Let’s face it – what might have been a great idea on Friday night might not seem like such a great idea come Monday morning. If you or someone you know want to get rid of some no-longer-wanted body art, there is good news – laser tattoo removal can eliminate your tattoo with minimal side effects.
Newer lasers can remove tattoos by breaking up the pigment in the tattoo. The pigment essentially absorbs the laser wavelengths, so depending on the colors used for the tattoo, colors can be treated by using different lasers to target different wavelengths.
Removal techniques must be tailored to suit each individual case. Depending on the size and color of your tattoo, the number of treatments will vary. Some of the complications that can occur during treatment include scarring and darkening or lightening of the treatment site. While most patients do not require anesthesia, a topical anesthetic might help make the experience more comfortable.
Laser tattoo removal requires multiple treatments and can be quite expensive, so make sure to discuss with your physician what to expect prior to starting treatment.
If you’re not ready for laser treatments yet, heavy-duty makeup kits can help. Companies like Tattoo Camo* and Tattoo Cosmetics* sell cover-up kits that are usually effective in hiding body art.
*OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center is not affiliated with Tattoo Camo or Tattoo Cosmetics and does not endorse these companies or their products. OSF Saint Anthony Medical center did not receive any compensation, monetary or otherwise, for the mention of Tattoo Camo or Tattoo Cosmetics in this article.
Last Updated: January 19, 2022