Even tattoos that felt like a great idea at the time can eventually become a source of regret. Are you tired of the daily reminder of your tattoo? At Bentley Skincare & Wellness & Wellness in Springfield, MO, we use laser tattoo removal to help our clients get a clean slate. It’s the most well-respected removal method, but it’s still common for clients to have questions about it. Today we’re going to go over some frequent questions.
How Long Does Laser Tattoo Removal Take?
Understanding Your Timeline
Most clients will need several tattoo removal appointments to achieve clear skin. When we evaluate your tattoo and your skin health, we’ll talk through your timeline with you. Some clients can be free of their tattoos within six treatments. Others may need more sessions to completely erase their tattoo.
How many sessions you’ll need will partly depend on the tattoo’s size, age, and pigmentation. Regardless, you will get to see your tattoo noticeably fade out more and more after each appointment. In most cases, each appointment is spaced at least two weeks apart.
Your Appointment Length
The size of your tattoo, your desired timeline, and your skin’s health may all play a role in how long your appointment will last. During a consultation, we can talk you through the process and be able to give you a better idea of what to expect for your situation.
If you have any concerns about the treatment’s length, we would be happy to work with you to the best of our ability to fit the treatment into your schedule and timeline. Some of the factors that can affect how long your appointment and treatment series will take are listed below.
Size
A small tattoo contains less pigment than a larger tattoo. Since laser removal works by breaking up pigment, most clients will see faster results if they have small tattoos, especially if those tattoos have fine lines. Since the treated area will be a smaller size, appointments may also be faster with smaller tattoos.
With that said, don’t be discouraged if you have a large tattoo. Even though the process may take a little longer, it’s still a very effective treatment for tattoos both big and small, and we will be here to help you through the process every step of the way.
Pigmentation
Since darker pigmentations are easier for the laser to target, tattoos that have dark colors tend to respond quickly to treatment. If your tattoo is colorful, you may need a few extra appointments. That said, our team has the experience, commitment, and tools to help you remove your tattoo regardless of its pigmentation.
Age
If your tattoo is older, your body will have already kick-started the tattoo removal process. Over time, your immune system will have carried away bits of pigment from your tattoo. That’s why older tattoos tend to fade and have more blurred edges. A laser can speed up and finish the job by breaking up pigment more effectively than your body can on its own.
What Is the Treatment Process Like?
Your Mindset
Before the process even begins, it’s important to make sure you’re ready to commit to it. Removing your tattoo is a permanent choice. If you’re considering these services, chances are you won’t miss the tattoo, but we do encourage potential clients to be absolutely sure they want to remove it. That way you’re less likely to regret the decision later.
Your Consultation
This is a very important step we take. Before we jump right into your treatment, we need to know what your goals and expectations are. We can help you understand the treatment, your likely timeline, and what outcome you can expect during a consultation.
The Treatment
We will use the laser device to precisely target your tattoo. The energy emitted by the laser will safely pass through your skin to reach the ink. The lasers immediately damage the ink on contact, breaking the pigment up into smaller pieces so it can dissipate. Due to the laser’s programming and effectiveness, you should be able to see a difference after each treatment.
Your Results
Colors that fall outside of the laser’s ideal emission spectra may take a bit longer to remove. This is due to the pigment’s ability to deflect some of the laser’s light rather than absorb all of it. Thankfully, laser removal technology has improved over the years, which allows us to treat tattoos of any pigmentation. That means no matter what pigments your tattoo has, we’re here to help you send your tattoo packing as soon as possible.
Why Choose Laser Tattoo Removal?
Safety
There are various removal methods used for tattoos, but laser removal is considered the safest. It’s the least invasive, easiest on the skin, and completely non-surgical. The laser is able to keep your skin intact as it targets the pigment so your body can dispose of it.
Freedom
Some clients simply outgrow their tattoos, while others find their tattoos embarrassing or distracting. Whether you feel as though your tattoo is getting in the way of your career, or you’re just tired of looking at it, having it removed can feel like a weight off your shoulders.
If you find yourself covering your tattoo up with long sleeves, jewelry, or foundation, you won’t have to worry about that anymore once you have it removed. This can help clients feel more spontaneous.
Pictures
Pictures can be a wonderful way to memorialize a special event, but you may not want your tattoo to be memorialized along with you. If you have a wedding, graduation, or other big event coming up and you don’t want your tattoo in the pictures, reach out to us as soon as possible.
If there’s enough time to do your treatment series, you could be able to enjoy the event with greater peace of mind. Many clients appreciate being able to pick their outfit based on what makes them feel good, without having to think about whether it will cover their tattoo. Even fitting in a few sessions could make the tattoo easier to cover up.
Confidence
With time, more companies have adjusted their policies when it comes to tattoos. Many companies have no problem with tattoos, but others are still opposed to them and require that they be covered up. In other cases, it’s not a matter of opposition to tattoos but simple a desire to project strict professionalism at all times. If you’re concerned your tattoo may decrease your confidence during interviews or at the workplace, removing the tattoo could help reduce your stress.
Closure
Friends and romantic partners often get matching tattoos to celebrate their relationships. However, if the relationship ends, the tattoo can still remain as a daily, painful reminder of what’s been lost. It can also make the client feel awkward if they’re beginning to date again and have to explain their tattoo to the people they’re dating.
Changes
Sometimes a client’s taste in tattoos can simply change. The problem is, their old tattoo won’t change to reflect their new tastes. If your tattoo is looking outdated or didn’t age well, that’s as good a reason as any to let it go and start fresh. You may even want to fill in that space with a new tattoo, as long as you wait at least six weeks to do so!
Are There Alternative Tattoo Removal Methods?
While there are multiple ways you can remove a tattoo, not all of them are safe or effective. Many removal methods can damage the skin to the point of scarring it, while others simply may not work at all. Seeking out professional laser removal will help ensure that your skin is kept safe and you get the best possible results.
Trust Professionals
No matter what removal method you’re looking into, make sure you’re seeking out the help of qualified professionals. Trying to remove tattoos on your own can be very risky and could end up costing you more money in the long run. No matter how desperately you want to get rid of your tattoo, it’s not worth putting your skin or your health at risk.
Visit Us for More Answers
We will be able to give you more personalized input when we meet you in person. It also is the best way for you to ask us your questions and share any concerns you have. If you’re ready to say goodbye to your unwanted tattoo, contact us at Bentley Skincare & Wellness & Wellness in Springfield, MO, today to start your process.