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Should You Get a Tattoo Removed by Laser?

Not happy with your tattoo anymore? It is quite common to get a tattoo and feel like it is not the right one for you after a while. If you are no longer in love with a tattoo like you once were, laser tattoo removal is typically a safe method to get them removed.

(Photo: Damian Gretka/Shutterstock)

A lot of people hesitate to go for tattoo removal thinking that it is a painful process and not as effective as many people say. Surprisingly, laser tattoo removal is mostly a pain-free process.

Many dermatologists such as Absolute Cosmetics use numbing creams and gels before the process begins. This makes the pain feel lot similar to getting a tattoo, but it is much faster in comparison.

If you have doubts about getting tattoos removed through laser treatment, read on as we bust the myths surrounding this.

Laser tattoo removal is safe

A lot of people who get tattoos removed with lasers say that the process is safe. But experts say that it is always a good idea to get a tattoo removed by a qualified dermatologist.

When removing a tattoo with laser treatment, there can be many complications on the skin. Only a dermatologist is properly equipped and able to know these complications. There is always a risk of infection, scarring and bleeding throughout the process.

So it is highly recommended that you do not get laser tattoo treatment from anywhere it is available. It is in your best interest to thoroughly research the practitioner before going for the removal. In fact, in some states, practitioners are required to carry a license in order to provide laser treatment.

The process is super quick

Another myth surrounding laser tattoo removal is that it is a quick process that takes only minutes to remove a tattoo. In reality, the process is not that simple.

Complete removal of a tattoo can take up to two years, especially if it is big. Treatments are broken down into 6, 8 and sometimes 12 weeks. It is nothing like getting laser hair removal, a similar process that is used to remove hair permanently from the body.

So if someone told you to get your tattoo removed through laser, keep in mind that the process is long and you will need to visit your dermatologist several times throughout the removal process. This is done for your safety because rapidly trying to remove a tattoo can significantly damage the skin, which can later result in complications.

It is a painful process

As we mentioned earlier, many clinics that provide laser tattoo removal try to reduce the pain using numbing creams. When you go for tattoo removal through laser treatment, you will only feel the same pain you felt when you got the tattoo.

In fact, the removal process is faster than getting a tattoo, so you will only feel the pain for very few minutes. There are no downtimes associated with the process either. This means that you can get the treatment and go back to work without any worries.

Sometimes dermatologists may prescribe medication depending on your skin condition if a certain complication is expected. So it is not only pain-free, but also safe.