Tattoo Removal – Pre-Treatment Instructions

How often does it happen that you get a permanent tattoo out of impulse and then regret getting it later? It has happened to quite a few of us. While things were out of our hands a few decades back, advancing medical science has now made it possible for you to wipe out your regrets with laser treatment.

But, since the procedure is relatively underrated, not many patients are aware of the detailed guide about the procedure and what kind of pre and post-treatment care the patient needs to keep in mind.

Here, we are going to discuss everything that you need to know about tattoo removal, with special emphasis on the pre-treatment instructions.

Table of Contents

Feel free to skip ahead if one topic catches your eye

1. Who are the best candidates for tattoo removal?
2. Pre-Treatment Instructions for Tattoo Removal
3. How is the Tattoo Removal Procedure done?
4. What are the Aftercare Instructions After the Treatment?
5. What are the risks of Tattoo Removal?
6. What is the cost of Tattoo Removal in India?

Take Away

1. Who are the best candidates for tattoo removal?

Removing a tattoo is not as easy as getting it. The patient needs to consult an experienced cosmetologist and have a detailed discussion before you finalize an appointment to undergo the treatment. Generally, the older tattoos that you might have gotten a few years back are easier to remove compared to the fresh and new ones.

Even the size and the shading of the tattoo plays a crucial role in the removal procedure. Coloured tattoos like black, brown, dark blue, and green are a lot easier to remove compared to the other uncommon tattoo colours. The more colour intensive tattoos take longer for the doctor to remove.

You might not be an ideal candidate for the tattoo removal if:

• You have a darker skin tone
• You have a severe skin disease including psoriasis, eczema, etc.
• You have communicable diseases including herpes, etc.

But, the above conditions aren’t necessarily a roadblock that signifies that the patient can’t undergo the procedure at all. It is just necessary to consult the doctor better to come up with a detailed treatment plan. Depending on the issue, the doctor will customize your treatment plan accordingly.

2. Pre-Treatment Instructions for Tattoo Removal

Apart from the actual procedure of tattoo removal, the patient also needs to take care of the important instructions before the treatment. Some of the important instructions to consider are:

• During the initial consultation, the doctor asks about the cosmetic expectations from the treatment,assesses the tattoo and the associated health conditions (if you have any)
• The patient needs to be extremely thorough with their medical history, especially when discussing conditions like chronic diseases or surgeries
• The patient needs to avoid direct sun exposure or artificial tanning methods two weeks before the treatment
• Avoid bleaching the skin, especially around the site of the treatment
• Avoid pre-treatment waxing, bleaching, or exfoliation around the area of the tattoo
• If you consume medications like anti-inflammatory drugs or aspirin, stop taking then at least a week before the treatment
• If you have any kind of allergic reactions or skin conditions, the doctor will wait till the skin is in optimal condition before conducting the treatment
• The treatment area needs to be clean-shaven on the day of the procedure

3. How is the Tattoo Removal Procedure done?

Since this is a laser procedure, the doctor takes all the precautions needed before conducting the treatment. Generally, pregnant women are suggested not to undergo the treatment while they are carrying the baby. As for the individual treatment plan, it involves the following steps:

• The doctor preps the patient by shielding their eyes with laser-proof goggles and tests the laser on a small section of the skin before the actual treatment
• Once everything is good to go, the laser pulse is targeted towards the area of the tattoo; the beams getting absorbed by the tattoo pigments
• The laser targets the ink and breaks them down to further lighten its appearance. The by-products from the procedure are excreted out of the body naturally
• Depending on the size of the tattoo, the patient might need to undergo 3-8 sessions for optimal results in the end
• The doctor advises the patient to use a cold compress on the site of the treatment right after the completion for soothing the tingling sensation

4. What are the Aftercare Instructions After the Treatment?

Once the tattoo removal is done, there are a few important aftercare instructions that the patient needs to take care of. These ensure faster recovery and quicker healing of the treated area. Some of the important instructions include:

• Apply a cold compress on the site of the treatment
• Ensure to keep the treated area clean and dry at all times
• Avoid direct sun exposure on the site of the treatment
• Avoid scratching the treated area if you find blisters or scabs

5. What are the risks of Tattoo Removal?

Tattoo removal using laser beams is a non-invasive procedure. So, the risks and complications associated with the treatment are pretty low. But, some patients report feeling a few temporary complications including:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Hematoma
• Tingling sensation
• Infection
• Mild scarring

6. What is the cost of Tattoo Removal in India?

The cost of tattoo removal in India varies from city to city. Generally, the treatment cost starts from INR 2000 per session, which can increase depending on the size of the tattoo and the kind of complications that the patient comes with. Additionally, the charges of the cosmetologist and the clinic make the cost variable as well.

Take Away

Tattoos can be a hit or miss among people, which is why you should be extremely sure of the design before you get them. In case you need tattoo removal, it is important that you consult an experienced cosmetologist who has a rich experience in this field. Moreover, ensure that you decide which treatment method would work the best for you before you undergo the treatment. Generally, laser beam therapy for tattoo removal is the most popular type of treatment. Experts at SkinQure provide a thorough consultation and answer all your queries before starting the procedure.