A tattoo, or also known as body art, is defined as an “artistic design made by inserting indelible ink into the dermis, a layer of the skin to change the pigment.” There are several reasons why people get tattoos; some include expressing themselves, commemorating an event, or symbolizing a transition in life.
About 48 million people were living in the US as of 2011. Approximately 16 percent, or 7.3 million, of those individuals, have at least one visible tattoo on their body. Suppose you are currently thinking about getting a new tattoo or already have a few under your belt. In that case, it is important to receive proper medical advice from either a dermatologist or a doctor specializing in laser removal treatments.
Be aware that several things can go wrong with any type of cutaneous piercing—including an improperly placed tattoo—and medical professionals must address these issues before they become serious problems later down the road.
Now that we know what the procedure consists of and the cost of tattoo removal, let’s discuss why you might consider removing a tattoo that you once thought was perfect for your body.
Reasons Why People Get Tattoo Removals
The first question that many people ask themselves is whether or not they want to keep their tattoos forever. Suppose there are no other options beyond keeping the ink on your skin forever. In that case, it may be worth exploring laser removal treatments as an option if the piece is still relatively young.
If you have plans to go back into the workforce at some point in time, especially if you are pursuing a profession where tattoos are considered inappropriate—or even banned—then it might be worth hanging onto your tattoos until this point in time has passed before getting them removed. Some employers won’t hire people with visible tattoos, and some may even terminate the employment of an existing worker for getting new ink.
In fact, according to a survey conducted by Harris Interactive in conjunction with Adecco Staffing US, nearly one-third of employers have either fired or declined to hire someone because they had visible tattoos or piercings that went against company policy.
Most companies in the United States have a written dress code that forbids body piercings and tattoos from being visible in the workplace, so it is always best to check before going out on a limb and receiving tattoo removal treatments without knowing what kind of environment you will be going back into afterward.
A good rule of thumb is if your job has any type of contact with customers or clients—such as waitresses, bartenders, maids, janitors, cashiers, and any type of office job—then it is best to put off getting your tattoos removed until you are certain you will not be needing the services of this company ever again.
How Tattoo Removals Work
The good news is that if you wish to pursue a career in this field later down the road or if there is another reason why getting rid of your tattoos is necessary, then tattoo removal treatments are possible.
The procedures generally take multiple sessions, depending on how large each piece is, and can range in price depending on where you live. Keep in mind that these costs are much cheaper than the alternative option: having tattoos removed surgically.
Laser Tattoo Removal vs. Surgical Tattoo Removal
The difference between laser removal treatment and surgical removal is that there are more risks involved with surgery. While very successful at removing tattoos completely, this process often leaves scars on the skin—which means you will be stuck with a permanent scar in place of your tattoo.
Scarring can also result if you try to remove your own tattoos by using sharp objects like razors or other methods. However, even if you manage to successfully remove it without hurting yourself, there is still no guarantee that your tattoo will not return once again after several months.
Factors to Consider Before Getting Your Tattoo Removed
Every year, millions of people decide that getting rid of their old tattoos is something they would like to do, so if this is what you plan on doing as well, keep in mind that there are several things to consider before you make your final decision.
For one, the cost of tattoo removal is much higher than getting new tattoos done on a whim. However, although this may be an initial financial setback, it benefits you later down the road. If you plan on changing your appearance or engaging in activities where tattoos are not allowed—such as some types of work—then having old ink removed is ideal for these occasions.
Deposits of ink that go deeper into the skin too often require multiple treatments while costing more money. In contrast, surface-level pieces (ones that only go about 1-2 millimeters deep) can usually be treated with a single laser session. The process can also take anywhere from several weeks to several months, depending on the tattoo’s size being removed.
Another thing to keep in mind is that not all tattoos are created equally, so you will need to determine whether your body can handle getting this type of treatment before jumping into it without knowing if your skin can survive the aftermath.
Those who have lighter skin may not fare as well with laser removal treatments because their bodies may be unable to produce enough melanin to protect themselves from the light used to break up the ink particles, resulting in scabbing and scarring.
Even though people with darker pigmented skin are more likely to experience these effects, other risks are involved, including blistering, crusting, itching, and swelling after each session.
Those with tattoos that contain red and blue ink also tend to heal differently than those who received tattoos in other colors. Still, there is always a risk of scarring and scabbing if you decide to push through with laser tattoo removal treatment despite your skin color.
Final Thoughts
Tattoo removal is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures available nowadays because it can obliterate your tattoos, which were impossible to remove back then. Thanks to the technological advancements done in medicine and cosmetic surgery, you can now enjoy having your spotless skin back with laser or surgical tattoo removals.
However, before you proceed with the tattoo removal, you must always be prepared with the costs and the aftermath of the procedure for you in terms of maintaining your skin after the treatment. Once you are deemed ready, you can proceed with the treatment and achieve greater results from it.
Detroit Aesthetics offers tattoo removal procedures at very reasonable price ranges without sacrificing the quality of the work done on your skin. Tattoo removal can be costly, but you can come up with an affordable treatment plan that will suit your financial budgets and preferences, and their team of professionals will always offer solutions for your needs. You don’t need to worry about anything because they can do it without leaving a single trace.
