Before we get into how a tattoo may look after laser removal nowadays, let’s start with a little history lesson. How the heck did people remove tattoos before modern lasers were available? Warning: some of the answers might make you cringe a little!
Before the ’90s
Before the early 1990s, the most technically efficient and advanced solution for removing tattoos was using a continuous-wave laser. This method used a high-energy beam to ablate the targeted area. The procedure not only destroyed its target but also destroyed all the skin and tissue surrounding the tattoo as well. It also produced significant scarring. So yes, the tattoo was gone, but your skin was left with noticeable scarring. Sometimes in the cases of inappropriate or offensive tattoos, this method was necessary so a person could move past a difficult time in their life.
Even Before Continuous-Wave Laser Treatments
There were more options available before the adoption of the continuous-wave laser. And most of them we would like to forget! These questionable tactics included:
- Dermabrasion. Completely resurfaces the skin down to the epidermis where the tattoo ink lies.
- TCA (Trichloroacetic acid). Also known as a chemical peel, which exfoliates the top layer of skin over a few days to reveal a new layer of skin.
- Salabrasion. Similar to dermabrasion but uses salt.
- Cryosurgery. The use of extreme cold to destroy tissue.
- Excision. A surgical procedure during which a plastic surgeon uses a scalpel to remove the skin which displays the tattoo.
- Other DIY remedies Other methods include injecting or applying tannic acid, lemon juice, garlic, and most astonishing, pigeon dung.
There has to be a better way, right? And thankfully, the answer is yes.
What About Tattoo Removal in 2022?
Modern laser tattoo removal uses powerful, incredibly accurate lasers that can completely erase the tattoo in some cases. And not just that tiny heart on your shoulder. All different sizes, colors, and locations (even tattoo sleeves) can be eliminated with several treatments and proper aftercare.
Several factors including skin damage, skin color, and the ink colors used to create the tattoo, can prohibit a completely “erased” tattoo. But even if your tattoo can’t be completely removed, there are still options for you to once again have skin to be proud of. You can be referred to artists that can transform the look into something new.
Scarring occurs in less than 2% of cases, so whether you leave your skin blank and tattooless or add a new work of art that you know you’ll love, the laser tattoo removal process will allow you to show off your skin again.
Everybody’s Doing It
We don’t encourage you to succumb to peer pressure, but thanks to the advancements in laser tattoo removal technology, it is safer, more accurate, and more easily available, many more people are choosing it to lighten or erase their unwanted tattoos. Since 2011, the number of tattoo laser removal appointments has increased by 32%.
Even celebrities have tattoos they no longer love. Angelina Jolie, Johnny Depp, and Megan Fox, among others, have had tattoos removed using laser technology. And when you’re a celebrity, looks are important! So if they trust the look of their valuable skin to laser tattoo removal specialists, so can you.
Ask The Experts
The thing is, all tattoos are unique to the wearer, and we all have different bodies so if you’re considering getting a tattoo removed, it’s a good idea to do some research to find the best, most reputable outfit.
At Ink-B-Gone, our reputation is everything. We are a fully trained and talented group of professionals, and we’ll give you genuine answers to your questions with transparency that breeds trust. If you are considering tattoo removal, we’d love you to come in for a free consultation to see if we might be able to help.
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