However, don’t think that means it’s a walk in the park. Here’s everything you need to know about tattoo removal to help you determine whether it’s what’s best for you—or if it’d be better to just find a great artist to cover up the ink you hate with something fresh and new.
12 Things to Know About Tattoo Removal
1. Black tattoo ink is the easiest to remove.
It seems totally counterintuitive, but black ink is actually the easiest tattoo ink color to laser off. “Black is the easiest color when it comes to tattoo removal as it is easier for the laser to target it and black absorbs wavelengths most easily,” Dr. Jeannette Graf, MD, board-certified dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine tells Parade.
2. The lighter the color, the longer the tattoo removal will take.
Black ink absorbs laser wavelengths really well, so it makes sense that paler shades aren’t as easy to get rid of once they’re on your skin. “Lighter colors like yellow or white will be more difficult to fade out as they absorb only a small part of the laser and will make the removal process longer,” Dr. Graf says. “Green, reds and neons are the most difficult.” “Black is the easiest color to fade, yet lighter color inks are much harder to remove than darker colors,” Dr. Nadir Qazi, DO, a board-certified physician, cosmetic dermatology surgeon and owner of Qazi Cosmetic Clinic in Irvine, Calif., tells Parade.
3. Laser tattoo removal isn’t a one-and-done process.
Depending on the size, color and age of your tattoo, you can expect several sessions to get rid of it completely. “With a picosecond laser, it can take between four and six treatments depending on your tattoo,” Dr. Qazi says. “Many things can factor into how quickly your tattoo can be removed. Size is one factor, and the colors used are another.”
4. Laser tattoo removal can take over a year to fully rid you of your ink.
“Depending on the number of sessions, size of the tattoo and other factors, in general, most patients should see the tattoo fully gone in one to two years,” Dr. Qazi notes. Dr. Debra Jaliman, MD, board-certified dermatologist, assistant professor of dermatology at Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai and author of the book, Skin Rules: Trade Secrets from a Top New York Dermatologist, says that most small tattoos can be gone in about six months.
5. For some, tattoo removal hurts more than actually getting a tattoo.
If you thought getting inked hurt, wait until you try to undo it. Dr. Morgana Colombo, board-certified dermatologist, MD, FAAD, and co-founder of Skintap, explains, “Although the treatments are usually quick they can be quite uncomfortable and painful. Patients describe a deep burning prick-like sensation which is significantly worse than the little pricks they feel when getting tattooed.”
6. Laser tattoo removal comes with risks and side effects.
Laser tattoo removal can have side effects. These can include swelling, redness, blistering and infections at the removal site. Some patients may also experience hyperpigmentation, inflammation and scarring, Dr. Graf notes. As such, it’s mega-important to follow your doctor’s instructions about preparation before lasering as well as maintenance following treatments.
7. Tattoo removal requires some care at home.
It’s important to take care of your skin following and between each laser tattoo removal treatment. Dr. Jaliman advises to keep the area clean, use an antibiotic ointment (like Neosporin) and keep the area covered. You’ll want to avoid sun exposure (which you should do anyway!) and swimming, as the latter can especially lead to an infection. Can’t resist a trip to the beach or pool? Then book your sessions for colder months and avoid the temptation.
8. White privilege also applies to tattoo removal.
As if pale people didn’t have enough advantages already, white privilege extends to tattoo removal as well, though this is less about systemic racism and more to do with how lasers work. Dr. Colombo explains, “People with darker skin tones have a higher risk of complications such as blistering, scarring and discoloration because their own skin melanin can absorb some of the laser energy.” (That said, can we invest in research and development for better lasers for darker skin already?)
9. Not into laser tattoo removal? Your options are limited (and probably more painful).
If laser tattoo removal isn’t an option for you, you can get your tattoos cut out, but—yikes! Skin grafts may also be an option. You’ll have to discuss it with your doctor, especially since this is legit surgery and will likely have scarring—and you (and your doctors) won’t want to do this for a large piece.
10. Dermabrasion is sometimes used for tattoo removal, but only in certain cases.
Dermabrasion is still occasionally used as an alternative to laser tattoo removal for certain patients. Dr. Graf says, “This option is only viable if the tattoo is not too big, or is not in a deeper layer of the skin.”
11. Tattoo removal creams don’t work.
Don’t bother trying these or wasting your money! Every single expert we spoke to said they’re ineffective and may just cause skin irritation to boot. You’re better off saving your pennies for—you guessed it—laser tattoo removal sessions.
12. Don’t try other home remedies for tattoo removal.
Despite whatever you may have heard or read elsewhere, dermatologists agree that home tattoo removal treatments—which usually involve lemon juice, peroxide, salt or any combination thereof—not only don’t work, but can also cause some serious skin irritation. That’s only going to make the tattoo you hate look even worse, so please save this for the pros. Next, check out these sweet mother-daughter tattoo ideas.
Sources
Dr. Morgana Colombo, MD, FAADDr. Jeannette Graf, MDDr. Debra Jaliman, MDDr. Nadir Qazi, DO
