08-07-2025
- Health
- Geek Girl Authority
Got a Geeky Tattoo You Hate? Here's What The Laser Removal Process Looks Like
One of the best ways to show off your love for being part of a certain fandom is with a geeky tattoo. But what happens if your tattoo artist did a poor job, you've grown out of something you used to love, or you just don't like your tattoo anymore? Enter laser tattoo removal.
Getting a tattoo removed is a process that typically takes years, so you'll need to be prepared to be in it for the long run. If you decide that this is the right option for you, we're breaking down exactly what's involved in the process in this guide. How Laser Tattoo Removal Works
Let's start by looking at the science behind laser tattoo removal.
During your sessions, your skin will be treated with a laser , which targets ink particles and breaks them down so the body can flush them out. There are a few different types of lasers, including Q-switched and picosecond lasers, with different ones being best for targeting different ink colors.
Laser tattoo removal is a gradual process, and it usually takes 6–12 sessions, spaced several weeks or even months apart, for the ink to break down. What Happens During a Session
When you arrive at a laser tattoo removal clinic, the laser technician will get you sitting or lying comfortably on the treatment bed, give you a pair of goggles (to protect your eyes from the laser beam), and count you down to the treatment.
The laser feels a bit like the snap of a rubber band or stinging, like hot oil splashing on your skin. It can be quite an intense feeling, but when you're getting treatment at a reputable laser clinic like Lone Star Tattoo Removal , the process will be as quick and efficient as possible.
The session length depends on your tattoo size, but for most people, it'll be over within just a couple of minutes. Aftercare and Recovery
How you treat your tattoo post-treatment can affect the healing process and your likelihood of scarring, so make sure to follow your laser technician's advice carefully.
You'll need to avoid direct sun exposure for five weeks after the session to prevent it from blistering. You'll probably also be advised to keep the area clean and dry and avoid showering in hot water for the first 24 hours.
In terms of what the healing process looks like, you'll likely see some redness and swelling up to a week after treatment, possibly also bleeding after your later sessions when the laser intensity is increased. Final Word: Alternatives to Full Removal
If getting a tattoo removed sounds a bit scary or like too much commitment for you, you might want to look at other options instead of a full removal.
One option is to get a couple of laser sessions to partially fade your tattoo, so you can then book in a cover-up tattoo . Or, if you don't hate the design, see how you can incorporate new art to make it more suited to your current tastes.
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