Laser tattoo removal has been growing in popularity since it was first created in the 1990s. Over the years, specialty clinics have spread that cater entirely to tattoo removal. While the procedure may be more popular today, there are still a number of myths that exist about the procedure.
Fading Creams Are Better
One pervasive myth is that fading cream is more effective than laser removal. A fading cream is supposed to work by making the tattoo gradually fade over time. Unfortunately, many of the creams available online have no ingredients to actually do this. A fading cream could potentially work if it included glycolic acid, or a similarly harsh chemical. The problem with these chemicals is that they would leave a scar as they burn the skin. Plus, the different inks and chemicals in a tattoo would react differently with the cream. Even if you burn off your skin with a fading cream, it would not target all of the tattoo’s colors in the same way.
Laser Tattoo Removal Burns the Skin
This myth still exists because it makes logical sense. Plus, previous laser actually burned off layers of the skin. Over the last few years, laser removal clinics have changed to using Q-switched lasers. These lasers do not actually burn the skin. Instead, they photothermically target the pigments in the tattoo and break them down. Then, the body’s immune system works to remove the tattoo. The older lasers may have caused scarring, but the new machines rarely cause any problems.
Cosmetic Tattoos Are Stuck Forever
While there are cases when this is true, you can often remove cosmetic tattoos. Sometimes, the cosmetic tattoos are made out of iron pigments. When you treat these pigments, they can have a chemical reaction that turns them black. Because of the chemical composition, iron-based pigments are notoriously difficult to remove. If your cosmetic tattoo is made out of non-metallic pigment, then it will actually be easier to remove than a normal tattoo.
Eye-liner tattoos require special treatments because of their location. You have to protect your eyes with laser eye shields. Even with the best protection, it is still possible to lose a few eyelashes. Cosmetic tattoos on the lips can also generally be treated, but the teeth require added protection.
You Cannot Remove Multi-Color Tattoos
Thankfully, this is just another myth. All black tattoos tend to respond faster and better to colored tattoos, but you can remove any tattoo color. The main difference is that other tattoo colors will take more time. Pink, yellow and white tend to be the hardest colors to remove. Any black or multi-colored tattoo that uses metal-based ink may also take longer to remove. You can remove any tattoo color, but some colors will just take more time.
While myths about laser tattoo removal are abundant, the reality is that this is an extremely safe treatment. In the majority of cases, laser removal can help you completely get rid of an unwanted tattoo.
At InkAway Laser Tattoo Removal Philadelphia, we have the experience and technology to safely remove your unwanted tattoo. So stop by or contact us for your Tattoo Removal consultation. We’re here to give you the fresh start that you need!
