Tattoo Removal FAQ

No matter what method you choose, tattoo removal is serious, and much care, deliberation, research, and consultation should go into deciding which is best for you.  To start, here are some frequently asked questions (FAQ).

Is all tattoo removal painful?
In a word, yes, although anesthetics are often offered usually in the form of either a topical ointment or local injection.  Some people actually choose to undergo the procedure without anesthetic. 

What are the risks of tattoo removal?
Aftereffects can vary from sunburn-like redness, blistering, infection, scabbing, to mild or severe scarring, so special care after tattoo removal is vitally important. 

Who might not be a good candidate for tattoo removal?
Anyone who currently has hyper-pigmentation, hypo-pigmentation, or keloid scarring (or if it's in their family history) should carefully consider what the removal process might entail for them. 

How many sessions are needed for successful removal?
Depending upon the procedure of choice, it can take anywhere from one session (as with excision tattoo removal) up to a dozen or more sessions spaced weeks or months apart (as with laser tattoo removals).  Also remember that 100% success can't be guaranteed and will vary with each individual tattoo. 

What affects the success rate?
The colors used, size, age and placement of the tattoo, the skill of the tech-nician, as well as an individual's physical makeup and health, are all factors in determining how successfully the body art can be removed. 

What's involved in aftercare?
It depends upon the type of tattoo removal, but usually some sort of anti-bacterial ointment is required, plus a dressing over it to keep the tattoo removal wound clean and out of sunlight.