Many people choose to express themselves through tattoos or cosmetic enhancements like microblading. While these choices can be both empowering and personal to each individual, they do remain permanent, and, over time, personal tastes, lifestyle changes, or professional requirements might lead some people to consider removing them.
Both tattoo removal and microblading removal have become increasingly popular because they offer an effective and safe method for restoring clear skin. However, not all individuals may understand how this technology works or if it’s even successful.
In this guide, we’ll explore how these removal processes work, their benefits, and what to expect during treatment and recovery.
What Is Tattoo Removal and How Does It Work?
The tattoo removal process is designed to significantly fade or even eliminate tattoos from your skin. While there are varying options for removing tattoos, laser tattoo removal is the most advanced and widely used method.
Laser tattoo removal works by using high-intensity light to break down ink particles embedded in your skin. Tattoos remain permanent because these ink particles are too large for the body’s immune system to break down. By breaking particles into smaller pieces, laser tattoo removal allows the ink to be absorbed and eliminated by the body’s immune system.
Different wavelengths of the laser target different colors, allowing it to focus on multiple ink shades at once. However, it’s important to note that some colors are more difficult to remove than others. While it is possible for some laser technologies to remove all color shades, it often takes multiple treatments before the ink can be completely eliminated.
Benefits of Laser Tattoo Removal
Besides eliminating a tattoo that may be no longer wanted, laser tattoo removal offers several other benefits that make treatment processes and recovery more manageable. These include:
- Minimally-Invasive: Laser tattoo removal is a mininmally-invasive procedure, meaning it doesn’t require surgery, but does cause some disruption to the skin.
- Safe: Advancements in laser technology ensure that tattoo removal is safe for all skin types and skin colors when performed by a professional.
- No Scarring: Unlike older tattoo removal methods, modern laser techniques minimize the risk of scarring, preserving the skin’s natural texture.
- Minimal Recovery Time: Patients can typically resume daily activities shortly after treatment, making laser tattoo removal a convenient option for those with busy lifestyles. Although, it’s important to note that patients may be advised to avoid certain activities such as sun exposure while disrupted skin is healing.
- All Colors Can Be Removed: Advanced lasers can effectively target and remove a wide range of ink colors, including stubborn shades like green and blue.
- Works on All Skin Tones: This laser technology is designed to accommodate all skin tones, ensuring effective and safe treatment for any individual.
Laser Tattoo Removal Treatment Process and Recovery
The laser tattoo removal process is relatively straightforward.
Consultation
First, patients attend a consultation session, during which the provider assesses the tattoo’s color, size, age, and placement. This helps them determine the best treatment plan, including the number of sessions and the laser wavelengths needed. Factors such as skin type, location of the tattoo on the body, and overall health are also considered.
Treatment
Patients must then prepare for the removal treatment itself. The skin is cleaned, and a topical anesthetic may be applied to the area to minimize discomfort during the procedure. Protective eyewear may also be provided to shield eyes from the laser’s intense light.
During treatment, the laser is passed over the tattoo, emitting pulses of light energy that target the ink. Sessions are typically short, lasting between ten to 30 minutes. However, session duration always depends on the tattoo’s size and complexity.
Most tattoos require multiple sessions for complete removal, typically spaced multiple weeks apart. Factors such as ink depth, location of tattoo on the body, tattoo color, and age of the tattoo influence the number of treatments needed.
Recovery
Post-treatment care is crucial for optimal results. Remember to:
- Keep the treated area clean and apply any recommended ointments that promote healing.
- Avoid direct sun exposure and use sunscreen.
- Stay hydrated and maintain a healthy diet to support the body’s natural healing processes.
After treatment, you may experience temporary side effects such as redness, blistering, swelling, or scabbing. These usually subside within a few days to weeks.
What Is Microblading Removal and How Does It Work?
Microblading is a popular trend that allows eyebrows to be shaped. Also known as permanent makeup, this process uses tiny needles to shape underneath the eyebrow.
Unfortunately, microblading can fade over time since the needles don’t penetrate the skin as deep as a traditional tattoo would. Because of this, individuals may feel disappointed in microblading results, or they may even need to change ink colors to better match other features.
Microblading correction and removal is a process designed to eliminate permanent eyebrow tattoos. Laser removal is the most popular method for reversing microblading. Similar to tattoo removal, lasers target the microblading pigment and break it down into smaller particles. The body then absorbs and eliminates the pigment through its natural processes.
Benefits of Microblading Removal
Laser microblading removal offers several benefits:
- Effective Removal: Microblading laser removal offers highly effective results, eliminating or significantly reducing unwanted pigment.
- Safe and Precise: Modern laser techniques are designed to target pigment without causing unnecessary damage to the surrounding skin, ensuring a safe and precise procedure.
- Natural Eyebrow Restoration: Removing unwanted microblading allows the natural eyebrows to grow back unimpeded, providing a fresh start for new styling options.
- Minimal Discomfort and Downtime: Microblading removal involves minimal discomfort during treatment and requires little downtime, making it incredibly convenient.
Microblading Removal Treatment Process and Recovery
Consultation
A professional consultation is essential for evaluating the pigment’s depth, color, and overall condition. The specialist will discuss the best removal method based on individual needs and skin type.
Before the procedure, the skin is cleaned, and a numbing agent may be applied to reduce discomfort.
Treatment
The laser removal technique is applied in a controlled manner to avoid unnecessary trauma to the skin. Sessions typically last between 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the extent of the microblading.
Complete microblading removal often requires multiple sessions spaced several weeks apart. The number of treatments needed will depend on factors like pigment saturation and skin type.
Recovery
Microblading removal requires both immediate and long-term aftercare. Remember to:
- Keep the area clean and avoid touching it.
- Apply recommended healing creams to soothe the skin.
- Refrain from using makeup on the treated area until it is fully healed.
- Protect the area from sun exposure to prevent irritation and discoloration.
- Stay hydrated to support the body’s natural healing processes.
Some potential side effects may occur after treatment. Temporary redness, swelling, or scabbing may occur, but these side effects typically subside within a few days. Following all aftercare instructions is important to reduce the risk of side effects and further complications, such as infection or scarring.
Tattoo Removal and Microblading Removal Services at Mirabile M.D.
Both tattoo removal and microblading removal are highly specialized procedures that require expert care and attention. Understanding the processes, benefits, and recovery associated with each method can empower individuals to make informed decisions based on their needs.
At Mirabile M.D., we use the most advanced laser tattoo removal technology, Enlighten®, to remove unwanted tattoos and permanent makeup. Enlighten® features three different wavelengths, as well as PICO + NANO pulse durations in one system, to effectively remove unwanted ink.
- NANO Pulse Durations: Larger particles respond better to longer pulse durations, allowing for complete clearance of unwanted ink.
- PICO Pulse Durations: As the ink particles become smaller, shorter pulse durations are used to effectively complete treatment.
Are you interested in tattoo removal or microblading removal? Contact Mirabile M.D. today to schedule a consultation with our providers.
