Have you got an unwanted tattoo? But don’t know where to start? Then you are in the right place. In this article, we will be sharing 8 tips to help prepare for laser tattoo removal.
To make it easy and simple to follow, we are going to break this down into two parts. First the mental preparation. And then physical preparation with some actionable steps that you can take.
Part one – Mental preparation for laser tattoo removal
Tip 1 – Manage expectations when it comes to your tattoo removal journey
Before you even enter a laser tattoo removal clinic, it’s important to manage your expectations. Tattoo removal is a journey. It’s not a quick fix.
Laser tattoo removal is a great way to get rid of unwanted tattoos. However everyone sees different results. Why? Because the laser only works to break the ink down. It’s your body that actually works to eliminate that ink.
Your health and lifestyle play a major role in how quickly the body gets rid of that ink. In total there are 8 variables we need to look at.
Firstly this is before you commit to a clinic. Make sure to have a detailed chat with a laser tattoo removal specialist. They will take you through the entire tattoo removal process. So you can manage your expectations.
Tip 2 – You’ll need multiple laser tattoo removal sessions
You might start seeing fading after one session. And that’s great. However, it’s important to understand that tattoos can take between 6-12 treatments. Why? Because this is all dependent on the variables mentioned above.
Be warned though. No laser tattoo removal specialist is going to make you THE promise. The promise of how many treatments you will definitely need. Despite how many years experience they have. Because we don’t know how your body is going to react. We have no idea how strong your immune system is.
We can only estimate how many sessions we think you might need. And manage your expectation. Tattoo removal is based on science not magic. Like we said the laser works to break the ink. But your body flushes that ink out.
It’s important to stay consistent and persistent. Tattoo removal is a journey. And if you stay committed, you’ll see great results. Don’t give up so easily.
Tip 3 – Laser tattoo removal will cost more than getting the tattoo
Whilst getting the tattoo only requires a one time visit. Getting rid of a tattoo does require multiple sessions. As we need to break through all those layers of ink. So it will cost more to get rid of it. Cost is determined by the size of the tattoo. And treatment frequency is every 6-8 weeks.
Part two – Physical preparation for laser tattoo removal
Tip 4 – Stay out of the sun
Sitting in the sun, taking in the rays. Ah what better way to spend the day. We get it.
But wait! If you are determined and committed to getting of rid that tattoo. Then it’s essential to follow this advice. We need your skin tone to stay close to it’s most natural tone as possible. Increased levels of melanin in your skin can cause you to tan or burn. Making your skin weak and less respective to the laser. Tanned and darker skin means you might need more treatments. When really we want to get rid of it as fewer treatments as we can.
Tip 5 – Hydrate and eat healthy
Remember when we said health and lifestyle plays a major role? Speed by your tattoo removal by staying hydrated. And eating lots of healthy food. Whatever you can do to boost your immune system. Because this is going to help your body shift that ink quicker.
Tip 6 – Cut back on drinking and smoking
Cigarettes and alcohol can slow the ink elimination process. There’s a study which appears in the Archives of Dermatology. Which found that smoking, lowered the chance of a successful tattoo removal by 70%.
Your body is already dealing with so much. It’s dealing with those all nasty toxins and nicotine. It doesn’t have the detox capacity. Therefore cannot focus purely on getting rid of your ink. So do want you quicker results and fewer sessions? Think about cutting back.
Tip 7 – Wear loose clothing
Depending on where your tattoo is on the body. It might be an idea to wear loose clothing, After a treatment, the area will feel tender. So you’ll want to make sure you don’t scratch it or rub against it.
Tip 8 – Know your tattoo removal pain management options
Although a lot of people will say that tattoo removal is painful. In truth everyone’s pain threshold is different. Whereas we don’t like to use the word painful. Rather, we prefer to say it feels ‘uncomfortable’ but it’s manageable. There are a few pain management options available.
- Skin Cooling machine: Most if not all laser tattoo removal clinics will use this. We use it before, during and after a tattoo removal treatment. Making the treatment more bearable.
- Numbing creams: If you need a little help then numbing creams are an option. Most standard numbing creams can be bought over the counter. All instructions on how to use these are included in the packet.
- Stress Balls: Stress balls are somewhat of a game changer. There are some great benefits. Firstly they help to reduce anxiety and stress. Enhance emotional stability. And increases positive energy. And finally, it acts as a bit of distraction. Before you know it, the tattoo removal treatment will be over!
- Medications: Do not take aspirin or ibuprofen. As these medications can lead to bruising after the treatment. You can take Tylenol before your treatment. This will help alleviate some discomfort.
CONCLUSION
There you go. Those are our 8 tips to help prepare for laser tattoo removal. We hope this article was helpful. And you have a clearer idea of what to expect. Tattoo removal is not a quick fix. It is a journey. But if you stay consistent. And persistent, the results can be amazing.
Please share this post if you know of anyone looking into tattoo removal. It might just be what they need before they start.
And we are always here to answer any questions. info@goodbyetattoos.com / 1300 74 50 74
