My experience with laser tattoo removal

Fifteen years ago, as naive eighteen year old I walked into a tattoo shop on Redcar seafront and got my first tattoos. There wasn't much thought behind them, other than 'I'm 18, now I need a tattoo' and so unfortunately here I am today beginning my removal journey. Here I'll be taking a deep dive into the world of laser tattoo removal and documenting my process... Because this is exactly the type of post I would have needed to read all those years ago.

_{[Tattoos prior to removal process]}

How does laser tattoo removal work?

Sometimes I think the easiest way to put your mind at ease with something is to understand exactly how it works. I was exactly the same when giving birth. I chose to go down the hypnobirthing route which is very big on understanding the science.

So what's the science behind laser tattoo removal?

Energy from the laser gun shoots through multiple layers of skin and breaks down the ink in your tattoo. These tiny fragments of ink eventually get absorbed into the bloodstream via your lymphatic system and are then safely passed out of the body. Our immune systems basically eat away at the poison of the tattoo ink.

The removal process can take quite a long time as tattoo ink sits in the deepest layer of the skin. If a tattoo is particularly bold (like mine) and sits quite deep within the skin it will take more treatments to remove the ink compared to shaded tattoos where the ink isn't sitting as deep.

Limitations of laser tattoo removal

Before undertaking laser tattoo removal it's worth considering the limitations:

• Comfort. Laser removal is an uncomfortable procedure to go through.
• Timescale. Depending on the size of the tattoo you may need a ten or more sessions to completely remove the tattoo.
• Tattoo colour. Some colours are harder to remove than others. Green and blue as well as neon colours are notoriously difficult to remove.
• Cost. The cost of tattoo removal can be quite high, especially considering the amount of sessions needed.

Having a tattoo removed is usually a safe procedure if it's done by a qualified practitioner. If you're worried or need reassurance, please ask your practitioner about their qualifications and insurances. I'm sure they'd be grateful for the extra precaution.

What is the aftercare process like?

For the first three days after tattoo removal the area should be covered over and kept dry. Vitamin E and SPF will become your best friends during aftercare, they work wonders for your skin and can really help keep scarring to a minimum.

As it's your immune system which is eating away at the broken down ink it's recommended to look after yourself during the process. This can be things like exercising well, eating well and getting enough sleep.

Sun beds, hot tubs and particularly long soaks in hot baths are to be avoided during the recovery process.

It can take approximately six weeks for your skin to recover from the laser experience. How you look after your skin during this time can be crucial for results.

_{[Immediately after removal process]}

My laser tattoo removal experience

Did it hurt?

That's the million dollar question! And in all honesty, yes! Yes, I thought the process was pretty painful... And I'd like to think I've got quite a high pain threshold... I gave birth with no pain relief to two children. But did it hurt? YES! What I will say however, is that the process is extremely quick. Especially in comparison to getting the tattoos themselves. For my particular design and style of tattoos I can't have been on the treatment bed for more than five minutes.

Was it expensive?

I chose to have my laser removal through So Clo, an independent semi-permanent makeup artist based in Middlesbrough. I booked with a discount code and paid £40 for my first session. The original price should have been £55.

_{[Tattoos one week post removal process]}

One week after having laser tattoo removal

I'm currently (25.09.23) one week post laser. Over the last seven days my stomach has become bruised and ever so slightly swollen. My tattoos have gone from bright white to black again and my bruises have turned from deep purple to a less prominent yellow. I have slight pain in the bruising, but only if pressure is applied to them or if the kids are jumping all over me.

I'm not seeing a huge difference in the tattoos themselves yet. I can see areas where the ink has been broken down, it kind of looks like small circular patches where the ink is beginning to disperse. I suppose this makes sense though when you think about the laser and it's shooting motion.

_{[Tattoos 8 weeks since 1st laser session]}

_{[Tattoos 1 Day post 2nd laser session]}

(I'll be updating this blog post in the coming weeks as I have more sessions).

Have you considered laser tattoo removal before? Do you have any tattoos?