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Tattoo Removal: The Science Behind the Magic

Around 26% of American adults have at least one tattoo, according to a Statista report. Unfortunately, that number also symbolizes a lot of regrets, as many of those people will want tattoo removal services at some point. Laser tattoo removal at Impressions Skin Solutions in Hendersonville, TN, can help you erase an unwanted tattoo with great results and little downtime. 

How Does Laser Tattoo Removal Work?

Getting a tattoo is a serious commitment, and few people take it lightly. However, life never stays the same for long, and sometimes, a tattoo you were sure you’d love forever becomes a nuisance to look at. 

There are three main ways to remove a tattoo: surgical removal, dermabrasion, and laser treatment. Of these three, laser tattoo removal treatment is often the best option. 

How does laser tattoo removal work? We use high-intensity light, which causes the tattoo ink to shatter into tiny fragments that are naturally absorbed and eliminated by the body. Before the treatment begins, a numbing agent is used to minimize any discomfort. 

Tattoo ink is deposited a mere 1.5 to 2 millimeters into the skin under the epidermis. Trapping the ink in the dermal layer is what makes a tattoo permanent. 

Even though the pigment is not injected too deeply, it can still be difficult to remove. You may need to undergo several laser tattoo removal appointments before the treatment is complete. Multicolored tattoos often require treatment from lasers of different wavelengths. 

Is Laser Tattoo Removal Painful?

You might want to know the answer to one of the most common questions about our tattoo removal services: “Is laser tattoo removal painful?” The thought of spending hours receiving a painful treatment might influence your decision to have a tattoo removed. 

Laser removal can be a little uncomfortable, but less so than getting a tattoo. Most clients compare the feeling of laser tattoo removal to that of a sunburn. We take great care to minimize your discomfort. Using numbing agents and allowing adequate healing time between sessions helps. You should also follow all aftercare recommendations. 

If you’re concerned about how laser tattoo removal will feel, we can answer all your questions during your consultation. After evaluating your tattoo, we will create a treatment plan so that you know exactly what to expect.

What to Expect from Laser Tattoo Removal Treatments

Because tattoos are intended to be permanent, removing one is not a quick fix. It may take multiple treatments to eliminate your tattoo completely. In some cases, it might not be possible to completely erase a tattoo with laser removal. Tattoos with lighter-colored inks are actually more difficult to remove than darker ones. We might recommend other treatments for tattoos with large areas of light ink.

A single laser session can take as few as five minutes or less. On average, you can expect to have 10 to 12 sessions for complete removal. The size, age, and color of the tattoo, the density of the ink, and the tattoo placement are all factors that determine how many sessions will be needed. 

Your tolerance for the sensation of the laser is also a consideration. Because your comfort is our top priority, we develop a treatment schedule that works with your needs. We will provide full instructions during your consultation, but you should plan on wearing comfortable, loose-fitting clothes that will not irritate the treatment area at each session. 

Each laser removal tattoo treatment begins by cleaning and prepping the treatment area. Ice packs and numbing agents may be used to minimize discomfort. We will trace the laser wand over a predetermined area of the tattoo. The laser light responds to the colors of the ink, not your skin; uninked skin remains unaffected by the laser. 

Expect to see a short-term reaction known as “frosting” on the top layer of the lasered tattoo. This is a sign that the laser is working and that your white blood cells are carrying away the tiny ink particles. 

We will provide topical creams and other products for aftercare as well as instructions on how to encourage proper healing. General recommendations include:

  • No vigorous exercise for 24 hours after treatment
  • Avoid direct sun and other heat sources, including hot water, for 48 hours
  • Keep the treatment area dry and clean
  • Apply zinc oxide sunscreen if your skin must be exposed

The treatment area needs to be protected from infection, just as a new tattoo would be. 

How Long Does Laser Tattoo Removal Take?

Each person’s skin and tattoo is different. Unsurprisingly, larger tattoos will take longer to remove than small ones. Most patients begin to see progress after three to five sessions. Laser sessions are scheduled approximately six to eight weeks apart to ensure the area has had enough time to heal and that your body has processed all of the ink. Taking the correct amount of time between sessions supports better overall results. 

Remove that Unwanted Tattoo for Good

Are you tired of trying to hide a tattoo with clothing or makeup, or do you need a fresh start for any reason? Thanks to laser technology, you no longer have to live with an unwanted tattoo. Laser tattoo removal services are FDA-approved and effective. At Impressions Skin Solutions, we can treat large or small tattoos accurately and quickly. During your consultation, we’ll determine how many sessions you’ll likely need so that you can mentally and financially prepare for the journey. 

If you have questions or would like to know more about any of the services we offer, contact us at our Hendersonville, TN, office today. 

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