5 Things to Avoid Before Laser Tattoo Removal Sessions
Are you one of the many who has tattoo they regret? Applying vibrant pigment and making a statement seemed like a good idea, but now it’s feeling too permanent. Fortunately, for those who have changed their mind about their tattoo application, laser tattoo removal is today’s safest and most effective way to remove that unwanted ink.
Before beginning your tattoo removal sessions, though, there are a few things you should avoid doing. By taking the proper precautions, you ensure the treatment works properly, doesn’t produce unnecessary side effects and is completed in the number of sessions your technician predicted.
Why Laser Tattoo Removal?
Laser tattoo removal is the best form of tattoo removal today because it’s non-invasive and can remove virtually many shades of tattoo pigment without damaging the skin. During laser tattoo removal sessions, your technician will target the ink in your skin using a Picolaser. The laser heats the tattoo area and breaks down the color pigments into smaller particles your body then naturally removes.
At MEDermis Laser Clinic, we’ve determined that most patients can have their tattoos effectively removed in three to seven sessions. Sessions are typically 15 to 30 minutes long and are scheduled six to eight weeks apart.
The number of sessions you’ll need to completely remove your ink largely depends on the age of the tattoo, size, location and pigment coloring.
What Not to Do Before Laser Tattoo Removal Treatments
Before beginning your treatments, avoid these five activities to ensure your laser treatment works quickly and successfully — without unwanted side effects or a prolonged removal process:
- Avoid Sun Exposure: Being in the sun boosts your body’s melanin and vitamin D levels which affect how the body reacts to laser treatment. Melanin absorbs the solar radiation, causing the skin to tan or burn and making the area sensitive. You may have adverse effects when the sun-exposed skin is in contact with the laser. Avoiding the sun keeps your skin protected, receptive and durable.
- Don’t Use Tanning Products: With a spray tan or self-tanning lotion, your skin is absorbing toxins that may react poorly to the laser and delay the process. Both of these methods increase your probability for experiencing blistering, burning and hyperpigmentation — the darkening of the skin.
- Do Not Attempt Alternative Removal: Laser tattoo removal may seem like it’s taking a long time, but don’t try to use other tattoo removal methods — like dermabrasion, salabrasion or removal creams — to attempt speeding the process. Most of these are intrusive and may cause permanent damage to your skin.
- Avoid Taking Antibiotics: Unless absolutely necessary to take, some antibiotics are known to make your skin sensitive and have negative interactions with the laser. Before undergoing treatments, consult with your removal technician.
- Don’t Try Machine Epilation: An epilator is a machine that pulls multiple hairs from your body at the same time. It’s a popular hair removal option for many people, but avoid having this procedure done less than six weeks before laser removal treatment.
Have Fresh Looking Skin With MEDermis Laser Clinic
If you’re located in the San Antonio or Austin, TX areas and are ready to have your old tattoo removed, trust the experienced technicians at MEDermis Laser Clinic. With over 12 years of experience and nearly 300,000 tattoo removals, we have the most comprehensive removal experience in Texas. Schedule a free consultation with us today or call us at 512-637-5277 to learn more about our services.