The methods for removing tattoos have come a long way. There was a time, not too long ago when getting rid of a tattoo meant surgery or processes that involved sanding or even acid. Ouch! Well technology has advanced and the two most popular methods today involve using fade creams and lasers.While the fade creams are popular, their effectiveness remains a big question. That leaves laser technology-- which is considered the safest method and produces the best results for most people. But laser tattoo removal does not come without its drawbacks. It can be expensive, very uncomfortable and still comes with the risk of possible scarring.
How painful is laser removal? That is different for each person, because every person has a higher threshold for pain.It also depends on the parts of the body where the tattoo being removed is located. Areas like the toes and feet can be much more painful than other parts of the body. The feeling having a tattoo removed by lasers is said to feel like a rubber band snapping over and over again in a very concentrated area. To minimize the pain, some people prefer to have a topical numbing cream applied over the tattoo prior to the treatment. The laser procedure actually goes pretty fast-just takes a few minutes for each visit.The cost of having a tattoo removed with lasers will vary depending on the size, the type and color of ink that was used, how deep it has penetrated the skin, age of the tattoo and skin type. More than one application is normally needed. After each treatment you will need to give several weeks for the wound to heal before returning for follow up visits.For complete removal it can take anywhere from just a few visits to more than a dozen. This is only meant to be an estimate, but a 3 inch square tattoo, requiring 9 visits, can cost between $800 and $1,000.
Scarring associated with laser tattoo removal used to be more prevalent than it is today. This procedure does not come without its risk for scarring, and you should always consult a dermatologist or medical professional first, but with the newer lasers the risk for scarring is much less common today. The one factor that comes into play with scarring is the skin type of each individual.
By Mark S Myers
