Questions You Should Consider Before Getting Your Tattoo Removed

Whenever you get a new tattoo, there’s a slight risk involved. At some point, you may look at your tattoo and decide, “Actually, I think this was a mistake.”

Regardless of your reasons, that’s where tattoo removal comes in! 

For years now, getting a tattoo removed has been a fairly straightforward process, particularly through methods like laser tattoo removal. However, there are still some things you should keep in mind before you book an appointment.

So we’re going to share the most important questions—regarding treatment sessions and getting prepared for them—that you should consider before getting your tattoo removed. That way you can decide if tattoo removal is going to work for you.

Read on! 

How Many Treatments Will It Take?

It usually takes an average of 5–10 sessions before a tattoo’s appearance is reduced by 80–90%. However, when it comes to estimating the number of sessions you’ll need to remove an entire tattoo, that may vary. That’s because tattoo removal depends on several factors. 

These include:

• Up-To-Date Technology: Technology is one of the most important factors that influence the duration of laser tattoo removal sessions. If a clinic uses up-to-date laser machines, the process will go a lot faster.
• Ink Color: Colored tattoos will typically take longer to remove than traditional black ink.
• Location: Ease of removal depends on how close a tattoo is to the heart. The more blood flow there is, the easier the tattoo is to remove. Tattoos on the hands, legs, and feet take more time to remove.
• Age: The older a tattoo is, the fewer treatments it will take to remove it.
• Size: Of course, the larger a tattoo, the longer it will take to remove it. 

How Long Will Each Treatment Take?

The length of a single session also varies based on different factors. If a tattoo is colored and has a large and complex design, it will take longer than a simple, smaller black-inked tattoo. Sessions can vary from mere minutes to as long as an hour. 

Remember that your skin will need time to heal after each session. This means each session will be spaced weeks apart, so tattoo removal can take months to achieve complete results. 

Is the Treatment Painful and What can You Do to Ease the Pain?

“Does tattoo removal hurt?” is probably the most common question any laser tattoo removal practitioner will get. The truth is that tattoo removal can hurt, but the degree of pain will depend on your pain tolerance. 

For some people, laser removal feels like little more than the flick of an elastic band. But it’s safe to say that no effective tattoo removal process is going to be painless.

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to ease the pain of tattoo removal.

• Ice Packs

This is a very common method for pain management during laser tattoo removal and is sometimes used in smaller clinics. Applying an ice pack to the area for 10 minutes will numb the skin. However, it can only be used before and after the treatment.

• Topical Numbing Creams

Many topical numbing creams can be purchased over-the-counter, including benzocaine, lidocaine, prilocaine, and more. These topical creams should be applied approximately 45 minutes before your treatment. 

• Lidocaine Injections

Some clinics provide lidocaine injections to their patients before a tattoo removal session to reduce pain. These injections need to be administered by a medical professional. 

• Cold Air Machines

Cold air machines are the fastest and most convenient skin-numbing treatments on the market. Not all clinics have them, though. Cold air machines blow cold air directly onto the skin area being treated, numbing it for longer periods than ice packs or topical creams.

How Do You Prepare for Tattoo Removal? 

There are several ways to prepare for your tattoo removal sessions.

• Make sure to eat before your sessions. Some clients can become light-headed during treatment if they have an empty stomach.
• Shave any hair covering or surrounding the tattooed area. 
• Wear loose-fitting clothing over the area that is being treated. 
• Do not take aspirin or ibuprofen for pain relief before your session. These medications can cause bruising during the process.
• Avoid spray-tans, tanning beds, and general sun exposure for up to a month before treatment. Tanned skin can cause adverse reactions during the laser tattoo removal procedure. 
• Clean the targeted area, and avoid using perfumes, cosmetics, and any lotions that contain synthetic fragrances.

Want to Have Your Tattoo Removed?

Although some precautions need to be taken, having a tattoo removed is not a dangerous process. The technology is refined enough that you can get rid of that unwanted ink without risk, and you’ll be satisfied when you see your tattoo removal before and after photos.

If you’re thinking of having a tattoo removed, contact our tattoo removal professionals at Lexington Tattoo Removal. 

Call us at (859) 785-2189 or visit our website to book an appointment for a free consultation.