Can you 100% remove a tattoo?

If you are staring an old tattoo that you want to completely removal, you might be wondering:

Can you 100% remove a tattoo?

Maybe you have an exes name tattooed on your body, or a tattoo design you once loved has faded.

Whatever your reason for wanting tattoo removal, you will be glad to hear that fully removing a tattoo is more achievable than you think.

With laser tattoo removal, you can say goodbye to your unwanted ink and hello to smooth and clear skin. So, you can enjoy tattoo-free skin, or create a blank canvas to get some new ink.

But the truth behind complete tattoo removal lies in finding the right laser technology and understanding more about the removal process.

That is why we are here to break down everything you need to know about laser tattoo removal.

From how laser treatment works to the importance of the healing process; we have all the information you need to make a decision that is right for you

If you want to speak to our tattoo removal experts in-person about getting your tattoo fully removed, contact us to book an initial consultation.

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What is laser tattoo removal?

At its core laser tattoo removal is a simple, yet highly effective and common method for removing tattoos.

It uses concentrated laser light energy at a fast rate to precisely target tattoo ink. The light energy breaks down the ink into much smaller particles.

These ink particles are then naturally eliminated through your body’s immune system. More specifically through your lymphatic system.

It will take multiple sessions to achieve complete removal. This is because each session works on a different part and depth of the tattoo to target all the ink.

How does laser removal compare to other methods of tattoo removal?

Unlike other methods of tattoo removal such as tattoo removal creams or chemical peels, laser tattoo removal does not cause any damage to the surrounding skin.

We also advise our clients to steer away from these alternative methods as they are not as effective in safely removing tattoos.

Tattoo removal creams and chemical peels cannot reach tattoo ink that sits deeper in the skin. 

Their use of harsh chemicals can also lead to burning or bleaching of the skin, and cause permanent scarring.

Finding the right laser tech for complete tattoo removal

Not all laser devices are created equal. This is why it is important to do your homework on which type of laser treatment is suitable for your skin type, tattoo type, and will deliver optimal results.

At Zapp Laser Studio, we use the PicoSure laser treatment and PicoWay laser device.

These are two of the most advanced tattoo removal systems that target and fully remove all colours on the spectrum.

This includes specific ink colours that are challenging to fade or remove including dark blue, green, yellow and white.

If you have a darker skin tone and are struggling to find a laser treatment that is safe and effective for your skin type, PicoWay is a great option.

This is because PicoWay uses the 1064nm wavelength, which ignores the melanin in your skin and only targets tattoo ink. For you, this means less chance of scarring and hyperpigmentation.

PicoWay is currently only available at our London Studio.

The laser tattoo removal process

During your laser removal session, your laser treatment expert will:

•   Ensure your tattoo skin is clean and ready for laser treatment
•   Pass the laser device over treatment area to send ultra-sort bursts of laser light energy into the unwanted ink
•   The skin in the treatment area may look red or slightly swollen afterwards. This is normal and most clients say it feels like mild sunburn.
•   We will provide you with proper aftercare instructions to help support your skin’s healing process.

You might be asking yourself – does laser tattoo removal hurt? The simple answer is yes, it can hurt as much or more than getting the tattoo in the first place.

We do not use any numbing cream. This is because it can change the texture of your skin and slow down the removal process.

We do use a cooling device, which blows supper cold air onto the skin during treatment to minimise any discomfort.

How many sessions will I need to completely remove a tattoo?

Each tattoo is different, which means our approach to tattoo removal needs to be tailored to your tattoo type, skin type, location of tattoo and ink depth. 

On average our clients need:

•   2-6 laser sessions to fade a tattoo
•   6-10 laser sessions to completely remove unwanted tattoos

Just remember, that patience is key with laser tattoo removal. Some stubborn colours or larger tattoos will require more sessions than small tattoos with black ink.

What factors affect whether a tattoo can be fully removed?

The good news is that at Zapp Laser Studio, we can successfully remove all different types of tattoos.

However, there are several factors that can make tattoo removal procedures more challenging and means you will need more sessions. These include:

•   Tattoo age – Older tattoos fade faster than new tattoos.
•   Ink colours – black ink responds faster than other colours such as green, yellow or white.
•   Tattoo size – smaller tattoos will require fewer treatments.
•   Location – tattoos that are further away from the heart such as the ankles and hands take longer to remove and are slower to heal.
•   Immune system – a healthier and stronger immune system will process ink particles much faster.
•   Skin type – lighter skin tones respond to treatment more quickly, whereas dark skin tones require more sessions and a more considered approach.

During your initial consultation, we will assess your skin type and tattoo type to provide you with a personalised treatment plan. This will include how many sessions you will need to see complete removal.

Why the healing process is vital for complete removal

What happens between your tattoo removal sessions is just as important as what happens during them.

To achieve the best results, you need to:

•   Follow your aftercare instructions
•   Stay hydrated
•   Avoid sun exposure during the healing period (up to 12 weeks)
•   Always wear sun protection
•   Use a cold compress to soothe the skin in for first two days
•   Apply a vitamin E ointment after 48 hours

Check out our full guide on laser tattoo removal aftercare.

Talk to Zapp Laser Studio about laser tattoo removal treatment

If you are ready to chat to our team about starting your tattoo removal journey, start by booking a consultation at one of our laser studios

This is the best way to see how laser tattoo removal works, find out more about our laser technology, and get a personalised removal plan.

Safe and effective complete tattoo removal starts here.

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