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Victoria Beckham is having her tattoos removed -here are 10 things you need to know about laser tattoo removal

woman with back tattoo, things to know about tattoo laser removal, by healthista.com

It seems that tattoos are so last decade as many celebrities seem to be removing their ink and latest in line to join the trend is fashion icon Victoria Beckham. So what exactly does laser tattoo removal involve? Medical director of Premier Laser Clinic Lucy Xu tells us all you need to know about it. 

It appears that Victoria Beckham has finally put her inking days behind her. The 41 year old fashion designer is believed to be removing her tattoos due to fear that they are affecting her image as a serious business woman.

victoria beckham tattoo, things to know about laser tattoo removal, by healthista.com

 

It seems that tattoos are no longer a positive fashion statement in the eyes of Victoria as she is even removing her tribute tattoos to husband David Beckham in a bid to improve her image. One of the tattoos to go is the Hebrew tattoo that runs from the nape of her neck to her upper back which reads ‘I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine’. Inkings on her wrists also appear considerably faded in recent pictures.

Lucy Xu, things you need to know about tattoo laser removal, by healthista.com

As Victoria gets rid of her tattoos, we spoke to medical director of Premier Laser Clinic Lucy Xu about what you need to know about laser tattoo removal.

What is laser tattoo removal?

Laser tattoo removal is the solution to any tattoos that you may no longer want.  Many people choose to have tattoos removed that they no longer want, and laser tattoo removal is a reliable and effective method of eliminating the ink on the skin. 

How does tattoo removal work?

Tattoos stay on the skin because the ink has been inserted with a needle into the skin. Laser tattoo removal works by essentially breaking down the ink in the skin by using a laser. Once the ink is safely broken down, your immune system helps to naturally and safely remove the ink, which removes the tattoo. The lasers can be used safely absolutely anywhere on the body, including the face.

woman loads of tattoos, things to know about tattoo removal, by healthista.com

 

Laser tattoo removal is the solution to any tattoos that you may no longer want.

Does skin type affect tattoo laser removal?

There is no particular type of skin that responds the most positively to tattoo laser removal. All types of skin are suitable for laser tattoo removal, and all skin types should be able to see a visible result after the first treatment. With some cases, there is  a risk of hyper pigmentation in people with darker skin tones where the skin that has been treated is slightly darker than the rest of the skin surrounding the area. Going to a clinic with expertise and experience in laser tattoo removal ensures that you get the best possible experience, and that the technician carrying out the treatment is able to effectively treat all skin types. 

How long does the treatment take?

The actual treatment time can vary depending on the size and the placement of the tattoo, but on average one session lasts between 30 and 60 minutes. Directly afterwards, the skin may be sore or red but there is no down time during laser tattoo removal. 

How does treatment work?

Before any treatment, you would receive a consultation where your skin would be assessed along with the size and details of your individual tattoo so that a customised regime may be prescribed. Particularly large tattoos do typically take longer to completely remove. It can take up to eight sessions for the tattoo to be completely gone.  It’s a good idea to leave at least a month between appointments.  

tattoo removal, things to know about laser tattoo removal, by healthista.com

What about coloured tattoos?

Tattoos with a lot of different colours may also take slightly longer to completely remove, although modern lasers are able to effectively remove even traditionally stubborn colours such as green and blue.

Is it painful?

In terms of pain, many patients report little or no discomfort though some have likened the sensation to having their skin flicked with an elastic band, and the pain is entirely bearable. No anaesthetic is usually required and it does not burn the skin. The skin will often be sore and often slightly red in the hours following, which can be likened to mild sunburn which can last for a few days. I would recommend applying a cool compress to ease any discomfort, but you will be able to continue with daily activities. It would be advised not to bathe or soak the area for 24 hours after the treatment. 

What type of laser is used for tattoo removal?

There are numerous different lasers to remove tattoos – at Premier Laser Clinic we use RevLite SI or Spectra, which are the leading choices in the industry (they are dual mode q switch laser).

woman with tattoos on back, things to know about tattoo removal, by healthista.com

How does laser removal work?

The laser works by sending short bursts of precise pulses of light directly into the ink molecules on your skin. The laser destroys the molecules and allows the body to eventually absorb the ink. As the lasers are so targeted, they do not damage or affect the surrounding areas of skin. The most current lasers are far more advanced than previous methods of laser tattoo removal, as they are safer to the surrounding skin and they also produce less heat.

As the lasers are so targeted, they do not damage or affect the surrounding areas of skin.

What risks are involved with laser tattoo removal?

The risks of laser tattoo removal are primarily infection which is a low risk for fit and health individuals – provided that the healing area is kept clean by making sure it is covered and by not touching the area with dirty hands, It should not be a problem.. With some cases, there is also a risk of hyper pigmentation in people with darker skin tones where the skin that has been treated is slightly darker than the rest of the skin surrounding the area.

MORE: 6 celebrity tattoo fans plus tips for getting one

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