Considering Your Tattoo Removal, ‘Before and After’ Laser Treatment

Just as there are many more people getting tattoos nowadays, there are also many more people who want to have their tattoos removed. Not only are there more tattoo removal techniques available, but some of these are much more sophisticated and effective now than they were a decade or so ago. This is very true for laser tattoo removals. If you are thinking about laser treatment for your tattoo removal, here are some of the basic ‘before and after’ issues to consider.

Before a laser beam goes anywhere near your tattoo, you will be required to have a consultation with a doctor. The doctor will want to know that you are physically healthy and are psychologically stable. Besides being interested in your general health, they will also want to assure themselves, for your benefit, that you have realistic expectations about the outcomes. If, for example, you have fluorescent colours in your tattoos the treatment may not be as successful as you would like.

In assessing your suitability for laser treatment, the doctors will also examine your tattooed area for unusual scars, any connective tissue disorders, and be certain that you have not had any other cosmetic surgery in the tattooed area.

But what can you expect after your tattoo has been removed? While the majority of people are satisfied with their tattoo removal, your should be aware that your skin will never look as it did before you had the tattoo, even if the pigment has been entirely removed.

Immediately after treatment, the tattooed area will be slightly red as if sunburned. With more deeper tattoos you may even experience some bruising, and even bleeding. The area will be treated with antibiotic ointment and a bandage will be applied. The recovery time will depend on how often you have laser treatment and your body’s capacity to heal itself. You should follow aftercare instructions very closely.