The reason for getting a tattoo may range from a whim to a commemoration of a loved one or milestone in life. However, later on, some people may wish to get their tattoos removed. Or perhaps, you might want to alter your existing tattoo – this also requires some form of removal or lightening before you can go over the tattoo again.
Because tattoos are meant to be permanent, they are often difficult – and painful – to remove. If you want to find out how you can remove a tattoo, read on to find out the steps you should take.
Consult an tattoo removal expert
The first step to having a tattoo removed is by getting checked out by a qualified doctor. It might be a dermatologist or an tattoo removal expert. You can easily find contacts of doctors online or from recommendations from people you know. Screen the doctors for their reputation and reliability – after all, they are the ones who will be performing the procedure on you. A good choice of doctor can assure you of a more comfortable and pleasant tattoo removal experience.
If you go to their clinic for a consultation, make sure you feel comfortable with them before you agree to undergo any treatments.
Book an appointment
After shortlisting the doctor you wish to work with, make an appointment with them. This allows you to chat with the doctor and ascertain if you feel comfortable under them. During the initial consultation, the doctor can also recommend you treatment methods for your type and size of tattoo.
At this stage, you should find out all the details you need to know about undergoing tattoo removal. Some questions to ask include:
- What method is best for me?
- What is your experience in performing this procedure?
- How many sessions will it take?
- What are the risks?
- What is the recovery process like?
- What are the costs involved?
Before you agree to any treatments, make sure that the doctor is confident in answering all your queries.
Choose which method suits you best
If the doctor is able to offer you a few choices of tattoo removal, you need to decide which is best for your case. Typically, the common tattoo removal methods are surgery, laser removal, and dermabrasion. Surgery can be an effective method for small tattoos, but it leaves a scar, and is not feasible for large tattoos. On the other hand, dermabrasion is a very painful method that often leaves the skin damaged for the long-term.
One of the more popular tattoo removal methods is thus the laser removal procedure. Although it is also painful, it is less damaging to the skin. With numbing cream, the pain can be minimised. A laser procedure like the pico laser tattoo removal usually takes multiple sessions to completely remove a tattoo, and larger tattoos will require more sessions.
To mentally prepare yourself for the time and money involved, you should clarify all the details like the number of sessions and pico tattoo removal costs prior to starting your treatment.
Unfortunately, there is no ‘easy’ and painless way to have a tattoo removed. However, if you are sure that you want to get yours removed, you can weigh your options and pick one that is most suitable for you in terms of your tattoo type, budget, and willingness to endure pain and scarring.
