You have reached here because you are rethinking your inking-something that you once thought was a bold reflection of your identity, right? You may feel now this tattoo doesn’t serve its purpose. Furthermore, you might be confused whether to cover it up with a new design with innovative ideas from the expert artist, or to just remove it forever for good. This feeling we normally call “tattoo regret”. You must understand that you are not the only one thinking this way, thanks to modern technologies like laser tattoo removal, as well as tattoo cover-up artists who are there to help with your concern. But which one is right to do? You need to decide what your mind is trying to tell you now. Is the old ink still reflecting your thoughts? This guide will break down both methods in detail to help you make the best decision.
Each technique offers a step forward to free you from your regretful thoughts, either to erase it to keep your skin clean or to reform the old ones into something more meaningful, which represents your current thoughts. If you are ready to understand how they both are different from each other, you will be able to make the best choice for your body and your future. Let us now explore each method in detail.
Let us have a look at the Laser tattoo removal technique first.
What happens during laser tattoo removal?
Laser tattoo removal is more like a medical procedure, usually done in clinical settings for safety and effectiveness. It is done only by trained professionals who use advanced laser technology by directing high-intensity beams of light energy into the skin, targeting the ink particles. This results in shattering the ink further into tiny particles, which your body’s immune system clears by itself over time. It doesn’t damage the skin around the tattooed area, as it is done with precision and care. The end result? Clean and clear skin. But the results are achieved only by taking its own time, as the tattoo fades away progressively after each session.
Why is Q-Switched laser technology the Gold standard?
The most happening and popular method opted by our professionals is the Q-switched laser technology, which is considered the gold standard among other tattoo removal methods currently available. In this method, extremely short, high-intensity light energy beams that are measured in nanoseconds are delivered to the target area. This light energy is powerful enough to break ink particles without any scarring or damage to your skin.
What if my tattoo is coloured? Is your tattoo coloured? Not to worry, you have still made the right choice of getting it removed with laser technology, as different wavelengths of light beams are capable of removing different coloured inks. This makes it more effective for various styles and shades of tattoos that you may have tried. The speed of the light beams and precision levels make Q-switched laser technology help you give your skin a second chance without leaving a mark.
How many sessions will I need?
Tattoo fading through the laser tattoo removal method doesn’t happen overnight, as it is a time-consuming process, and not a one-time quick fix. So let us be honest, you will have to wait for a long time to get your canvas clean. Safe tattoo removal requires 5-10 sessions that would be spaced 6-8 weeks apart between each session for a visible fading result. The number of laser tattoo removal sessions would depend on several factors like the ink colour, size, ink depth/ intensity, age, and your skin tone or type.
Do tattoo removals hurt?
Coming to the pain factor, laser tattoo removal is not painless, but is very much tolerable for most clients. Our clients relate the pain felt to a rubber band being snapped at their skin. However, more sensitive areas will have a bit higher levels of discomfort, but it is usually short-lived. Do not worry, cooling gels, cold air systems and numbing creams will be used during and after treatment to ensure your comfort.
The healing
It is common to experience some discomfort after each session of laser treatment. You might find a slight amount of swelling and redness, but do not worry about it is considered a part of the natural healing process, which will subside very soon within 24-48 hours. Some people mention mild itching with dryness in the area. The skin heals within 1-2 weeks, depending on the post-treatment care you give and how well your immune system works towards it. You must always avoid sun and heat exposure, heavy workouts, rubbing, picking or scratching the skin. Always approach a professional tattoo removal clinic with FDA-approved equipments and licensed professionals only, to get precise and safe service for your tattooed skin.
Maybe you no longer want the tattoo that you once loved like crazy, but you are not ready to let go of your inked version. This is where a cover-up idea takes birth. Your tattoo artist blends your original design with new ideas, together, making it more meaningful and a new piece of art on your skin. Only a skilled professional tattoo artist can make your dream come true on this. They combine the new design with the old one to form a new and meaningful design that appears more powerful. It is a visual treat to yourself as well as others. Usually, people go for this idea because of its quick results and affordability. The colours and designs are very crucial in cover-up tattoos for getting attractive results. Hence, choosing a skilled artist with good experience is very important.
Before you decide to go for either laser tattoo removal or tattoo cover-up design, it is very important to know about both their advantages and disadvantages, right?
So here is the comparison table for you to make the right decision.
| Factors to consider | Tattoo cover-up | Laser tattoo removal |
| Safety | Safe process, but as it is done over the already present design, it can cause thicker skin or design blending with the previous ink. | Choosing the right clinic who got licensed professionals and modern FDA-approved laser equipments with hygiene will ensure safety. |
| Appearance | Transformation into new art would require darker or bigger designs to mask the old one. | Natural skin is restored as time passes and with multiple sessions. |
| Skin health | A skilled artist will make sure the risks are kept low, but still, sometimes the layering ink might still affect the skin texture. | Temporary redness or scarring will appear, but with expert aftercare tips, you can heal well. |
| Speed | Maximum requirement of 2 sessions | Would need multiple sessions, and the process takes place only gradually. |
| Effectiveness | The effectiveness is completely dependent on how good the artist is, although it completely covers the old tattoo. | Can fully fade off the tattoo, even if it’s time-consuming. |
Having understood now about both methods for tattoo removal, it is your turn to choose which is best for you. There are some basic things about these two methods.
If you want to paint your slate clean and clear forever, and you have the patience to attend multiple sessions of laser treatment while waiting for its slow results, then you can opt for laser tattoo removal
If you want to conceal the old tattoo but do not want to attend laser treatment because of your love for tattoos and the urge to keep it all with you forever, then you can conceal as well as create a new meaning for your thoughts through your body.
Ultimately, is that your choice should align with your skin health, expectations and your willingness to commit and invest your time in it.
Either way, always remember to start it all with a professional consultation to make sure you get the right assessment of your skin health. Only a talented artist or a trained and licensed clinician will be able to deliver you safe and precise results. Following aftercare is very crucial too for an effective tattoo removal healing if you are opting for the laser technology.
Share This :
