How Lasers Can Help With Your Tattoo Cover Up
Since we opened our doors in 2006 we’ve had a lot of clients ask us the same thing, “Can I get a new tattoo on the same area after laser tattoo removal?” and the answer is YES!
Just because we’re Tattoo Removal Specialists doesn’t mean we have to get rid of your tattoo completely. While some people may believe laser tattoo removal is just for erasing unwanted ink, it’s not uncommon for clients to come in to have their tattoo faded so that it can be revised or covered up due to:
- Poor planning
- Bad design choice
- Unskilled tattoo artist
Whatever your reason may be for getting your ink lasered, we can help! The MEDermis Clinic may be known for being experts in tattoo removal, but we’re also great at fading. Here’s all you need to know about using lasers to fade your tattoo and why MEDermis Laser Clinics are the leading laser removal centers in Texas.
Fading Tattoos With Lasers
Unfortunately, there are a lot of unsafe and ineffective DIY methods for fading tattoos floating around on the internet; these methods can be dangerous, painful, and a waste of your time.
Before we discuss the laser method more in depth, we want to be sure you are familiar with the other common ink fading methods so that you can better understand why they are ineffective and the potential side effects you could experience.
- Saline: In the past, some tattoo artists would tattoo a saline solution into the skin surrounding ink. This method is only useful on older tattoos and even then is considered controversial among many artists. While many think saline is a safe choice because it is a natural solution, it has caused permanent discoloration, scarring, caused clients to bleed, and your ink may not fade enough for a coverup.
- Creams: We’ve met many people who initially reach for this option thanks to its low price tag, but we strongly recommend against using any lightening creams as many contain bleaching chemicals and harmful acids that can do serious damage. Plus, these chemicals can’t reach your dermis layer, meaning they’ll never be able to remove your tattoo.
- Peels: Some clients have opted for glycolic acid peels, TCA peels, and acid injections, which can often be found online and used without the guidance of a trained professional. However, like some of those harsh creams mentioned above, these peels can also have severe and permanent side effects leaving those who used them with chemical burns and scarring.
- Dermabrasion: Imagine taking sandpaper to your skin and exfoliating intensely. This process uses a fast-moving brush to (painfully) remove the top layer and the dermis layer of your skin where the ink is. Because this method requires several treatments and can leave your skin raw, it makes you more susceptible to infections and can take months to heal. This tool provides no opportunity for precision or accuracy and can end up removing more skin than necessary. Many report that the scar left behind is often more visible and bothersome than the tattoo they were trying to remove.
So, what’s your best bet? Lasers! If you’ve read any of our other posts, then you’re likely familiar with how laser tattoo removal is considered the most reliable and effective form of fading ink. What are some other benefits? Laser tattoo removal can remove the colors of your tattoo with:
- Little to no scarring
- Fewer side effects
- Less possibility of infection
- Lower chance of permanent scarring
In fact, most clients experience no side effects when they allow their body the time for proper healing and take precaution. Whether you’re looking to fade a tattoo that no longer holds any meaning or you’re making space for a new design, most cover-up tattoo artists will recommend a few sessions of laser removal beforehand. Fading the ink properly will play a big role in ensuring your cover-up and new design look great!
Is Laser Treatment Really Necessary?
Every tattoo is unique as is the skin it is on; when deciding to have one covered up your tattoo artist will likely recommend laser treatment to make your skin easier to work with. Fading the existing ink even just a little can give your artist a better chance at adding more definition to the new work.
How Many Laser Removal Sessions Will I Need?
We can’t say for sure until you have your FREE consultation, but typically 3-4 sessions will do. Keep in mind that the area being lasered, how dark the pigment is, and the size of the tattoo itself will determine just how many sessions are needed for your tattoo. However, because it’s not a full removal, it will take fewer sessions than we normally provide for a complete removal. Ultimately, it will be up to you and your artists preference of how light you need to get the original tattoo in order to apply the cover up.
What Are the Risks of Laser Removal Before Getting a Cover Up?
You’ll meet with one of MEDermis’ Certified Laser Specialists before any treatment. During your consultation, treatment, and after your treatment, your laser specialist will advise you on appropriate aftercare and necessary precautions to take. If you do not follow the careful care instructions provided by our team, you could risk damage to your skin and affect your future tattoo. For example, while scarring is not a common side effect of laser tattoo removal scabs and blisters are, and should you fail to care for them correctly, you could have permanent scarring.
MEDermis Laser Clinic Uses Only the Best
To ensure our clients have the best experience and optimal results, we use the Spectra Laser System by Lutronic. This system utilizes advanced laser technology and offers versatility, built-in safety, and enhances clinical outcomes.
The Spectra laser delivers light at incredibly high energy for a tiny fraction of a second onto the skin which breaks up the ink pigments. During the fading process, our Certified Laser Specialist will clean up your tattoo, using the laser at lower repetition rates to target the desired revision area.
Light and heat from Spectra’s wavelengths are only absorbed into the target areas, minimizing damage to the tissue surrounding the unwanted tattoo ink and keeping your skin safe. Our Certified Laser Specialists can target and control the intensity level of the laser’s beam thanks to the four different wavelengths on the Spectra.
Call the Tattoo Removal Specialists Today!
Have questions about the fading process or our lasers? Or are you ready to schedule your FREE consultation? Get in touch with MEDermis Laser Clinics today by calling our Austin clinic at 512-637-5277, the San Antonio clinic at 210-402-4030, or by filling out our online contact form.