Tattoo popularity is on the up, but as more people opt for professional tattoos, we are also seeing more people looking for laser tattoo removal.
Whether you want laser removal because of a change in lifestyle, because your tattoo has faded, or your tattoo design doesn’t mean the same thing to you anymore, laser tattoo removal is a good way to clear the slate.
But because getting tattoos removed seems too good to be true, we occasionally get the question – Does laser tattoo removal cause cancer?
At Zapp Laser Studio, we take skin health seriously. This is why we only use state-of-the art laser treatment devices – PicoSure and PicoWay. Both of these laser devices offer safe and effective tattoo removal without damaging the surrounding skin.
To help you make the right decision for you, let’s break down the laser tattoo removal process and how it works, so you have all the information you need.
Understanding more about the laser tattoo removal process
If you are thinking about tattoo removal, you have probably come across people talking about tattoo removal creams. It is true that this is a much cheaper option than laser therapy, but cheap does not make it better or more effective.
In fact, tattoo removal creams do more harm than good. Not only do they not reach down far enough into the skin to remove tattoo ink, but they can also burn the skin and cause skin discolouration.
This is why laser tattoo removal is the safest and most effective way to fade or get rid of unwanted tattoos.
At Zapp Laser Studio, our advanced laser systems work by sending ultra-short pulses of laser light energy directly into the ink pigment. This helps to break down the tattoo ink into smaller ink particles. These particles can then be easily removed naturally through your body’s lymphatic system.
The key to the safety of these laser treatment devices is that they only target the tattoo ink and not the melanin in your skin. As a result, there is no damage to the healthy surrounding skin and no chance of scarring or skin reactions.
Is laser tattoo removal safe for the skin?
This is the question that most clients ask us, and they are right to do so. The answer to this is, yes, but only when you choose the right laser device for your skin type and when you have tattoo removal with a trained expert.
Our laser technicians at Zapp Laser Studio are fully-trained and have years of experience in safely removing new and old tattoos.
As we mentioned earlier, we also use medical grade laser technology to provide tattoo removal. Our devices only focus on shattering tattoo ink particles which are then slowly removed by the immune system over the coming weeks.
Why aftercare is important for skin health and skin protection
Even though laser tattoo removal is safe, you do need to follow our key aftercare advice. For the first few days and weeks, your skin will be very sensitive and more prone to infection.
You may see some redness, swelling and potential blistering in the days following your laser treatment. This is normal, but taking care of your skin will help with the healing process.
You will need to keep your treated tattooed skin clean and dry. You should also avoid high-intensity exercise, hot showers or baths and only use mild soap for the first 5 days.
Because your skin is more sensitive after laser tattoo removal, you need to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. These are the rays that are known to increase the risk of skin cancer.
We advise you to limit sun exposure to the treated area where possible. When in the sun, we recommend that you cover the treated area or wear at least factor 50 sun cream.
Does laser tattoo removal lead to an increased risk of skin cancer?
There is no definitive scientific evidence that laser tattoo removal causes cancer or increases the risk of skin cancer.
There are a number of reasons why, including:
- Laser tattoo removal only targets the upper layers and middle layers of the skin where tattoo ink is held.
- It only breaks down tattoo pigments which then pass through your immune system
- Laser treatment does not alter your DNA or skin cells, which is where cancers typically start to develop.
It is possible for lymph nodes to swell for a short period of time. This is an immune response to the ink particles passing through the lymphatic system. This is normal and not something you should be concerned about.
Laser tattoo removal and darker skin tones
As part of the consultation process for laser tattoo removal, one of the first things we assess is the clients or patient’s skin type. This is because you need to find the right laser to suit darker skin.
We understand that pigmented skin needs a customised approach to tattoo removal, so that our clients see great results and avoid any risk of skin discolouration.
Most laser systems work by targeting the tattoo pigments alone, but some laser devices can also interact with melanin (pigment that gives skin its colour). This means that people with dark skin tones can be at a higher risk of skin reactions, including burns or pigmentation issues.
At Zapp Laser Studio we use the PicoWay laser to treat darker skin types.
Why is this type of laser safe and effective for dark skin tones? It is because PicoWay uses multiple wavelengths to target different tattoo ink colours.
But most importantly, it uses the 1064nm wavelength that bypasses the melanin in your skin and only targets the tattoo ink. This reduces the risk of any heat damage to the surrounding skin and the risk of scarring or hyperpigmentation.
Are you ready to chat about safely removing your tattoos?
At Zapp Laser Studio, your safety and skin health is our number one priority.
We ensure every client has an in-depth consultation so we can assess your skin type, skin condition and tattoo. This enables us to develop a tailored laser treatment plan that will successfully remove your tattoo without causing any harm to your skin.
We always provide clear and honest advice, so that you can make an informed decision. If you are considering laser tattoo removal, please get in touch with our team today to book an initial chat.