WHETHER you got carried away on a holiday night out with friends or you've got an unpleasant memento from a past relationship, removing your unwanted ink might have crossed your mind.
According to a nurse at a specialist clinic, there are a few things you should know before going under the laser, so to speak.
According to Charlotte Lundy, a regional nurse trainer at sk:n Clinics, tattoo removal won't even work with some inks and there are certain precautions you should take before a session.
On top of that, removing your body art might even cost you more than you paid to have it done.
If your tattoo just isn't doing it for you any longer, here's some key facts Charlotte would like you to know.
1. How does laser tattoo removal work?
One of the ways you can get rid of unwanted ink is laser tattoo removal.
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This works the laser being attracted to the pigment in the ink, according to Charlotte.
"It heats the ink up causing it to shatter into smaller particles," she said.
This will in activate your body’s natural immune response and allow your lymphatic system to take away the ink particles.
"It has no effect on the liver or circulatory system and is perfectly safe," Charlotte noted.
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This whole process will fade the tattoo ink.
2. How long after getting a tattoo can you begin to have it lasered?
You can technically have a tattoo removed as soon as it's fully heald.
But Charlotte said that at sk:n, they normally like to wait a bit to make sure people are certain about their decision to do away with their ink.
3. How many sessions does it typically take?
Your tattoo removal process will vary, but your skin type as well as the colour of ink you chose can make a difference, the nurse trainder said.
"Also, it depends on the end result you are wishing for, whether its complete removal or fading for a cover up," Charlotte added.
She suggested booking a consultation so a practitioner can get a look at your tattoo and let you know how many sessions you might need.
4. Which ink colours can't be lasered off?
"Larger tattoos may require more sessions and colours can have a big impact on the number of sessions," Charlotte noted.
Unfortunately, some inks just can't be removed using this method.
The nurse trainer said: "White ink and fluorescent colours generally won’t work with tattoo laser removal as there is no pigment for the laser to be attracted to.
"This is why a full consultation is important to be able to identify the goal and whether that’s achievable," she went on.
1. How can you get the best results from your laser tattoo removal?
Laser tattoo removal does in fact put some pressure on your body's immune system.
So Charlotte said it's important that you're 'in good health' before attending your sessions.
"Make sure you are eating well balanced diet, keeping hydrated and plenty of rest," she advised.
The nurse added: "Make sure if you are having the tattoo removed on a leg for instance you aren’t going to be on your feet all day after as this can increase swelling. Avoiding sun exposure is key and keeping the area cool."
How much will it cost?
At sk:n Clinics – of which there are 63 in the UK – laser tattoo removal prices start from £65.
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Health authorities in the US recently sounded the alarm over tainted tattoo ink, which can put you at risk of 'life-threatening' infections and complications.
And tattoo artists have previously advised Sun readers to avoid these specific body parts if considering new ink.
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