The Truth Behind Tattoo Removals

At this point, you are most likely in the tattoo regretting phase. Chances are the initials of your ex-lover might be too painful to see every day, or you just want your tattoo to fade so you can cover it up more easily for formal settings.

Regardless, there are things you must be aware of if you’re thinking about undergoing a tattoo removal process. Your expectations must also be set in the right direction for you to fully prepare yourself.

1. Set your expectations
Probably the most important thing to consider, it’s crucial to keep in mind that there is no tattoo removal process that is 100% guaranteed. The best thing to do about setting your expectations right is to speak with an expert. There are tattoos which only fade (partially) after several treatments, while other tattoos leave a permanent scarring. Others may still leave a ghost image of your tattoo even after your sessions are over.

2. Once is not enough
Unfortunately, one treatment isn’t going to magically remove your tattoo for good. Multiple sessions will be required to completely fade away your tattoo. This cannot be easily predetermined in the initial stages of your consultation because sessions may vary according to how effective the process is. The standard ranges from at least 10 treatments, but the number could end up so much higher.

3. Tattoo location
When it comes to laser tattoo removal treatments, the location of your tattoo matters a lot. For one, the closer your tattoo is to the heart, the better results you’ll likely have (thanks to better blood circulation in the surrounding area). Fading is notably slow in areas down the arms and legs because of their far location from the heart.

4. Post-treatment symptoms
Right after the session is over, there is no need to panic if there are immediate symptoms you can observe. These includes swelling, blisters, redness, or even temporary darkening. These are some of the common post-treatment symptoms which are believed to subside shortly after a couple weeks. Don’t hesitate to consult with an expert ASAP if there are any other urgent concerns.

5. Potential side-effects
You must also be aware of potential side-effects which may only fade after long stretches of time. Two of the most common tattoo removal side effects include hyperpigmentation, the darkening of the skin, and hypopigmentation, which is the lightening of the skin. This is noted to correct itself naturally only after 6 months to a whole year after treatment. Other potential risks include burns, infection, and scars.

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