Interesting Facts About Tattoo Removal

What is laser tattoo removal?

Tattoo removal is the process of removing unwanted tattoos by using a laser. This laser system directly targets the pigment contained in the tattoo ink; the ink absorbs the light and shatters it into tiny fragments. The immune system is then able to carry out these smaller particles to successfully lighten a tattoo or completely remove it.

Here's some information about the treatment that you might find interesting.

Your immune system removes the ink. Once the pigment is broken down, you pee it out. 

It is not the laser itself that removes a tattoo from our bodies, the laser will only shatter the ink particles making them small enough for our immune system to carry them out through our liver. The ink is foreign to our body creating an automatic response of our immune system to try and remove the tattoo. Without laser tattoo removal, a tattoo is too large for our macrophages (white blood cells) to remove the ink on their own. Followed laser treatment, when the tattoo particles are small enough to be engulfed by our cells, it is treated as waste and carried out through the lymphatic system. 

Doing a cardio workout can speed up the process.

Accelerating tattoo removal can be as easy as increasing your heart rate. Regular exercise boosts your immune system and blood circulation, helping to break down and eliminate ink particles more quickly. Tattoo removal clients who incorporate daily physical activity into their routine during treatment tend to see quicker results!

Multiple laser sessions are required to fully remove a tattoo.

Laser tattoo removal is a lengthy process that cannot be completed with one session. There is no timeline for the procedure as it varies for each individual due to many reasons. Let us talk about some of those reasons.

• The ink used in the tattoo - Some inks are much easier to break down than others. If your tattoo is done as a ‘backyard’ tattoo; meaning out of a studio, it may be difficult to know which ink was used and may take longer to remove as a result. Inks used for cosmetic tattooing may also take longer to remove as there is a high chance of it turning black before being completely removed.
  

• Age of the tattoo – A tattoo that has been created recently has a higher level of ink within the dermis. The reason for this is that tattoo ink becomes faded on its own after a few years. Meaning recent tattoos will require more sessions to fully remove or prep for cover.
  

• Layering of the tattoo – If a tattoo is a cover up job and already has existing ink under the visible tattoo, then the tattoo will take longer to remove or fade. As a result, more sessions may be required to remove the layered ink.

• Location – Since the shattered ink particles exit the body through the lymphatic system, which is affected by blood circulation, a tattoo placed closer to the heart is easier to eliminate due to higher blood circulation. Tattoos placed on the hands and feet generally take longer to fade. 
  

• Size – The time and mumber of treatments required depends greatly on the size of your tattoo. A tattoo A5 in area is the maximum size that can be removed at one time.  Treating too large of an area at once can dilute the body’s resources and limit its ability to remove the ink. 
  

• Colour – All ink can be faded or removed, but some may be more stubborn than others. Black ink is the easiest ink to remove, this is because the contrast of the ink is easier for the laser to “see”. Lighter ink, like yellow for example, can be among the hardest of coloured ink to remove.
  

The heat produced by laser tattoo removal can be used on the skin for a short period of time only because longer lengths of exposure can lead to burning. Therefore, it is not possible to break down all the ink in one session. 

Different laser settings are needed to target different colours and pigments.

We have the ability to treat darker ink such as black and very dark shades with a 1064nm filter. Coloured ink such as red ink uses a 532nm filter. Ink that is green, yellow and blue can be challenging, depending on the shade and age of the tattoo, the type of tattoo also needs to be taken into consideration when understanding what tattoos we can treat successfully.

Not everyone is recommended for tattoo removal.

Tattoo removing treatments can trigger an immune response and cause a flare up in auto immune diseases. Ink fragments from tattoo removal are passed through our immune system meaning your immune system must work harder to remove the unwanted ink. If you have an auto immune disease, your immune system is already compromised. Laser treatments may not be advised, and we could decide against treating the tattoo.

If you have a history of skin hyper-sensitivity, scarring (keloid), skin infections such as impetigo or are prone to cold sores (herpes simplex), then laser tattoo removal treatments may not be advised. 

Some lifestyle influences can reduce laser tattoo removal effectiveness.

In order to get the best possible results with your tattoo removal treatments, it's important to consider how some lifestyle influences can affect your results. A healthy immune system, high white blood cell count and strong blood circulation is vital for successful results. The following influences could alter your treatments success:

Bad diet – A diet that is high in saturated fats, sugars and salts impairs the immune system. 

Smoking – Smoking damages and destroys your blood cells and antioxidants in your body. 

Sickness – Any sickness like cold and flu means your cells and lymphatic system are already busy fighting off bacteria and virus.

Drinking alcohol – Alcohol reduces the number of blood cells and also reduces your bodies ability to absorb nutrients. Reduced nutrients will further weaken your immune system.

Stress, lack of sleep and even lack of exercise can also impact the effectiveness of your tattoo removal. 

Conclusion

A consultation with your complete skin therapist is essential before any removal treatment is performed. In our consultations, we will go over everything you need to know about your tattoo removal journey, any medication or allergies and any questions or concerns you may have. Whether you have tattoo regret or you have simply outgrown it, let us help you refresh your skin with Tattoo Removal. You can book online or phone your nearest salon to get the journey started. Find our full list of salon locations. 

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