What do you do when your tattoo has lost its appeal? According to some estimates, 50% of people who get tattoos later regret them. The good news is that your ink can be reduced through a series of laser treatments.
How are tattoos reduced?
Tattoo ink is reduced in the same manner that we take out the pigment in a mole or brown birthmark. The laser targets the pigment in the tattoo and reduces the particles into much tinier pieces that are absorbed into the skin or reduces from the body. Darker colors like black or blue are much more easily removed than lighter or brighter colors.
How many treatments are needed to reduce a tattoo?
The number of treatments necessary to reduce a tattoo varies according to the following factors:
- The type and color of pigments or ink used
- The number of different colors used and the amount of pigment for each color
- The length of time the tattoo has been present
- The size of the tattoo
Most people require six or more treatments, and may begin seeing results after one or two sessions.
Are there any side effects to this treatment?
The laser feels like a rubber band being snapped against your skin, and will cause a brief moment of discomfort. If you are healthy enough to be treated, the treatments should cause minimal discomfort with minimal to no side effects.