Regretting a tattoo you got with your ex or when you were drunk or when you were young and desperately needed to display your freedom and independence? Dreading even the sight of a sorely disappointing tattoo can become too much to bear especially if it is positioned somewhere the eyes can directly catch sight of. A lot of us have been there but unfortunately we had no idea how to escape the clutches of that wretched ink on our skin. However, the latest technology has brought with itself a new technique to put an end to a life-changing decision that once made you happy and ecstatic. That decision no longer needs to be permanent.
Types of Tattoos:
- Traditional tattoos: Everlasting and immortal, these tattoos feature stereotypical designs such as crosses and anchors marked with bold lines and bright colours, such is kind of a work of art, if you’re into art, and if you’re really into art and music, you should check the art at https://www.colourlovers.com/blog/2025/06/26/erik-skoldberg-abstract-artist-how-music-movement-and-emotion-drive-the-fine-art-of-storytelling/
- Realistic tattoos: This is the kind which makes the art seem like a living reality. Intense detailing and layering makes this style the most sought for. Usually done in shades of black and grey, depicting faces or scenes of nature, it turns a tattoo into a beautiful sketch through fine lines.
- Watercolour tattoos: Watercolour adds a whimsical touch either on its own or to an existing tattoo, giving birth to an unparalleled masterpiece.
- Japanese tattoos: Mostly large and colourful, these tattoos showcase the history of Japan in the form of dragons, samurai and phoenix.
- Blackwork tattoos: Usually embodied with bold work in black ink, this kind of a tattoo articulates courage and heroism organized in the shape of symbols, motifs and geometric designs.
Don’t let your tattoo define you. If you have an undesirable tattoo that you are ashamed and embarrassed of, if it doesn’t fit into your life and values anymore or if it has become too boring or overbearing for you, it’s time to get it removed permanently. Laser tattoo removal is one effective way to get rid of the ink that lives underneath the top layer of your skin.
What exactly is Laser Tattoo removal?
The pigment colours of a tattoo that is no longer desired are broken down with a Q-switched laser device while causing minimal damage to the surrounding tissue. Q-switching is a special type of laser pulse creation that produces powerful pulses of energy which target the ink.
Laser treatments break up the ink particles in the skin with highly concentrated light waves that heat up the ink particles and cause them to fragment into smaller particles which are then cleared away by the body’s immune system. The time/sessions taken for the complete expulsion of the unwanted ink on the skin depend on:
- Extent of the tattoo
- Ink utilized
- Age of the tattoo
- Your skin type
- Size and shading of the tattoo
- Colours/shades of the tattoo
- Skin temperature
Although it may require multiple sessions, it doesn’t have any major side effects. Some nominal side effects include hypopigmentation, rankling and scarring. Mild pain, redness, discolouration is normal, however, if it prolongs, contact your doctor.
Preparation tips:
- Avoid shaving, waxing and exfoliating before the treatment
- Avoid smoking six weeks before the treatment for better results
- Keep yourself well hydrated
- Avoid taking any anti-inflammatory drugs
- Avoid the sun and use sunscreen to protect the skin
Aftercare:
- Apply an icepack to the affected area to reduce any discomfort
- Wear an SPF 25 sunblock for 3 months after the treatment
- Avoid high water pressure on the affected area
- Do not pick any stabs or blisters and avoid shaving, waxing on the area or else it might result in scar formation
- Clean the area with mild soap and water daily
- Keep yourself hydrated
- Apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and keep it covered until it is healed
Externally, the wound heals in 2 weeks however internally it takes around 6 weeks for the body to completely deplete the ink that has been broken down by the laser. Patience is the key, so wait till it gets removed completely from the outside as well as from the inside. It’s a relatively safe procedure and would help you undo the faux pas.