So, you’ve finally decided to get rid of that unwanted tattoo.
Before you make an appointment, below are 6 helpful tips on what NOT to do before a laser tattoo removal treatment.
Firstly it’s important to understand how laser tattoo removal works? The tattoo pigment is placed in the Dermis. This is the deeper layers of the skin, and the ink particles are quite large, and cannot be absorbed by the body here. This makes the ink permanent.
Tattoo laser removal works by directing the laser light onto the tattoo. Which fragments the ink into tiny little pieces. The fragmented pieces of ink is then eliminated via the Lymphatic system (the body’s natural cleaning system).
Whilst tattoo removal does take time and patience, there are ways in which you can help to speed up the process. Follow the below tips and you’ll be saying Goodbye to your unwanted tattoo for good, quicker than you thought!
1. Do NOT expose the tattooed area to the sun
We’ve said this before, it is advisable to stay out of the sun before a laser tattoo removal treatment. We would say at least 4 weeks before.
Why? The sun’s ultraviolet rays boost the body’s natural production of vitamin D and melanin. It is the increase in melanin which causes tanning. And this means the skin is more susceptible to scarring, blistering, scabbing, hyper and hypo-pigmentation. Not just that, the darker the tan, the harder it is for the laser energy to break down the ink.
Which means you may have to come back for more treatments than you would have otherwise needed. Sunscreen is your friend!
2. Do NOT fake tan
Did you know fake tan products contain toxins and activators which is absorbed by the skin. This may result in a bad reaction to the laser treatment, i.e. blistering, burning or hyper-pigmentation.
It could also delay the tattoo removal process meaning more treatments to get the results you want. We advise no fake tanning for at least 2 weeks before and after a treatment.
3. Do NOT get laser tattoo removal on a brand new tattoo
Unfortunately, we are unable to treat brand new tattoos. You will need to wait at least 8 weeks after you got the tattoo, before starting the tattoo removal process.
This is because we need to let the skin heal. And whilst you might have healed on the surface, the deeper layers will still be healing.
To do a treatment so soon after getting a new tattoo, could do lead to scarring.
4. Do NOT try alternative tattoo removal methods
Tattoo removal takes patience and planning. Depending on tattoo size, colour, location on the body (along with many other variables) tattoo removal can take anything between 6-12 sessions.
Because tattoo removal does take time, some people are tempted want to speed up the process with removal creams, acid removal, dermabrasion and salabrasion.
We would highly recommend against these alternative methods, as they can cause permanent skin damage.
5. Do NOT use a machine epilator or hair removal creams
These methods of hair removal, where several hairs are pulled out of the skin or a cream that enables hair to be wiped off can damage the skin and as a result delay the healing process.
6. Do NOT take any photosensitising medicines
Where appropriate please provide your medical history to the clinician before a laser tattoo removal treatment. And mention any antibiotics you might be taking.
It is important to be across everything beforehand, so you can have an effective tattoo removal treatment.
You will need to stop taking photosensitising medicines such as St John’s Wort, Retin A or Roaccutane 2 weeks before a treatment. These medicines can make the skin sensitive. And cause symptoms such as swelling, burning, rash, blisters, or eczematous conditions.
If you are concerned about the pain, speak to the laser tattoo removal specialist. They will discuss the different types of pain management available to you.
Here at Goodbye Tattoos Sydney, we want to say goodbye to your tattoo or tattoos in an effective and safe way.
Following the above tips will help you achieve the results you want. If you have any questions, our team is here to help. Give us a call today 1300 74 50 74. or email [email protected]
Image source: Krakenimages/Bigstock.com
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