Getting tattoos removed can seem like a daunting process. Discover the truth about how soon you can expect to see tattoo removal results.

More than 40% of Americans currently have at least one tattoo on their body. These art expressions have been around forever and just increase in popularity all the time. 

Unfortunately for some, those tattoos don’t withstand the test of time. For a variety of reasons, many choose to remove their tattoos and get a clean slate back. But there can be some confusion about what’s possible and what you can expect. 

Read on for our full guide to tattoo removal results to find out if it’s right for you! 

Tattoo Removal Process

The process of tattoo removal has evolved quite a bit over the years as it’s grown in popularity. More and more clinics are offering this service which means more options to choose from. 

The majority of tattoo removal services involve a laser. As the laser moves over the skin, its energy works to break up the ink in the skin cells. 

After the ink is broken up by the laser the body can then dispose of it safely and easily through natural processes. 

As this procedure ages, the lasers become more and more efficient. The best laser option available currently is a pico laser. This tool emits the energy in such quick pulses it can break up the ink much more efficiently. 

In some “very extreme” cases, surgery is required for tattoo removal. During surgery, the surgeon will remove the tattooed skin and either stitch it back together or apply a skin graft. 

It’s helpful to work with a medical professional to decide which option would be best for your specific situation. 

Best Candidates for Successful Removal 

While the process of tattoo removal is pretty straightforward and seemingly simple, laser tattoo removal results aren’t always the same. 

Some tattoos are better suited for complete removal than others. There’s the difference in the skin (both texture and color), the coloring of the ink, the size of the tattoo, and the location that all factor into the possible results. 

The biggest factor in how well your results after tattoo removal will be is what color of ink was used. Obviously, the darker the colors the harder it is for the laser to break up the ink. Or the more time it will take. 

Unfortunately, the better your tattoo artist and their color placement techniques the harder it is to remove generally. 

The best candidates for complete, quick removal are those who have clear, even skin with a smaller, lighter tattoo. They’ll also be ready for a little bit of pain and patient enough to have several sessions. 

Laser Tattoo Removal Results

The final results of laser tattoo removal can range anywhere from slightly faded to fully removed. 

One of the biggest deciding factors of how well the treatment goes is how many sessions you’re willing to have. If you’re willing to have more treatment sessions, the laser will be able to break down even more of the ink every time. 

Most professionals will say that it takes anywhere between six and ten sessions to achieve full results. Though some may require more than that.  

There are a few things you can do on your to make your treatments as successful as possible. 

The most important thing is to keep yourself as healthy as possible so your body can dispose of the ink quickly. This means eating a healthy, varied diet, exercising, drinking water, and boosting immunity. 

It’s also critical to take care of the area by following the medical advice you’re given at treatment. That often includes using a topical cream, icing the area, and avoiding harsh chemicals. 

The tattoo removal process requires some work on your end to continue with treatments and do the recovery work but can have amazing results! 

Expected Wait Period

Sometimes the tattoo removal process takes weeks. There may be multiple treatment sessions involved but there also may be a wait time before you’ll see any results between the sessions. 

These days with the Pico laser, you you may be able to walk out of an appointment and notice a visible difference in the tattoo right away. 

Depending on the complexity of the tattoo, it takes the body anywhere between one day to six weeks to get rid of the blasted ink. This is why sessions are normally spaced apart, to give your body the time to work through that ink before adding more to it. 

This process may require patience but will be well worth it in the end. 

Possible Side Effects 

The tattoo removal process is very effective and very safe. It’s been proven to work for most tattoos without severe complications. 

But, as with any medical or cosmetic procedure, there is a minimal chance of slight possible side effects. It’s important to have a realistic view of the procedure before beginning to prepare to take care of yourself in the best way. 

Most people will experience some slight irritation and soreness in the time immediately following the procedure. It’s generally manageable and only lasts a few days. 

Sometimes patients will also experience blisters to the treated areas. Blisters and lesions are the most common and the area may swell due to the irritation. 

All of those are normal and expected, which is why your medical professional will give you medicated ointments and moisturizers to ease that discomfort and aid in healing. 

In some rare cases the side effect of laser tattoo removal can be minor scarring, which is a fair trade-off to not have an unwanted tattoo anymore!

Get the Best Tattoo Removal Results 

If you get a tattoo and love it, it’s an exciting, fun experience. If you get a tattoo and hate it, it’s a huge regret and source of frustration. 

Luckily, you can achieve great tattoo removal results when you work with the right professionals. With proper training and the most current techniques, they can give you back your skin and erase all memory of your bad tattoo. 

If you’re interested in learning more about the process and getting started, contact us today!