Our Indianapolis customers often tell us that one of the most surprising details they learn about tattoo removal is that the lasers themselves don’t actually remove the tattoos. Surprisingly, it’s our own immune system that does most of the work and there are ways to boost your tattoo removal success. It all begins when the tattoo ink absorbs the intensely focused light energy from the laser. The ink particles heat up and expand, eventually shattering into much smaller particles. At this point your immune system rushes in, absorbs those tiny particles and begins carrying them out of your body.
Your immune system is amazing! It’s how your body rids itself of all toxins and pathogens you are exposed to on a daily basis. That’s why it is so important to remain healthy during your tattoo removal process; if your body is spending time and energy dealing with a compromised immune system, it doesn’t have the resources to devote to removing those ink particles and your tattoo removal success will be much slower.
For tattoo removal success, keep your immune system healthy during tattoo removal by avoiding:
Smoking / Use of Tobacco / Excessive Alcohol consumption. Tobacco use constricts your blood vessels, resulting in a significant reduction in the amount of blood available to any particular area of the body. Since your immune system is reliant on the blood as a delivery mechanism, any restrictions or interruption of the blood flow delays the healing process. In addition, smoking and excessive alcohol consumption actually weakens the immune system by suppressing the productions of antibodies that are in the body to protect it.
Sun Exposure. Not only will exposing your skin to the sun during your treatment slow down the process but you could it could cause skin discoloration, burning and scarring to the tattoo removal area.
Illness. It should stand to reason that if you have the flu, your body is busy fighting off infection. Even a simple cold can keep the immune system from being as active at the tattoo site as it would be under normal conditions. Take the normal precautions (get a flu shot, wash your hands frequently, avoid close contact with others who may be sick) to help avoid getting sick in the first place
In addition, it is critical that you follow ALL laser tattoo removal treatment aftercare instructions that are provided to you, including:
- Stay hydrated
- Reduce stress and get adequate sleep
- Eat a healthy diet
- Avoid scratching, picking or touching the area
- Ensure a minimum of 6 weeks before your next treatment to allow time for proper healing.
Depending on the size and color of your tattoo, the number of treatments will vary. Stick with it. It’s important to be more committed to your tattoo removal success than you were to your tattoo to ensure the best possible outcome. All these details on tattoo removal add up to a positive outcome. Most importantly, in order to get the most out of every treatment you’ve got to stay healthy!
