Tattoos were meant to be permanent, so removing or fading them was difficult until now. With the recent advances in technology, laser therapy has become the preferred method for removal of tattoos.
The word “tattoo” comes from the Tahitian word tattoo; meaning, to mark. Tattoos have been found on Ice Age remains and Egyptian mummies.
Just as the demand for getting tattoos has increased, so has the demand for having the tattoos faded or removed. A survey by the American Society of Dermatological Surgery found that around 50 percent of the people who get tattoos eventually regret having them. And look for ways either to fade their tattoos or have them removed altogether.
The Q-switched ruby laser is considered the first preference for most of the tattoos, except for red ink, which is best treated with a Nd: YAG laser. Some people prefer laser treatment for tattoo fading rather than complete removal, as fading tattoos is less painful and less expensive.
Procedure of laser tattoo removal
Laser works by emitting intense but short pulses of light that pass through the epidermis and get absorbed by the tattoo pigment. The laser energy breaks the ink pigment into tiny particles which are then easily removed by the body’s immune system a few weeks or months after the laser treatment.
The amount of time and the number of laser treatments require removing the tattoo depends on several factors such as:
- Size of the tattoo
- It is tougher to remove a new tattoo rather an older one as the pigment in the new tattoo is likely to be denser
- The color of the ink is a big factor in determining how many laser treatments you require. Blue and black colored tattoos get removed easily whereas green and yellow pigments are the hard to remove.
- Professional tattoos are harder to remove as compared to street tattoos as professional tattoo makers use better quality ink and equipment.
- How deep the ink is injected
- Location of the tattoo and
- The individual’s ability to heal
Remember to do your research and don’t be afraid to ask questions if you’re going to get your tattoo faded or removed through laser procedures.
Question you must have answers to before you go in for the treatment:
Cost of the Treatment
Prices for laser removal depend upon the size of the tattoo, type of inks used etc. The bigger the area; the higher the charge. Fix up an appointment with the removal practitioner or the dermatologist and get the estimate.
Pain Involved
Laser removal or fading is relatively painless procedure. Still the amount of pain felt will depend on the type of tattoo, the level of treatment and your own tolerance level.
Chances of Side-effects
Normally the area blisters after the treatment. Get all your doubts cleared before going for the treatment.
Number of Treatments
You are dreaming in vain if you think that one fine day you would go in to the clinic and walk out the very same day tattoo free. It takes a number of sittings for tattoo fading or removal. Generally the number of treatments depends upon the depth, color and the composition of the ink.
Relation between Tattoo Removal and Breastfeeding Mothers
The word “tattoo” comes from the Tahitian word tattoo; meaning, to mark. Just as the demand for getting tattoos has increased, so has the demand for having the tattoos faded or removed. Prices for laser removal depend upon the size of the tattoo, type of inks used etc. Still the amount of pain felt will depend on the type of tattoo, the level of treatment and your own tolerance level. There is no evidence suggesting that tattoo fading or cover up tattoo affects breastfeeding in any way.
There is no evidence suggesting that tattoo fading or cover up tattoo affects breastfeeding in any way. If they follow the recommended aftercare procedures, the body filters the ink particles via the white blood cells and mothers are unlikely to face problems. If there are concerns about a tattoo, then the mother should consult the dermatologist or her physician for proper advice.
