Fading Tattoos with Laser Removal for a Successful Cover-Up
Many people seek to fade their tattoos to make room for new designs. Laser tattoo removal, especially with Pico laser technology, is an excellent option to partially fade a tattoo, allowing for a more seamless cover-up. In this post, we’ll explore the process of using laser tattoo removal for fading tattoos, the benefits, and what to expect during the sessions.
How Pico Laser Tattoo Removal Works to Fade Tattoos
Laser tattoo removal uses high-intensity light to target and break down the tattoo pigments in your skin. The Pico laser, used at Without a Trace, delivers ultra-short bursts of energy that effectively shatter the ink particles into smaller fragments. Over time, the body’s immune system naturally removes these broken-down pigments, fading the tattoo.
This process is particularly useful when you want to reduce the visibility of your existing tattoo without completely removing it. By softening the old design, the skin becomes a better canvas for a new tattoo.
Why Consider Fading Instead of Full Removal?
Preserve Skin Integrity
Fading a tattoo with laser removal helps preserve the integrity of your skin, ensuring that the new tattoo can be applied evenly. This approach is ideal for clients looking to cover an old tattoo with fresh, bold designs.
Enhance the Quality of the Cover-Up
The more faded the old tattoo is, the easier it is for tattoo artists to create a detailed and aesthetically pleasing cover-up. By reducing the intensity of the original ink, artists have greater flexibility in design and colour choices.
The Pico Laser Tattoo Removal Process for Fading
Fading tattoos for a cover-up typically involves fewer sessions than complete removal. Depending on the size, colour, and age of the tattoo, most clients require 2 to 4 sessions.
The Treatment Session
During each session, the Pico laser is applied to the tattoo, targeting specific areas for fading. Each treatment lasts around 15 to 30 minutes. Clients may experience a mild stinging sensation, but numbing cream can be used to minimise discomfort.
Post-Treatment Care
After each session, the treated area may be red, swollen, or slightly tender. Blistering or scabbing is a normal part of the healing process, which typically resolves within a week. It's crucial to protect the area from sunlight and follow any aftercare instructions provided by the technician.
Factors That Affect Tattoo Fading
Tattoo Colour and Ink Quality
Dark ink, particularly black and blue, fades more easily than lighter colours like yellow or white. Tattoos created with high-quality ink may also take longer to fade. However, Pico lasers are highly effective across a wide range of ink types.
Tattoo Age
Older tattoos often fade more quickly than newer ones, as the ink has already naturally degraded over time. This can result in fewer sessions needed to achieve the desired level of fading for a cover-up.
Skin Type and Immune Response
Your skin type and the strength of your immune response play a significant role in how well your tattoo fades. Those with faster immune systems may see quicker results as their bodies efficiently remove the broken-down ink particles.
Limitations and Risks of Fading a Tattoo with Laser Removal
While laser tattoo removal is highly effective, it may not always completely erase the old tattoo, especially for light-coloured inks or low-quality tattoos. Some tattoos may leave behind a faint “ghosting” effect, where traces of the design remain visible. It’s important to discuss these possibilities with your technician before treatment.
In rare cases, skin discolouration or minor scarring can occur. However, with Pico laser technology, the risk of these complications is reduced.
Combining Fading with a Cover-Up
Once your tattoo has been sufficiently faded, you can proceed with your new tattoo design. It’s essential to wait until the skin has fully healed from the laser removal sessions before getting a cover-up. This waiting period ensures the skin is healthy, reducing the risk of complications with the new tattoo.
Many tattoo artists prefer working with faded tattoos, as it allows for greater creativity in designing and executing the new tattoo. The contrast between the faded design and the fresh ink creates a more cohesive final result.
Conclusion
Laser tattoo removal is an excellent option for those looking to fade an old tattoo before getting a cover-up. By using advanced Pico laser technology, the process is highly effective, providing a clean canvas for your new design. Whether you’re unhappy with an old tattoo or simply want to update your body art, fading it with laser treatments can offer the perfect solution.
Book Your Free Consultation Today
At Without a Trace, we specialise in Pico laser tattoo removal. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you achieve the ideal level of tattoo fading for your next tattoo project.
