You want to get a tattoo removed. Not because you regret having a tattoo in the first place, but because you want to replace it with a new tattoo. But what you want to know is – can you tattoo over laser removal?
The great thing about laser tattoo removal with Zapp Laser Studio is that, in most cases, we can help you get rid of an old tattoo completely. This means you can get a new tattoo design in the same place.
But when getting a new tattoo after laser removal, there are certain things you need to consider. That is why we are here to run through everything you need to know before getting your replacement tattoo.
Can you get a new tattoo after laser removal?
In short, the answer is yes, you can get a new tattoo after having your old tattoo removed. There are certain things you will need to consider before visiting a tattoo artist for your next tattoo, however.
It is important that you choose a trusted laser clinic for your laser tattoo removal sessions. At Zapp Laser Studio, you will be in the safe hands of our qualified laser practitioners. We have years of experience in providing bespoke laser tattoo removal treatment to help fade an unwanted tattoo or remove it completely.
What is laser tattoo removal?
If you are looking for the safest and most reliable way to fully remove an old tattoo, laser treatment is your best option.
Laser tattoo removal is one of the most advanced laser treatments. It works by using high-intensity laser light energy to help break down tattoo ink into smaller particles. By doing this, it allows your body to naturally flush out the ink particles over time.
But not all laser technology can give you the results you want. This is why at Zapp Laser Studio, we use the PicoSure laser treatment. Not only is this one of the leading laser treatments on the market, but it is also the most precise treatment for targeting tattoo ink. This is because it targets the ink particles much faster and harder so that your body can easily absorb and dispose of them.
Because this is a powerful treatment, it means that each laser tattoo removal session is fairly quick. For small tattoos, it can be as little as a few seconds. Whereas for larger tattoos it can take up to ten minutes. This makes it easy to fit into your normal routine.
Another bonus is that the PicoSure laser can also target all colours on the spectrum. This is another reason why it is a great option for anyone wanting to cover up a tattoo or remove it to get a new tattoo.
What you need to consider when getting a new tattoo over laser tattoo removal
So, you have decided to have laser tattoo removal. But now you have questions about when you can start thinking about getting your new tattoo. Don’t worry, we have you covered. Below are the things you need to consider before getting your replacement tattoo.
See the tattoo removal process through to the end
Your first step to having your tattoo removed is to have a consultation with one of our laser practitioners. This helps us to assess your skin, take a look at your tattoo for the first time and talk to you about having laser treatment.
All tattoos are different and so is our approach to removing a tattoo. This is why we develop tailored treatment plans to help you achieve the results you want.
The number of sessions you will need depends on the age of your tattoo, the location of your tattoo, the size of the tattoo and the ink depth in your skin. On average, you will need 2-6 laser treatments to fade a tattoo. to completely remove an old tattoo, you are looking at 6-10 treatments.
Each laser tattoo removal session will use the laser to break down the ink particles at different depths. In the first few sessions, the laser treatment will target ink that is deeper in the skin. In the later treatments, we will adjust the laser to focus on the ink that sits on the surface of your skin.
If your existing tattoo is lighter and the design of your new cover up is more dense, you will need fewer laser treatments. If your current tattoo is more dense, you will need more laser tattoo removal sessions.
Essentially, the more we fade a tattoo, the more choice and less compromise you will need to make in terms of your new cover up.
You should always complete all your laser tattoo removal sessions before getting a new tattoo. By doing this, you will allow the laser to break down all the ink particles and ensure that all the ink is fully removed.
Give your skin time to heal
The healing process is one of the most important steps in laser tattoo removal. In each session, the laser beam will break down your tattoo ink particles. This allows your body’s immune system to remove the particles from your skin.
This process can cause mild inflammation and redness in the treated area. Because of this, your treatment sessions will only be every 10 weeks.
After your final treatment you will need to wait a minimum of three months, but preferably six months, before you get your cover up tattoo. This will allow for extra fading to take place and it will give your tattoo artist the best base to create your new tattoo.
Giving your skin time to heal also reduces the chances of scar tissue forming and prevents colour bleeding and uneven ink absorption from your new tattoo.
Your laser specialist will provide you with aftercare instructions to help your skin heal after each laser tattoo removal session. It is important that you follow these to give you the best results.
Always get advice from a professional
Knowing when the skin is ready for a new tattoo is not something you can decide on your own. This is where the experts at Zapp Laser Studio can help. We will not only guide you through the laser tattoo removal process, but we can also assess your skin to make sure it has healed.
We generally recommend that you wait for at least 12 weeks after your final laser treatment sessions before getting a tattoo in the same place. For some the healing process can be slightly longer.
If you are unsure, please do contact one of our friendly team who will be happy to advise you on when your skin is ready to have a new tattoo.
You should always choose a reputable tattoo artist when having a tattoo. You will also need to let your tattoo artist know that you have had a tattoo removed in that area. This will help them to give you the right advice and to understand how best to protect your skin.
Can I get a tattoo after having laser hair removal?
We tend to get a lot of questions about whether you can get a tattoo after laser hair removal. Again, the short answer is, yes.
Both treatments follow a similar practice. Laser tattoo removal targets ink pigment in the skin, whereas laser hair removal targets your hair follicles to destroy them.
As with tattoo removal, you will need to complete all your laser hair removal sessions and allow your skin to heal before getting your new tattoo.
Ready to start laser tattoo removal?
Choose the experts at Zapp Laser Studio to help you say goodbye to your unwanted tattoos. This all starts with your initial consultation where we can get to know more about you, and you can get to know more about us and our laser treatments. Get in touch with the team today.