Can You Tattoo Over A Removed Tattoo
Contrary to what many believe, laser tattoo removal isnt just a process for people who regret their tattoos. Actually, you may be surprised to learn that laser tattoo removal for tattoo replacement is quite common. In our 15 years of business, weve seen that many of our clients are actually avid ink geeks and tattoo artists.
More times than not, people seek laser tattoo removal in order to make space for a new idea or cover up an old tattoo because theyve improved their own tattooing skills or simply want to display a different piece of art. Heres what you should know about getting a tattoo removed to have a new one tattooed after.
How Does Laser Tattoo Removal Work
A physician or laser specialist will pass laser energy through your outer skin to target the tattoo ink beneath the epidermis. The strong effect of laser energy will fragment the ink into smaller components, allowing the ink to be absorbed by the body naturally and broken down like any other outside substance or chemical. Your tattoo looks like art, but through the lens of science, it is nothing more than a big cluster of pigmented skin cells called chromophores, embedded forever in your bodys protective layer. When the laser breaking up the chromophores on the very outer surface of your skin, the scavenger cells in the deeper dermis layer under your skin will remove the chromophores from your body through the natural toxin removal process, the same way your body treats any other foreign invader.
Informed Patients Are Happy Patients
Weâve seen that if a patient is informed, theyâre more likely to continue with treatment until completion, handle side effects properly, and be satisfied with their tattoo removal experience.
When patients understand the basics of laser-skin interaction, they know that you are a knowledgeable practitioner with a powerful tool but not a magician. Expectations are realistic so patients are encouraged by the fading along the way and pleased with the end result.
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What Else Do I Need To Know
Throughout your tattoo removal treatment process, you must take measures to protect the area from the sun by keeping it covered with clothing or using a high-quality sunblock. We recommend that you avoid swimming, long baths, or any prolonged submersion in water during tattoo removal treatment. When towel drying, pat the area dry instead of rubbing it to maintain the best treatment results.
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Prepare For Your Tattoo Aftercare In Advance
You’ll need things like Aquaphor, bandages, and even clothes that don’t rest on your tattoo. Yes, I actually bought shirts that didn’t have material where my neck/back tattoo is. At first, I was cutting clothing tags out, but when tagless cotton tees still made the spot hurt and itch, I figured keyhole backs were a good investment. If you have tattoos on your ribs or feet , it might be best to plan your sessions accordingly.
It also helps to apply a thin coating of antibiotic ointment or healing moisturizer like from Aquaphor or Kiehl’s three times a day, for the first three days of the healing process.
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Will It Work On My Tattoo
As with any cosmetic treatment, the effectiveness of using a laser to remove a tattoo will depend on individual circumstances. However, with the right treatment regimen, tattoos of all pigmentations and sizes can be removed with a laser. For example, certain colors or more dense tattoos may require multiple sessions, though results will be visible from the first treatment, with the unwanted tattoo beginning to fade away after just one visit.
What Colors Does Laser Tattoo Removal Work On?
Because the laser is essentially a very highly concentrated beam of light, it has a different impact on different pigmentations. Pigmentations that are brighter in color will reflect more of the laser light, making the laser less effective at breaking up the ink with pigmentations of that color. These colors tend to be in the fluorescent range and absorb relatively little light at the lasers wavelength.
This does not mean that a laser cannot be used to remove tattoos in these colors, but it does mean that such colors may require additional treatments as compared to other pigmentations against which the laser is more effective.
Darker Colors Break Up Best
Final Thoughts On Non Laser Tattoo Removal
Overall, there are numerous no laser tattoo removal methods. From medical procedures to homemade remedies, you can easily get the ingredients and products needed to remove the permanent ink off your body. You can opt for surgical removal if your tattoo is small enough, or you can go for dermabrasion and scrape off the top layer of your skin. Apart from this, you can consult a specialist, and they can prescribe a topical cream that will slowly fade the tattoo away.
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How Many Sessions Does It Take To Remove A Tattoo
Just like no tattoo is the same, the time period for tattoo removal will vary from person to person.
“Age of the tattoo, skin tone, size of the tattoo, ink depth, intricacy of design and type of pigment used,” says Dr Rekha, are all factors that will contribute to your treatment timeline.
“Unfortunately, tattoo removal can be a frustratingly slow process. It is possible that you may need between 6-20 sessions at intervals of 8-10 weeks.”
Leading tattoo removal expert, Lorena Ãberg, says in her experience, older ink is usually easier to remove, but colours can be challenging.
“Generally speaking, the easiest colours to remove are black, brown, dark blue and green,” she says. “The most difficult to remove are red, orange, yellow, pale blue.”
Pain Management During Treatment
Laser tattoo removal is painful many patients say it is worse than getting the tattoo. The pain is often described to be similar to that of hot oil on the skin, or a “snap” from an elastic band. Depending on the patient’s pain threshold, and while some patients may forgo anesthesia altogether, most patients will require some form of local anesthesia. Pre-treatment might include the application of an anesthetic cream under occlusion for 45 to 90 minutes or cooling by ice or cold air prior to the laser treatment session. A better method is complete anesthesia which can be administered locally by injections of 1% to 2% lidocaine with epinephrine.
A technique which helps to reduce the pain sensation felt by patients has been described by MJ Murphy. He used a standard microscope glass slide pressed against the tattooed skin and fired the laser through the glass. This technique may represent a simplest and effective method to reduce the pain sensation when treating small tattoos.
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Which Laser Technology Is Used
Scientists created impeccable laser tattoo removal technology in response to the growing number of people who want to remove tattoos. At Princeton Aesthetics, we use only the most advanced Cutera technology to clear and rejuvenate skin. We use the worlds leading Enlighten laser for safe, fast, and effective tattoo removal.
The Type Of Tattoo Removal Solution Is Everything
The fact that you have a new tattoo that you hate indicates that you may not have taken the time to choose a design, or to properly vet a studio and its tattooists. Please dont make the same mistake when it comes to getting the work removed from your skin.
How soon can you remove your tattoo? The path forward begins with a consultation at one of our laser tattoo removal studios in Vancouver BC or Toronto ON. Contact a location near you to schedule your appointment.
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Following Aftercare Instructions Is Crucial
The very best way to ensure you dont experience any discomfort during and after your laser treatments is to follow the aftercare given by your Certified Laser Technician. Drink LOTS of water, do not pick at any scabs, and avoid sun exposure. These are the basics of caring for your skin after laser tattoo removal, but if you have any doubts or questions, you can always get in touch with your laser specialist between sessions.
What Kind Of After
Immediately after treatment, an ice pack will be applied to soothe the treated area. Youll be told to apply a topical antibiotic cream or ointment. You should use a bandage or a patch to protect the site.
You can shower the next day, but its best to avoid scrubbing the affected area. The treated area should also be covered or protected with sunscreen when youre in the sun. You shouldnt pick at the area because picking makes scarring more likely.
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What Effective Options Are Available To Remove A Tattoo
The most effective way to remove a tattoo is through laser treatments. Lasers directly target the pigment in tattoo ink with minimal damage to the surrounding skin. Several types of providers or businesses offer laser treatments, including:
You may want to consider going to a dermatologist for your laser treatments, especially if you have an underlying medical condition. A healthcare provider can help you understand your risks and benefits as well as what you can expect from laser treatments.
Other tattoo removal options are available on the market, such as creams and at-home kits. Keep in mind any do-it-yourself tattoo removal product or technique removes layers of skin and has a higher risk of infection. These methods are also unlikely to work and can permanently damage your skin.
Why Is Laser Hair Removal Over Tattoos Not Recommended
After drawing a picture on the body, it is necessary to endure a period of rehabilitation. The skin during this time should be completely renewed and restored. Only after that, it is possible to carry out any cosmetic manipulations in this area. In this case, methods that do not cause structural changes in the cells of the epidermis are suitable for hair removal. In fact, hair removal and tattooing are not compatible.
To remove the hairs completely, it is necessary to act on them with a laser or flashlights. In a situation with a tattoo, exposure to light beams on a colored area of the skin can lead to a deep thermal burn and subsequent scarring. Pigment particles will attract light energy to themselves, heating the surrounding cells. Therefore, to the patients question: Is it possible to do hair removal on a tattoo? in a professional cosmetology clinic, the doctor will give an unambiguous negative answer. An alternative in such cases would be electrolysis or depilation. Through waxing or sugaring, you can get rid of hairs, but only for a while, but these methods are safe for skin with a tattoo.
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Let Us Help You Be Rid Of The Ink
Whether you want to get rid of an exs name that you regret marking permanently on your skin, or theres an old lyric or design that no longer resonates with you, you shouldnt have to live with the past written on your skin. With laser tattoo removal at Still Waters Day & Medical Spa, you can erase your unwanted tattoos and free yourself from the past.
You deserve to feel the confidence that clear skin can give you you deserve to move forward with your life without being held back by your past choices and old ink. For any questions, or to schedule a laser tattoo removal consultation, give us a call at Still Waters Day & Medical Spa, located in Pensacola, FL.
How Much Does Laser Tattoo Removal Cost
For most patients, pricing is a big factor in their decision. Itâs important to have confident yet competitive pricing for your services. We recommend having a clear pricing structure that allows you, the provider, to give a fast and simple answer to the patientâs questions about pricing. Itâs best to have the consultation focused on the value of the procedure, not what you charge.
In general, it costs about ten times as much to get a tattoo removed as it costs to have it applied, so there may be some sticker shock for a handful of patients. For this reason, we suggest that you prominently advertise your minimum price on your website. You should feel confident in your pricing you are providing a valuable service that requires highly specialized equipment.
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Does Tattoo Removal Actually Work
When done with a laser, as opposed to a DIY recipe, yes, tattoo removal actually is possible. Laser tattoo removal is by far the most effective way to remove tattoos, Dr. Akhavan says. Lasers work by heating the tattoo ink particles under the surface of the skin, splitting them into smaller ink particles that can then be cleared from the skin by our immune systems.
That said, your skin tone and the colors used in your tattoo play a huge role in tattoo removal. Laser tattoo removal is available for all skin tones, but it is most effective on skin that has less pigment, Dr. Akhavan says. No matter the skin type, laser tattoo removal can leave a trace of scarring and hypopigmentation at the site of the removed tattoo. This is typically very subtle and becomes less apparent with time. Dr. Akhavan adds that black ink on less pigmented skin is the most ideal scenario for tattoo removal. Colors that are lighter, like yellow, light blue, light green, and orange, are the toughest ink colors to remove.
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How Does Tattoo Removal Work
Although it’s not the only way to get rid of old ink, laser tattoo removal is the favored method of removal for a few reasons. “Laser removal is the most successful and cost-effective way to remove a tattoo,” says Dr. OConnell. “Most people will opt for laser removal as it is the most readily available, easiest downtime, and gives good results.”
Here’s how it works: a laser targets ink in the skin and delivers a single, powerful pulse to heat and shatter the tattoo ink, which is then broken down in the body through the lymphatic system.
“Essentially, the laser targets the pigment in the ink and breaks it down and the body then eliminates it through certain cells in our immune system,”Jeffrey Fromowitz MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Boca Raton, Florida, explains. “It is best to think of the ink as boulders. Each session breaks the boulders down into progressively smaller rocks ultimately pebbles then sand, and then the skin should be clear.”
Some other less-popular removal options include surgical removal and dermabrasion. Surgical removal requires a local anesthetic and a scalpel to remove the skin the tattoo was inked into before stitching together the edges of the skin. “Surgical removal is an effective alternative for smaller tattoos,” Dr. OConnell says. “If you have a small tattoo and just want a ‘one and done’ treatment, you be a good candidate for surgical removal.
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Before Laser Tattoo Removal Treatment Can Begin The Skin Must Be Fully Healed
The healing process takes between 8 to 16 WEEKS! The skin must be allowed to fully heal, otherwise the chances of scarring increases incredibly. Tattoo ink can be removed, scars cannot be removed.
Taking care of the tattoo withBepanthan is very important to ensure healing is complete without any infection or other health issues. The healing process cannot be rushed, no matter how much you hate the tattoo. It may be a terrible tattoo, but a terrible scar is MUCH worse.
Once your tattoo is fully healed we can then commence laser tattoo removal treatment to fade or remove the tattoo completely.
We understand that the tattoo is causing major distress and anxiety and that it needs to be gone as soon as possible. However rushing the process is the WORST thing to do as scarring is permanent and more disfiguring than the tattoo ever was.
Treating wet or fresh ink in still healing skin can cause discolouration of the new skin as the laser shattered ink particles can embed in the new collagen strands of the healing skin, permanently altering the natural colour of the skin. It can also cause the healing to be delayed creating further scar tissue and fibrosis in the skin.
So whats worse? Waiting a few more weeks for a safe and complete tattoo removal or rushing in and creating a bigger, more permanent problem than the original tattoo?
Can We Remove Permanent Tattoo At Home
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Can tattoos be removed safely and easily? You are unable to do so. To remove a tattoo, the procedure must be one of the following: allow the body to absorb and eliminate the ink from the skin.
You may be able to remove a tattoo in a variety of ways. A few people have tried sandpapering their tattoos with a paste that they dipped in sandpaper and applied to them. Natural tattoo removal procedures, particularly those used to remove tattoos from the skin, should not be done on a regular basis and should only be done on a temporary basis. Some people decide to use salt to remove their tattoos as a natural procedure. The technique of saluting a tattoo involves rubbing salt on the area. It can be extremely painful and dangerous to do so. There is a strong correlation between lemon juice and tattoo removal, as well as skincare.
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