We all have moments in our life that we regret. Sometimes, those regrets are more than just a memory, and we're confronted with them daily in the mirror. Tattoos can be a fantastic way to express yourself. But when the ink you once loved doesn't quite measure up anymore, it's not uncommon to seek out ways to remove them. If you're looking for trustworthy and reliable specialists to remove tattoos, Chronic Ink can help. Our team will consult with you for free before you commit to the process. But you’re likely still wondering about how effective laser tattoo removal is, and perhaps you’re worried about the pain involved. We’ll give you an idea of what to expect.

How Good Is Laser Tattoo Removal?

Much depends on the size and color of the tattoo, as well as skin pigmentation itself. The lasers that blast away the pigments are excellent at removing specific colors, but less so at others. A small tattoo will also be much easier to remove than a larger, complex one. Darker skin pigmentation will also complicate the laser tattoo removal process. Lasers have a harder time blasting lighter pigments like white or yellow, which reflect rather than absorb the frequency of light. Darker colors do the opposite, they absorb rather than reflect, making it easier to treat. It's also harder to remove an unwanted tattoo from deeper skin pigments. Customers might experience skin discoloration after treatments because, like the darker tattoo pigments, the laser has an easier time blasting natural skin pigments.

Why Does Laser Tattoo Removal Hurt?

Much like getting a tattoo, laser tattoo removal treatment hurts. It is, after all, a laser, blasting the pigments embedded in your skin. In many ways, it's precisely like the tattoo process. Instead of a tiny needle, you're being injected with light to break down the ink. Laser tattoo removal uses focused light and heat to flash heat larger granules of pigment, which causes them to explode. There is going to be discomfort. Customers report that it feels like a bee sting or a rubber band snapped against the skin. Some customers have more of a tolerance to the pain than others, though, so your experience may be different. You can also expect some lingering pain after the treatment, which can last about a week. The area of the tattoo will be sensitive, so invest in some topical ointment to treat it. Speak with your technician about topical applications and pain medication, if you're concerned about lingering pain.

Can Laser Remove a Tattoo Completely?

Laser tattoo removal treatment can, and will, completely break down and destroy the pigments in a tattoo. But, it may require many procedures to get rid of it. Recent advancements in laser technology make it the easiest, and most useful, method of removing tattoos from the skin. Even the lighter pigments in tattoos, which were once resistant to lasers, are proving more and more effective. It depends on the size and coloration of the tattoo to determine the number of treatments needed to remove a tattoo thoroughly. More substantial, and lighter, tattoos may require more procedures. But, you'll see a difference after the first session. That said, there is a chance that tattoo removal will result in some skin discoloration, and even possible scarring where the tattoo was. Remember that this is a laser that is irradiating your ink, which means that it is also working on your skin's natural pigments. It will remove your unwanted tattoos, but it can also alter other properties of the skin.

Can You Get a Tattoo After Laser Removal?

Once your skin has healed, you can get another tattoo in the same spot as your unwanted tattoo. You should consult with the technician, or with your doctor, to make sure there is no scarring or bleeding. Most importantly, you must let your skin go through the laser tattoo healing stages fully before starting any new ink on the same location. If you can't wait to get new ink, you can always arrange to have the tattoo partially removed. Many customers get their tattoos partially removal if there are parts of the original design that work with a new design. Ask our designers if you have something in mind. We're happy to help you explore all the design possibilities. Whether you want a complete removal or a partial removal with a new tattoo on top, wait six to eight weeks before starting a new design. Then, when you're ready, check with your tattoo removal specialist to make sure that your skin hasn't developed any scarring or bleeding. Your specialist will let you know when you're ready for the new ink.

What Does Laser Tattoo Removal Feel Like?

That is one of the biggest questions our prospective customers have about the procedure, and it's easy to understand why. All we can say is that it is uncomfortable and that it'll likely hurt. It's common to find a wide assortment of answers to this question, though. Some people say that the pain is much worse than the original tattoo, where others say it's about the same. It all depends on the person getting the removal. Customers who've had laser tattoo removal in Toronto describe it like getting splattered with bacon grease or having a rubber band snapped on the skin. It's uncomfortable, though some people seem to be more affected by the pain than others. But if your tattoo is truly wearing you down and affecting your quality of life, momentary discomfort may be worth it. People get tattoos for many reasons, and it always seems like a great idea at the time. But if you're certain you've outgrown your tattoo, ask us at Chronic Ink for a free consultation.