If you have a tattoo that you want to get rid of, you need to make sure you don’t regret it afterwards. Avoid these mistakes with tattoo removal in San Diego.

Everyone makes mistakes, but not all of them are as permanent as a tattoo.

Plenty of people regret getting tattoos and if you’re one of them, you may be thinking about the options you have now that you’re older and wiser. 

Do you have a tattoo you wish you could undo? Tattoo removal is a procedure that uses lasers to rid your skin of tattoo ink.

If you think you may want to get tattoo removal in San Diego, keep reading to learn about the mistakes you will want to avoid.

1. Using Harsh Abrasives

You may think that if you use a harsh abrasive or scrub at the tattoo really hard, it may just start to fade. Don’t do it!

Abrasion on your skin can actually lead to permanent scars and may make it harder to remove the tattoo properly by a professional later on. Not only that, but it will physically hurt you while you’re doing it and may leave you in pain for some time.

Don’t attempt to remove your tattoo with chemicals either because this may result in skin deformities and is very dangerous.

Consult the pros before you try to do anything at home by yourself or risk irreparable damage. 

2. Not Doing Your Due Diligence

It is a good idea to know that you understand the process and the removal clinic that you’re going to visit before you actually book an appointment.

Tattoo removal is usually done with lasers that get very hot and break up the ink from your tattoo into tiny particles, which allows it to fade.

It may take several sessions to remove the tattoo all the way, especially if it is large or in a difficult part of the body. Other factors that may impact the number of sessions needed include the color, depth of the ink, and density. 

Because of this, you have to be committed to the process and your clinic! Otherwise, you may end up with a tattoo that is only partially removed.

3. Exposing Your Skin to the Sun or Tanning Products

The sun adds pigment to your skin and as a result, you have to keep your tattooed area out of the sun. Otherwise, you are going to make it darker.

Be careful around the sun before and after you get your tattoo removed for the best results and always use an SPF that is at least 30 or higher. 

It is also a bad idea to use any type of self-tanning products, including creams or sprays, because they may cause a bad reaction between your skin and the laser used during tattoo removal.

Your skin can actually absorb the toxins from these tanners because of the laser, so don’t use them until it is safe to do so after the procedure is completed and some time has passed.

4. Trying Tattoo Removal Cream

While you may have heard of tattoo removal cream, the fact of the matter is that they are not worth the hype.

They promise great and permanent results, but they are not approved by the FDA. They may cause irritation or even scarring, so if you want to get rid of your tattoo, you need to seek professional help.

The chemicals that are used in these creams are almost always used for serious skin treatments and should generally only be used by medical professionals.

Unfortunately, there is not a quick fix for bad tattoos. You should make sure that you are having your tattoo handled by a professional if you want the removal job done correctly and safely. 

5. Thinking It Won’t Hurt

Getting a tattoo and getting a tattoo removed are both going to be painful.

If you think about the process of both, you are seriously disrupting your skin!

Sending laser beams into the skin to break up your tattoo ink will cause at least a little bit of discomfort for anyone because it’s not a sensation your skin is used to feeling.

The location of the tattoo is going to be a factor in pain levels, but you also have to consider that every person has a different level of pain tolerance. 

The good news is that a tattoo professional should be able to help you determine ways to minimize the pain and keep you as comfortable as possible during and after the procedure. 

6. Trying to Remove It Right Away

You may have gotten your tattoo a week ago and already decided it was a terrible mistake and you want to get it removed right now. If that’s the case, unfortunately, you’ll have to wait a while.

It is recommended to wait for at least three months before you start a tattoo removal procedure. 

Doing it sooner than this could result in scarring or ink retention, which means the tattoo isn’t completely removed from all skin layers. 

Your tattoo has to totally heal before it can be removed. The reason for this is that the ink is trapped in the lower levels of your skin.

Once three months have passed, you can book your consultation appointment for removal.

Are You Considering Tattoo Removal in San Diego?

We offer a flat fee price no matter how many sessions it takes to get that tattoo permanently removed, so what are you waiting for? 

We would love to help you get rid of your tattoo and move on with your life.

If you’re ready for tattoo removal in San Diego, contact us to get more information on the procedure and how we can help.