Okay, you’ve finally made the decision to get that tattoo that was way cool in 1982 but not so cool in 2010 removed. You know there are lots of removal methods, from do-it-yourself creams to surgical procedures, but you don’t know which one is right for you. You’ve heard of IPL tattoo removal but you don’t know much about it. What is it, are you an appropriate candidate, and what does it cost?
What is IPL?
IPL, or intense pulsed light, is an intense light that is sent in short bursts at the skin. It is often confused with laser treatment, but it is not a laser. With IPL, light is sent through a prism; laser light is highly focused light.
How Does IPL Work?
IPL targets only the tattoo ink. The light breaks up the pigments, which are then absorbed by the body during the healing process after the treatment.
What are the Side Effects?
The most common side effect is discomfort from the treatment. It can be moderately painful, some say more painful than getting a tattoo. The pain can be moderated somewhat by anesthetic gels. Post-treatment, the pain can last for several days.
There can be some blistering, depending on your skin sensitivity, but that will disappear in a week or so. Once the blistering subsides, there may be some slight skin discoloration where the tattoo ink had been.
Am I a candidate for IPL tattoo removal?
The ideal candidate is white with non-oily, elastic skin. If you are darkly tanned, olive-skinned, or African-American, there is a chance that you might suffer some loss of skin pigmentation in the treatment area.
What Does it Cost?
IPL is not cheap. Cost is figured per pulse, which runs from $10 to $15. The number of pulses per treatment depends on the size of the tattoo and the number of treatments depends on the colors and complexity of the tattoo. Turquoise, for example, is a very difficult color to remove and may require several treatments.
IPL tattoo removal may or may not be the right method for you to have your unwanted tattoo removed. Whatever method you decide on, make sure you research it thoroughly first so you don’t end up wasting your time and your money on something that doesn’t work.
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