars?

Sometimes, lasers can leave burns and scars when improperly used by the doctor. They can also cause pigment disorders or allergies, but these cases are rare. Nowadays, doctors or dermatologists use very gentle laser devices. This means that the occurrence of scars and pigmented spots is infrequent, especially if the patient adheres to the given healing protocols. To ensure successful tattoo removal, consult recognized specialists rather than unqualified individuals offering low-cost services under questionable conditions.

How much does a complete tattoo removal cost on average?

The cost of tattoo removal depends on several factors, including the size of the area to be treated and the type of tattoo. Black tattoos, small in size or already faded, can be erased more quickly than very colorful designs. Treatment costs range from about 100 euros for small tattoos to several hundred euros. Since tattoo removal is considered an aesthetic procedure, the sessions are not covered by Health Insurance. For a personalized cost estimate, it is best to consult your doctor.