Debunking Common Myths on Laser Tattoo Removal
In generations past, the unfortunate reality for anyone who had a tattoo they no longer wanted was that there was little they could do about it. We've come a long way since then, however, and a procedure like laser tattoo removal is incredibly effective for tattoo removal -- in fact, it's probably more effective and less invasive than you likely realized.
At Optimal Health Family Practice, we're proud to offer several quality laser treatments to clients in need, including laser tattoo removal treatments for a variety of tattoo types and sizes. Unfortunately, there are a number of myths out there about these beneficial treatments -- many of which exaggerate how painful, inconvenient or otherwise burdensome they are to the patient. Here's a look at some of the most common such myths, plus the proper information on each of them.
Myth #1: Laser Tattoo Removal Leaves Huge Scars
Not only is this completely untrue, but it is actually incredibly rare for a patient to leave the laser tattoo removal treatment with any kind of scarring. This is particularly true if you've chosen a knowledgeable and experienced provider, such as Optimal Health Family Practice.
Unlike some other surgical methods, such as skin grafting, the lasers used to penetrate your skin and break down the tattoo pigment are designed specifically for that purpose, making scarring highly unlikely. They use laser beam wavelengths that are tested and confirmed to be the most effective at breaking down and removing tattoo pigment, while also keeping skin cells intact. Today's technology is at such an advanced point that many patients are able to go without a single scar, if they do not already have any.
Myth #2: Laser Tattoo Removal Takes Forever
Again, this is simply not true! While it's impossible to say exactly how many laser tattoo removal treatments you will need and when the entire process will be complete, the truth is that most tattoos can be completely removed in three to six laser tattoo removal treatments or fewer.
This will depend on a variety of factors, such as the size and complexity of your tattoo (a larger or more intricate design is going to take longer than a smaller one) and how quickly you heal from each treatment (not everyone heals at the same rate). Some patients may need up to six treatments while others only require three.
Myth #3: Laser Tattoo Removal is Incredibly Painful
Laser tattoo removal can indeed be a little uncomfortable, but the truth is that it's not nearly as painful or inconvenient as some make it out to be. Many patients report feeling a mild heating sensation as the laser penetrates their skin, along with some mild discomfort during the healing process.
This is one of those myths that comes from generations of hearing about how difficult and painful tattoo removal was. Some people simply assume that technology hasn't advanced far enough to allow for it to be less painful than it used to be. Fortunately, that is not the case!
Not only this, but for anyone with sensitive skin or who is concerned about minor discomfort, there are ways of minimizing even these limited concerns. Your medical spa technician can apply numbing creams or coolers that are designed to provide you with relief during the procedure.
Myth #4: Laser Tattoo Removal Is Incredibly Inconvenient
It is true that laser tattoo removal does require a few brief visits to your medical spa, but that doesn't mean that it's inconvenient for everyone -- or at least not any more than going to have a tattoo applied in the first place.
If you find yourself with a tattoo that you no longer want, and one with easy access to your medical spa technicians, it's not much more of an inconvenience than any other time-consuming appointment. Plus, most laser treatments take only about 15 minutes or so -- meaning they don't require much time out of your day.
Further, there are other methods of tattoo removal that are far less convenient to you personally. For instance, if you opt for a surgical skin grafting process or another type of invasive procedure (like dermabrasion), it can take up many hours and you may even need an overnight stay in the hospital.
Myth #5: Expect Extended Downtime After Treatment
There are some who mistakenly assume that laser tattoo removal requires a significant recovery period after treatment, but this is yet another myth. You may need to avoid sun exposure for at least a few days or weeks (depending on your skin type and the condition of your tattoo), which can lead to some downtime if you had plans during that time.
However, most people are able to return to their regular schedule right away and have very little in the way of recovery after laser tattoo removal treatments.
Myth #6: Tattoo Removal Is Expensive
If you're considering a cosmetic procedure like laser tattoo removal, there's a good chance you've already considered the cost.
The truth is, though, that tattoo removal is not as expensive as you might think it is. Of course, some procedures are more affordable than others and the price will vary depending on factors like your location and the size of your tattoo (the larger and more complex it is, the more it will cost). Generally, though, it's an affordable procedure that most people can afford with a little bit of research.
For more on the proper facts on laser tattoo removal, or to learn about any of our laser treatments, Emsculpt services or other solutions, speak to our staff at Optimal Health Family Practice today.
