You don’t have to hold on to your tattoo forever anymore. Lasers are the safe, effective and convenient method of removal. A thorough evaluation to see the extent of the tattoo, in terms of depth, size and colours, is done before planning its removal. The type, strength and sessions of lasers and overall cost of treatment will depend on these factors. 

During the removal, after numbing the area with anaesthetic cream, the tattooed area is focused with a handheld device that emits laser light of the desired frequency and strength. Different wavelengths of light are used to remove different pigments, which get broken down. These pigments are then washed out from the body as wastes. Usually, it takes to 6 to 8 sessions (1 month apart, allowing sufficient time for the skin to heal)for complete removal. 

Professional Tattoo ink penetrates deeper into the skin as the ink and is denser compared to Amateur Tattoo. Multicoloured tattoos require more sessions and combinations of Laser wavelengths to treat. Not only the size but site of the Tattoo will affect the outcome of the laser. The use of perfluorocarbons has made it possible to fire more than one pass of the laser in a single session reducing the total no. of treatment sessions required.

Risks and Side Effects: Blisters, swelling, raising of the tattoo, pinpoint bleeding, redness, and/or temporary darkening can occur. They are transient and usually subside in a week or so. Scarring may occur in deeper/larger tattoos or if not done by FDA approved laser. 

Go ahead and plan for its removal, of course after understanding what it entails and remember to go to an experienced Dermatologist or Plastic Surgeon who uses FDA approved technology for the same.