Once scarred, twice shy

by Maria Itziar

The tattoo removal procedure uses laser technology and has become popular among tattoo enthusiasts who later regret certain body art.

With over 20 million adults in the world having tattoos laser removal is becoming more commonplace.

Michael Hodge, 43, is a former tattoo enthusiast who now approves of laser removal: “I realised that it wasn’t cool and I believe having tattoos gives, or at least gave, a bad impression.”

This change came after many years as he was only 15 when he decided to go through turning his body into his own canvas.

'Growing up'

He believes that having tattoos removed is “part of growing up”, and usually it’s only a matter of time until people consider the removal process.

The removal experience depends on the type and colour of the tattoo.

Indian ink tattoos are the easiest to remove, followed by cosmetic tattoos such as lip liner and eyebrows.

The hardest to remove are professional tattoos consisting of multiple colours.

Black, blue and red inks are considered fairly easy to remove, while green, yellow and purple are more difficult.

The laser used for this process treats the skin with pulses of light which allows the tattoo ink particles to be broken down into smaller particles making them easier to be removed.

After the particles have been broken down by the laser, the body cells take over, breaking the tattoo down completely, usually leaving no visible trace.

irreversible

On some occasions, a ‘ghosting’ is left behind, meaning the ink is too deep inside for the laser to reach and although the surface particles are able to be broken down, a shadow remains.

However rare it may be, green pigment might not disappear at all, the reason for this is unknown; showing that all things are not reversible.

Usually, in order to remove a tattoo done with Indian ink six treatments are necessary, but patients can have 12 or more sessions if deemed necessary by the medical staff and this can vary from clinic to clinic.

The cost is dependant on the tattoo itself and can range from £50 to £300 pounds and it is also available free of charge on the NHS.

“The process consists of laser treatment, which feels like the strongest elastic band flicking your skin, it only hurts for the moment it is happening, followed by fairly severe blistering”, said Michael.

After the session, paraffin jelly is used to protect the area and keep it clean and dry. Also, it’s used for pinpoint bleeding for the same reason.

'Mental strength'

The main side effect of having the laser treatment is swelling, which can be relieved by the use of an ice pack routinely.

Another visible side effect is potential scarring of the skin, which can only be aided by aloe-vera gel and sun protection cream with a factor higher than 40 as it has to protect the skin on a daily basis in between treatments.

Seemingly, having a tattoo and getting it removed is not the end of the world these days seeing as we have the technology to reverse the effects of the ink.

However, it’s not always easy and it requires mental strength to admit to yourself that perhaps you don’t enjoy tattoos anymore and you realise that perhaps you acted on impulse at that particular moment.

“If they are not happy with it and they went through the relative pain of a tattoo in the first place, then 100 percent go for it,” says Michael Hodge about taking the step towards tattoo removal.