How Soon Can I Get Rid of a Tattoo?
It seemed like a good idea at the time, so you took the plunge and got yourself a tattoo. But all too soon, you changed your mind, and now you’re researching tattoo removal. Let’s review your options.
Myths and Facts About Tattoo Removal
As tattoos are becoming mainstream and less fringe, more people are getting inked. With more people getting tattoos, it’s not surprising that the number of people seeking to get them removed has gone up as well.
About 30% of Americans had at least one tattoo as of 2019, which was a substantial increase since 2012 when only 21% of Americans had a tattoo. Of those with tattoos, about 25% have regrets about getting one.
The regrets vary, but two popular reasons people want to remove their tattoos are the need to look more professional and a bad breakup.
At Los Gatos Dermatology, expert cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Bruce Saal offers the most advanced laser technology to eliminate the tattoo that you regret getting. Not sure how it works? Here we help you separate common myths from facts about tattoo removal.
Myth: You can’t remove a tattoo if you have dark skin
Fact: While it can be more challenging to remove a tattoo if you have darker skin, we can still do it. Dr. Saal can remove tattoos from all skin tones. If you have a darker skin tone, it may take more sessions to eliminate or fade entirely.
Myth: Large tattoos are the hardest to remove
Fact: The size of the tattoo is not related to the complexity of removing it. The colors of the tattoo are more relevant than the size of it. For example, reds and yellows may take longer than black.
Myth: Tattoo removal lasers remove the tattoo ink
Fact: While the procedure is called tattoo removal, that’s not exactly what happens. The laser breaks up the pigment of the tattoo, but does not remove it. After the pigment is broken into small fragments, your body absorbs the fragments and flushes them away.
We schedule tattoo removal sessions 8-12 weeks apart to give your body time to absorb the pigment and flush it out and for your skin to heal.
Myth: Only old tattoos can be removed
Fact: Both old and newer tattoos can be safely and effectively removed with laser technology. But with new tattoos, they must be fully healed before the removal process can begin.
Older tattoos may be easier and take less time to remove because the ink may have faded, depending on how long you’ve had it.
Most tattoos take about 5-8 treatments to remove entirely. Side effects are minimal.
Are you ready to get rid of one or more tattoos? Call our Los Gatos, California, practice today to schedule an appointment and start the process of saying goodbye to your ink.
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