Six Facts You Might Have Not Known About Laser Tattoo Removal

  1. The laser does not remove the ink. Yup! This surprises most of our clients, your body removes the ink. The laser breaks up the ink into small particles that expedites the process of removal. After treating the tattoo with the laser your body’s immune system takes over to remove the ink.
  2. Your circulation can hinder or help fading. Movement of the lymphatic system is governed by our muscles. The more that you pump your muscles, the better your lymph flow will be. The lymphatic fluid eventually ends up in your blood stream. So, the better the circulation the better the fade. Get to the gym, ride a bike, or go jump on the trampoline with your kids.
  3. Liver Health Helps. The ink particles eventually end up in the liver before it is excreted out through your excretions, urine, and sweat. Drink more water, cut back on the booze, detoxifying supplements have shown to help as well. Milk Thistle is a great liver detoxifier and can be found at most health food stores.
  4. Location of your tattoo. Remember it is all about circulation, so the closer to your heart the better. Tattoos on the extremities especially the foot and ankle can take longer to remove.
  5. Experience of your laser technician. Experience and quality training along with a high quality laser means no scarring and better fading. Ask questions about your technicians background and experience. Do not go with the technician of the week who was hired from a craigslist ad.
  6. FADING WILL OCCUR IN BETWEEN SESSIONS. Wait a couple of months in between sessions, especially with larger tattoos. Your body will continue to eliminate these products over time. Our staff at North Houston Laser Tattoo Removal will recommend a timeframe for you to resume treatments.

Getting Ready for Tattoo Removal

So the big day has arrived, you are about to begin the journey of laser tattoo removal. Here are a few tips to help things go smooth as possible:

  • Stay out of the sun– If you are a sun worshiper give your skin a break from tanning for a couple of weeks. If your skin is sunburned we will not be able to begin until your skin has healed.
  • Avoid topical creams and cosmetics– Do not use lotion, concealers, perfumes, etc. on the area of the tattoo. Make sure the area is freshly shaved and washed.
  • Wear comfortable clothes- Especially around the area where your tattoo is located. Tight clothing can increase swelling and cause discomfort afterwards.
  • No Ibuprofen or Aspirin- Ibuprofen(Advil) and Aspirin can thin the blood thereby increasing the chances of bruising and pin-point bleeding in the area being treated. If you prefer, Tylenol can be taken before and after your session.
  • Eat a Hershey Bar! Studies show, and my customers can attest that eating a Hershey’s bar on the way to your appointment helps with the pain of laser tattoo removal. Cacao, the ingredient in chocolate increases your endorphin and serotonin levels. Plus, it tastes good!

Tattoo Demographics By Race

According to a fascinating tattoo infographic offered by Medermis Laser Clinic, 21% of Americans (45 million) have a tattoo. That’s not a Tattoos removedsmall portion of the population, especially when you consider the fact that the younger generations are getting tattoos at a higher rate than their parents and grandparents.

What is even more interesting (at least to us) is the racial makeup of tattoo lovers. According to the infographic, white and African Americans populations have just about the same percentage of tattoos (20% and 21% respectively). Hispanics, however, have a 30% rate of tattoos, far outpacing the other racial groups listed.

Here in North Houston, we have a large Hispanic population. Since statistics show that about 11% of those with tattoos get them removed, we’re thinking that means there are a good proportion of Hispanics who may be regretting their decision to get inked.

We invite anyone who wants to get rid of a tattoo to come in for a consultation with one of our tattoo laser removal specialists. We can look at your tattoo and give you an honest and clear estimate on the amount of sessions you’ll need, the cost of the treatment and what results you can expect.