Pete Davidson has taken big steps in his tattoo removal process, stepping out for the first time on October 23 with mostly bare arms – a stark contrast to his previous ink-covered look.
The Saturday night live alum, 30, first revealed in 2020 that he was embarking on a long-term journey to remove his tattoos to pursue more acting work. At the time, he said that “burning” his tattoos was a worse process than getting them applied.
Davidson is not the first celebrity to speak out about tattoo removal. Other stars include Eva Longoria, Mark Wahlberg, Tallulah Willis, Sarah Hyland, Khloé Kardashian and others.
A Pew Research study found that 24% of Americans regret having one or more tattoos.
Although the process is known to be extremely painful and may involve numerous risks, here is everything you need to know about tattoo removal.
Pete Davidson shows off his almost bare arms after previously saying he was in the process of getting his tattoos removed
Stock photo of a woman getting a tattoo.
Getty
How are tattoos removed?
Tattoos are removed by certified dermatologists or surgeons specialized in tattoo removal. Experts can help you determine which method is best to follow.
Laser tattoo removal is the most common method. The laser breaks down the permanent ink into smaller particles that the immune system can clear over time. The process requires multiple sessions with approximately six weeks between visits, giving the skin enough time to heal and absorb as much ink as possible.
The total number of sessions depends on the size and color of the tattoo. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, it can take up to 10 visits — sometimes more — before results are seen.
According to the FDA, colors like green, red, and yellow are the hardest to remove, while navy blue and black are the easiest. In addition, flesh-colored tattoos can be difficult to remove because the pigment in these colors can oxidize and turn black when treated with a laser. The agency warns that the oxidized pigment can no longer be treated with a laser.
Less common methods of tattoo removal are surgical excisions and dermabrasion.
Surgical excision is a procedure that involves cutting out the area of skin that contains the tattoo and stitching the remaining skin together. This is only an option for smaller tattoos and usually leaves a scar.
Dermabrasion is another surgical method that involves the use of a high-speed rotating device that “grinds” the outer layers of skin that contain the tattoo, allowing the ink to drain from the skin. The process leaves an open wound that will heal over time. Recovery takes about two weeks and like laser tattoo removal, multiple sessions are required.
Celebrities who removed their tattoos (or just regretted it!)
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Stock photo of tattoo removal. Image source/Getty Images
How successful is the tattoo removal procedure?
Tattoos are permanent and it can be difficult to achieve complete tattoo removal. There is usually scarring and/or skin discoloration after removal. The process and results will also vary from person to person.
Some patients will remove tattoos to get another tattoo as a cover for the original.
Does tattoo removal hurt?
There is a certain level of discomfort during the tattoo removal process, which varies according to each individual’s pain tolerance. Often, specialists will use skin numbing or other anesthesia to make the pain more bearable.
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Is tattoo removal safe?
Tattoo removal is safe if done by a licensed or certified health care provider who specializes in the procedure. Common reactions from the process include redness, swelling, bruising, scabbing and skin tenderness, which usually disappear within a week.
Other possible risks include infection or problems with wound healing. All doubts should be resolved with a dermatologist or surgeon.
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Can I remove a tattoo at home?
The FDA notes that there are currently no approved ointments, creams, or supplies for tattoo removal. Home kits are said to consist of retinol, whitening creams and exfoliants that cannot reach the tattoo pigment that is deep in the skin. The agency emphasizes that they can also cause skin rashes, burns or scars.
Anyone who has any adverse reaction to tattoos or a tattoo removal procedure should see their doctor or go to the emergency room right away.
How much does tattoo removal cost?
Tattoo removal can cost anywhere from $500 to $2,000 per session, said Dr. Bruce Katz, a board-certified dermatologist and director of New York’s JUVA Skin and Laser Center. USA Today.
The price can vary depending on the size and color of the tattoo, as well as how long it takes to successfully remove the tattoo. The base price usually does not include the cost of numbing creams, anesthesia, or antibiotic prescriptions that are needed afterward.
Additionally, since tattoo removal is considered a cosmetic procedure, it is usually not covered by insurance.
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education