Is it Possible to Remove a Full Sleeve Tattoo?

Sleeve Tattoo

Many people spend years building up a tattoo sleeve, adding to it gradually and over time until it covers their skin and stretches from wrist up to shoulder and beyond.

The most interesting thing about tattoo sleeves is that every single one is different, depending on the design preferences and interests of the client. A tattoo sleeve tells a story – with clients often changing the look and even colouring of their sleeve with new additions and layers. 

But what happens when you want to remove a part of that sleeve? Or even remove the entire sleeve and restore the skin to its regular use?

In this article, we consider the process of tattoo removal in London, from the perspective of those with an entire arm of ink to remove.

What Factors Impact the Effectiveness of Tattoo Removal?

Tattoo removal is made significantly more or less effective by the quality of the laser used. The difference between a high investment Candela Picoway laser and one of the cheaper options on the mass market is huge, affecting not just how seamless the process of tattoo removal is but also how well the skin is protected from damage. 

However, even the most effective laser encounters some obstacles, with lighter ink colours proving much more difficult to break down and remove than classic black ink. If your tattoo is made up of a rainbow of shades, the time it takes the remove the tattoo will vary more than if the tattoo is all black.

Finally, size does of course play a role in how effective tattoo removal is, and how long the process takes. No client should expect their tattoo to be removed after one session – the process is lengthy and can require several sessions before the ink is fully broken down and flushed from the system.

How Long to Remove a Tattoo Completely?

To look specifically at a full tattoo sleeve, professional tattoo removal specialists can typically treat the sleeve within a 45 minute session. Depending on the colours used and the quality of the laser, several 45 minute sessions will be required to break the ink down – with the client noticing the design fading more and more with each session. 

In most cases, the tattoo will fully fade and disappear within six treatments in total. 

Hallmarks of a Good Tattoo Removal Specialist

With all that in mind then, what should you be looking for to ensure an effective and efficient process of tattoo removal?

Well, it all comes down to the tattoo removal specialist and the equipment they use. The right specialist will use a high-quality laser that works quickly and protects the skin, ensuring that every client leaves the session with a fading tattoo and their skin fully intact and free from scarring. 

To find out more about tattoo removal in London, get in touch with your local specialists.

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