There was a time when tattoos were not favored by everyone. The striking visuals of a rebellious biker with a skull tattoo riding in the dust or a veteran soldier with a mohawk skull smoking a cigar gave tattoos a lousy reputation.
But with time, things have changed; today, tattoos have gained the respect of people worldwide from all walks of life. This body art has become a form of expression and freedom.
As liberating and artistic as it is, sometimes tattoos can reignite painful memories and cause general inconvenience. Because of this reason, people opt for tattoo removal procedures.
Today, we are going to tell you the complete information you need to know about tattoo removal for different skin types.
1. The Fitzpatrick Scale
Once you have decided to bid farewell to your favorite inkblot, the next thing you should remember is that not all tattoos are the same. Similarly, not all tattoo removal clinics are the same. So, always consult a trusted source when opting for tattoo removal.
Your skin type plays a vital role in tattoo removal. This means that the efficiency of your tattoo removal is going to depend upon your skin type.
As classified by the American dermatologist, Thomas. B. Fitzpatrick, human skin is separated into 6 groups.
These groups are divided based on the amount of melanin in your skin. Melanin is responsible for your skin pigmentation and can vary from person to person.
The classifications are Ivory (pale), Beige (fair), Light brown, Medium Brown, Dark Brown, and Very Dark Brown skin. These skin types have varied amounts of melanin present, with ivory having the least amount of melanin and very dark brown skin having the most amount of melanin.
The way a laser works is by targeting the ink pigments present in your skin and breaking it down with a high-temperature pulsating laser for removal. The body then removes these smaller pieces, which is why a tattoo naturally fades.
The amount of melanin present affects this process by absorbing and reflecting the laser. In simple words, the higher the contrast between skin and tattoo, the easier it is to remove it.
2. Pain During Procedure
One common question people have about tattoo removal is the amount of pain that they would have to endure. Contact your dermatologists and consult beforehand to find out any allergens or other complications.
The reason for this consultation is that while many people can easily handle tattoo removal, some people may experience light to mild sensations. Tattoo removal is usually done without anesthesia, but in some cases, a numbing agent or topical anesthesia could be administered.
3. Tattoo Location
The location of your tattoo can also affect its removal. Areas like the chest, upper arms, or shoulders receive more blood flow than compared to regions like ankles, fingers, or thighs.
As discussed, our skin naturally removes the broken-down ink pigments, areas with higher blood flow are easier for tattoo removal than areas with low blood flow.
4. Intensity of Tattoo
Tattoos are etched by a high-frequency needle that deposits ink pigments deep in the dermis. Some tattoos, like homemade tattoos, are easier to remove as they are etched in the upper layer of the skin.
While a tribal tattoo or a professional tattoo could take some time to remove. Another factor that could affect the intensity of the tattoo is the type of ink used during the procedure.
The intensity of the tattoo could also be affected by re-inked tattoos or a tattoo cover-up. These tattoos have a higher density, which means a higher concentration of ink pigments that can be difficult to remove.
5. Color Vista
Different color tattoos have different levels of difficulty in removal. For example, a black tattoo is easier to remove because the color black completely absorbs the laser intensity.
Other colors have to be removed by different lasers of specific wavelengths. However, there has been a lot of innovation in tattoo removal procedures, namely the PicoWay laser system.
PicoWay laser system is equipped with a state-of-the-art laser that pulsates at picosecond, which is one trillionth of a second. This enables the laser to break the ink pigments into even smaller pieces that are flushed down by the body’s natural processes.
In addition, PicoWay comes with three different wavelength lasers as compared to traditional lasers with only one wavelength. This helps the laser to remove even the most colorful and blended tattoos without affecting the skin tissues.
6. Tissue Change or Scarring
As the high pulsating needle etches the skin, it creates skin abrasion or scarring. With time, this scarring naturally repairs and forms a protective layer of skin over the tattoo. This new layer prevents the laser from directly contacting the ink pigments and further complicates the issue.
7. Side Effects
Even with the most advanced lasers, you could experience discomfort and side effects. Two of the most common tattoo removal aftereffects are Hypopigmentation and Hyperpigmentation.
Hypopigmentation usually occurs in people with dark skin; in this condition the treated area becomes pale because of loss of melanin. However, this condition is temporary and is resolved after some time.
Hyperpigmentation is the darkening of skin usually found in people with fair skin. This is a result of an increase of melanin in the body. Like hypopigmentation, this condition is also temporary and can be resolved after some time.
Other common aftereffects include scarring, swelling or abrasion. If you feel discomfort, contact your dermatologist; they may prescribe a topical ointment for relief.
Conclusion
Tattoos are for everyone, and their removal should not be complicated. The modern innovation of multi-frequency laser helps in painless and cost-effective tattoo removal.
These tips are going to guide you in your quest for successful tattoo removal and provide you with a blank canvas for future exploration.