Inside: Does Tattoo Removal Leave a Scar?
Getting a tattoo can be exciting and adventurous. Unfortunately, sometimes it doesn’t come out the way you expect it to. Other times, you may initially love the tattoo but grow to resent it.
Irrespective of the reason you don’t like your tattoo, there isn’t exactly a quick fix for it. As we all know, tattoos are more or less permanent.
However, that doesn’t mean that you have to live with the tattoo for the rest of your life. There are ways you can have your tattoo removed. That being said, none of these methods are particularly appealing.
So if questions such as, “Does tattoo removal leave a scar?” are clouding your mind, you’re in the right place.
Does Tattoo Removal Leave A Scar?
Often time, tattoo removal methods are more painful than the actual process of getting a tattoo. This raises questions such as how effective they are, whether or not they leave a scar behind, and would your skin look as good as new after the sessions.
The answer to these questions simply depends on the method of tattoo removal you opt for. The tattoo removal methods that completely remove any signs of the tattoo tend to be more expensive. In contrast, the more affordable ones tend to leave some scars or marks behind.
Therefore, you have to determine the best options for yourself.
Different Methods of Tattoo Removal
There are various methods of tattoo removal that you can consider if you’re not happy with your tattoo. Here are the most common methods that you may come across.
· Laser Tattoo Removal
Laser tattoo removal is by far the safest and most effective method of removing a tattoo. It requires multiple sessions, spread over 8 to 12 weeks, to completely remove the tattoo. If you have larger tattoos or blackout tattoos, you may require more sessions.
By the end of the sessions, there will be no remaining marks of the tattoo. Additionally, laser tattoo removal doesn’t leave behind any scars. However, if you already had any scars in the area, the treatment would make no difference to them.
There are few known side effects of this tattoo removal method. You may notice some scabs and blisters after the sessions. However, they’ll go away on their own as long as you keep the area clean and don’t pick on them. The only major downside to laser tattoo removal is that it can be extremely expensive.
· Salabrasion
Salabrasion is the oldest method of tattoo removal and is still used by some people. A salt-based solution is used to abrase the epidermis and dermis of the skin. Basically, the upper layers of the skin are dissolved until the tattoo is no longer visible.
The method is very painful as it requires a lot of sessions of essentially burning down your skin to remove the tattoo. In addition to that, this method leaves behind a dent in the area, making it appear as if something was embossed on the skin. This mark remains for a long while. In fact, in some cases, it may never reduce in appearance.
· Dermabrasion
This is practically the same as salabrasion. However, instead of a salt-based solution, a rotating mechanical instrument is used to abrase the upper layer of the skin. It also requires fewer sessions as compared to salabrasion, but is still extremely painful.
Both of these methods leave a long-term mark behind and are generally not recommended for getting a tattoo removed.
· Injecting Solutions
In this method, a subcutaneous injection of a solution or other similar liquid solutions is injected into the skin. This glycolic acid-based solution penetrates the skin and directly attacks the ink, hence, reducing the appearance of the tattoo.
However, glycolic acid can prove to be very strong for a lot of people. Therefore, it can leave burn marks or long-term scars on the skin. It is also important to note that this method isn’t consistently effective. While some people have seen some good results, most don’t experience any major benefits from it.
What Happens After Tattoo Removal Process?
Laser tattoo removal actually takes some time, months to even years. Each session will break up more ink making it easier for your body to remove. The ink removes itself from your body during the 6-8 weeks in between each treatment.
Tattoo removal is faster and more effective than alternatives, like tattoo removal cream, but results are not instantaneous. An immediate frosting that occurs directly after having patients thinking that their tattoo is gone, but this reaction is actually the ink being penetrated by the laser and goes away in about 1-5 minutes after the treatment.
Tattoo Removal Before and After Photos
When getting a tattoo, it is important to think over the decision as much as you can. This can save you from a potentially dangerous and expensive tattoo removal procedure in the future. However, sometimes you make mistakes, and that doesn’t mean that you have to live with them for the rest of your life.
If you do want to remove your tattoo, it is recommended to opt for laser tattoo removal. It may be the most expensive method, but it promises results without any lasting side effects.
Make sure that you consult a good dermatologist for this purpose, as that will further reduce the risk of getting scarred.
Looking for More Tattoo Inspiration?
- Wanderlust Tattoo Ideas – In a world where tattoos can take on any number of meanings, it’s refreshing to see designs that simply express a love for travel. Who hasn’t spent time dreaming of going away to a distant place? There’s something powerful about seeing a tattoo that makes you guess a person’s story. These wanderlust tattoos are some of our favorites, so if you like traveling or if you dream of adventures waiting for you out there, be sure to check them out. Odds are you are going to want to get one or two!
- Our Favorite Freckly Tattoo Ideas – Consider cosmetic tattooing to add permanent eyeliner, faux freckles and give your lips the perfect color. Head out the door without having to spend time adding makeup or worrying about it melting away as the day goes on. While the prices vary, it’s not much more expensive than a typical tattoo. Considering how much money you spend on makeup in a year, you’ll see that it’s worth the upfront costs. Plus, can you imagine heading out the door with flawless makeup every day without all the effort?
- Cute Little Tattoos – Little tattoos can be personal and discreet, but they can also have a giant meaning and connection for the wearer. Smaller tattoos can be good for those just starting with tattoos…you know…see if you like it before committing to a large image. If you are just starting, or looking to add something small to your existing collection, check our our list of Cute Little Tattoos.