In western culture, tattoos have become more prevalent in today’s society, and statistics show that “the demand for tattoo removal has surged over 440% in the last decade, making it a highly in-demand profession.” (NoInk, n.d). Only recently has it reached a record high, with statistics showing 1 in 5 Australians having tattoos.
This heavy rise in tattoo customers also brings a significant increase in tattoo removal, with “three in ten Australians with tattoos say that they regret, to some extent, getting a tattoo ‒ and almost one in ten (9%) have commenced looking into, or have looked into tattoo removal.” (McCrindle, n.d.). Of course, there are many reasons why one may choose to have their tattoo removed, such as a misspelling, professional reasons, or that you’ve simply just outgrown the tattoo of your ex’s name on your wrist. In addition, laser tattoo removal nullifies the concept of a ‘permanent’ fixture on your body, making getting that tattoo a little easier. However, there are also a few other points to factor in before making the decision.
Tattoo removal lasers are the most effective and least invasive methods when it comes to tattoo removal, and is as simple as booking an appointment; however, there are a few factors to consider before taking the plunge and getting that easily removable tattoo. First, there is a high chance that it will be a painful procedure, depending on the targeted area and on the more expensive side, with appointments costing up to $400 per treatment. On average, tattoos take around three sessions to be entirely removed.
“Q-Switch Lasers are suitable for tattoo removal as they cause photomechanical destruction to ink particles. High-intensity pulsed light shatters the ink into smaller particles so that it can be effectively eliminated via our lymphatic system. Using Q-Switch Lasers will minimise the risk of thermal damage to the surrounding skin, unlike lasers with a longer pulse duration which increase the risk of skin damage and scarring due to excess heat.”
– Elise Andrews, Dermal Educator at The Global Beauty Group
Laser tattoo removal works by producing short pulses of light, which are then absorbed by the pigment of your tattoo. The light causes the pigment to shatter into smaller particles, which are then removed by our body’s lymphatic system. Tattoo removal lasers differ from hair removal lasers, and although both release light that is absorbed by melanin, lasers that are made to specifically target and reduce hair growth are not designed to break down the ink pigment present in tattoos.
The most popular form of laser tattoo removal is Q-switched lasers. This advanced technology works the same way as other tattoo removal lasers. However, it emits pulses of light at the speed of a nanosecond. The contact with the skin is less intense than other lasers, and the accuracy of the laser is more significant, concentrating on areas better, therefore resulting in little to no damage to surrounding tissue, as well as relieving you of any unwanted side effects such as scarring. Because the Q-switched laser is a less abrasive procedure, aftercare and maintenance will be much easier, and you will achieve greater results overall. The Q-switched laser is also one of the only tattoo removal lasers that is safe to use on all skin types from light to dark.
Aftercare for your tattoo removal treatment can vary between people, and can also depend heavily on the size of the targeted area, as well as the colour of your pigment and other factors. It is crucial to maintain good habits around your aftercare so as to achieve the very best results. Because it is an open wound, covering the area with antibiotic ointments and keeping it bandaged with sterilised gauze is a great way to protect yourself from any nasties getting in and causing any infections. After three days, you can ditch the gauze but making sure to keep the area as clean and dry as possible is still important, as well as making sure you’re applying your SPF before you leave the house to protect your wound from sun exposure.
Practitioners who offer tattoo removal will have undergone training into skin physiology, laser safety and a tattoo removal course and will therefore be able to answer any questions you may have in regards to removing a tattoo that you no longer want or even possibly fading it to a level where a cover-up may be possible. If tattoo removal sounds like a treatment for you, seeking advice from a professional such as a dermatologist, beauty supplier, clinic or salon, your GP or even your local tattoo parlour is a great way to make sure you will achieve the best results.
Words: Annabelle Taurua for The Global Beauty Group
