While tattoos are intended to be permanent, many often ask whether it is possible to erase or lighten them, irrespective of the reasons for wanting it out, such as a design that no longer suits an individual’s taste, a name from the past, or simply a change of heart. The good news is that tattoos can be removed.

How Tattoo Removal Works?

The popular laser method involves breaking down pigmented ink particles under the skin by pulsating extremely intense reflux of light into the skin. Over a period, these pigments would be flushed out of your body naturally.

Types of Laser Removal:

• Q-switched lasers – The cameras usually used; treat almost all ink colors.
• Pico lasers – Bring speed and less skin injury to the process, bringing earlier sessions.

Are There Any Pains Associated with Tattoo Removal?

Most critics say tattoo removal is a bit painful. Most people liken the feeling to snapping between rubber bands or in the form of reverse tattooing. But, there are numbing creams or localized anesthesia during the procedure that can help.

How Many Sessions Are Required?

There are a lot of factors that influence the number of previous sessions you will make.

• Color and depth of ink
• Size of the tattoo
• Where will it be on the body?
• Skin type
• Age of tattoo

Normally, about six or ten sessions are needed to bring considerable fading or complete deletion.

Can Every Tattoo Be Removed?

Most tattoos can be removed, but there are residual traces or faint discolorations. Darker ink works better with this treatment; for instance, blacks and blues are the most responsive, while colors such as yellow and white, as well as pastel shades, are tougher to erase.

What Are the Risks?

Tattoo removal is safe in most cases when done by trained personnel, but there are possible side effects such as:

• Redness or swelling, temporary
• Temporary skin discoloration
• Mild scarring (rarely seen)
• Blisters or peeling as healing occurs

Alternatives to Complete Removal

If you are ambivalent about removing your tattoo in its entirety, you have options:

• Fading for a cover-up: Fading your tattoo allows for a more detailed and successful new design.
• Partial removal: Target only specific elements of a tattoo you want changed.

This post was written by J Michael Taylor. J Michael Taylor is an artist and the owner of Black Amethyst Tattoo Gallery. Looking for Tattoo shops in St Petersburg, Florida? Black Amethyst has you covered! They provide an art-first approach to custom tattooing in a gallery setting.