As tattoo removal experts, we see a myriad of body parts with ink that has to go. Whole and half sleeves come up reasonably often, and we get a lot of questions about using laser tattoo removal to get rid of them. Sleeves come in all colours and designs, but one thing they tend to have in common is that they are pretty ink dense. Hiding tattoos can be challenging, and sometimes people feel it is easier to remove the tattoos rather than spend their lives in long sleeves even when it is 40 degrees outside because their boss would not approve! So what can we do about sleeves?
A challenge
It is fair to say that removing densely populated tattoos is more of a challenge, so the first thing you will need is patience. Removing some colours is easier than others, and the myth that dark colours are the toughest is, well, just that! It is actually easier to remove black and other dark colours; bright and light colours like orange, yellow and red are more challenging. But that is not to say it cannot be done, it just might take a few more sessions, and we will go over the plan before we start.
Timing is everything
At each session, we can work on a portion, but we won’t be doing the whole thing in one sitting. A consultation is the best bet before you commit to anything, and we can explain the best way to get the offending tattoo removed as ‘quickly’ as possible. But there is a timing gap between each session to allow the body to heal. When we use laser tattoo removal, we are breaking up the ink pigment into tiny particles that your body is able to process. After we laser the area, the immune system will kick in and start removing them from the body.
Different techniques
There are also a couple of techniques we can use, all of which are laser removal methods but can work better in different circumstances. Again this is why we have the initial consultation so we can look at the best option for success and go through the pros and cons of each, arriving at a treatment plan together.
After-care
Another critical factor in how successfully we can remove any tattoo is how well the client looks after the area between sessions. We have comprehensive post-treatment care instructions, and in order to achieve the best-finished results, it is imperative that you follow them carefully. This includes keeping the area dry and cool and ensuring you do not pick scabs or itch the skin at the treatment site.
The prognosis
So, the bottom line is, yes, we can remove full or half-sleeve tattoos, but they are likely to be longer projects than minor ink so next time, think about having temporary tattoos instead of real ones. Be guided by your tattoo removal expert and follow their advice, and in no time at all, you can enjoy wearing short sleeves in the workplace again without upsetting the boss!
