Optimise Your Tattoo Removal
When you have a tattoo that you regret, we understand that you want it removed quickly and effectively. Unfortunately, for a variety of reasons, this may not be as quick as you’d hoped. Here are 6 ways to optimise your laser tattoo removal for quicker results:
1. Use the correct wavelength – Make sure your technician is using the appropriate laser wavelength for your tattoo. The majority of tattoos are treated with a 1064nm laser, this removes black, grey and dark blue tattoos. Reds, oranges and browns are generally treated with a 532nm laser. Greens and light blues may lighten with these wavelengths but generally need a 694nm or 755nm laser to completely remove them.
2. Pick a laser technician with experience in removing tattoos – The skill, experience and knowledge of your laser technician have a significant impact on the success of your removal. If your tattoo isn’t responding well to treatments, an inexperienced or poorly trained technician may overexpose the area, treating one area for too long. This won’t help to remove the tattoo any quicker, and will actually damage the skin, resulting in burns and scars. An experienced, qualified technician will administer the correct amount of pulses for safe, effective removal.
3. Aftercare - Laser tattoo removal causes heat to build up in the skin, so cooling is used immediately before and after the treatment to reduce this and prevent the skin from burning. Following the treatment, there are things you can do to assist the healing process and optimise removal. Ice packs can be applied to the area for 20 minutes at a time, with at least 20 minutes break between, this causes a constriction of blood vessels surrounding the treatment area, which then dilate again once the ice pack is removed, allowing fresh blood to the area to assist in healing and ink removal. In this initial stage of healing, aloe-vera gel can be applied sparingly to the area to add moisture and act as a natural anti-inflammatory. During this time, it’s important to avoid getting the area too hot, or submerging in water, so stick to showers and avoid contact sports.
4. Look after yourself – Our lasers can only start the removal process by breaking the particles of ink into tiny fragments. It’s down to your body to then dispose of these tiny fragments through your immune system. Keeping yourself healthy ensures that your immune system can do this effectively, so eat well, stay hydrated and keep active.
5. Avoid smoking – Research shows that smokers are 70% less likely to see an effective tattoo removal over a 10-session treatment.
6. Avoid UV exposure – Tattoo removal is more difficult if your skin is tanned, as the laser sessions become less effective. It’s highly recommended to avoid UV exposure before and after your treatments, either sunlight or sunbeds. Cover up to help optimise your tattoo removal.
To discuss your laser tattoo removal in more detail, book a consultation at our Sheffield laser clinic today