While most people love their tattoos for life, there are some who seek to have it removed eventually – whether they become bored with it or it’s not allowed in their workplace. However, the big problem is that laser tattoo removal doesn’t always work on multiple colored inks, or tattoos made with multiple colors. This leads to people to find alternative treatments – such as microneedling – that might just be as effective.
But can micro-needling remove your permanent tattoos? This treatment can help but it can’t work on its own. It can only serve as a complementary step to other tattoo removal procedures – like laser treatment. The micro punctures that the roller creates allow the laser light to penetrate the dermis layer better.
Removing Tattoos with Microneedling: Is it Possible?
Micro-needling is a popular treatment for anyone looking to improve their skin or reduce acne scars. It comes in the form of a derma roller filled with micro-fine needles measuring 0.5 up to 2.5 millimeters in diameter. This treatment rejuvenates by creating micro-injuries on your skin and triggering the scar tissue to produce more collagen.
However, this treatment is not an effective way to permanently remove tats. Tattoo ink penetrates deep into the layers of the dermis, but dermarollers can only reach up to the skin’s upper layer.
Although it cannot remove tattoo ink by itself, the micro treatment can help the tattoo removal process by puncturing the skin and allowing the laser light to get into the dermis layer better. It can also help the healing process of the tattoo scar by boosting collagen production.
How Many Microneedling Sessions Before My Tattoo is Removed?
The number of sessions required will depend on the number of laser removal sessions needed. Laser treatment alone will take an average of 15 sessions before the tattoo is completely removed.
Microneedling reduces the total number of appointments needed because it improves the laser’s effectiveness in every session. However, the doctor needs an additional 15 minutes of micro-needling procedure before starting every laser tattoo removal session.
You can also consider continuing the treatments even after tattoo removal sessions are done. Since tats partially destroy the epidermal layer, tattoo scars are the collateral damage left after the tattoo is removed. Micro-needling helps get rid of the scar, remove the residual ink, and improve skin color.
Can I Combine Microneedling with Other Treatments?
Micro-needling is a minimally invasive procedure that only targets the upper layer of your skin. What’s great about this treatment is that it assists other skin-penetrating procedures – like laser tattoo removal – to work better.
But like most cosmetic treatments, you still need to follow certain precautions. This will ensure that skin needling will bring out the best results if combined with other treatments. Here are some aftercare tips to help the skin recover faster:
- Cleanse the skin – Gently cleanse the skin with lukewarm water for the first 72 hours after the procedure. You can also bathe with soaps that don’t contain harsh chemicals. These products can cause the skin to peel.
- Moisturize and hydrate – Hydrating the skin can reduce irritation as it heals. You should also drink lots of water to help with the recovery.
- Avoid irritants – Most people tend to cover up the tattoo using concealer and other makeup products. However, it can irritate the skin and clog its pores while recovery from the treatment is underway.
- Protect it from the sun – As much as possible, avoid direct sunlight within the first 72 hours after the procedure. But if stepping outside is necessary, make sure to apply sunscreen with SPF25 or higher.
Try Microneedling Tattoo Removal at Ethos Spa
Have you decided to remove a tattoo? Here at Ethos Spa, we offer high-end laser technology that can be paired with micro-needling to undo permanent tats safely and effectively.
You can contact us at (908) 628-1916 or through our email address so we can get started on removing your tats right away!
Learn more: How Can I Remove My Permanent Tattoo Without Laser?
