When tattoos are created, they are considered to be permanent markings on the skin of an individual. So it shouldn’t be a surprise that removing them is not an easy process. Below are some of the more well know ways to remove tattoos, and also some of the pros and cons fo each procedure.
- Dermabrasion - a very painful method of sanding away the tattooed skin.
- Cryosurgery - where the tattooed skin is frozen and then removed.
- Excision - This is a procedure that involves removing the tattooed skin with a scalpel and then stitching the remaining skin together. As you can imagine, not a good option on large tattoos.
- Laser Tattoo Removal- A laser goes through the surface of the skin and breaks down the tattoo ink that is deeper in the skin. When the ink breaks down the body’s immune system naturally removes the tattoo dye because it is seen as an impurity in the body. This is actually the same process that occurs naturally that causes tattoos to fade. The laser just speeds up the process.
Laser tattoo removal is the most common and is less painful than all the other methods. It also has the advantage that it can be done on an outpatient basis, which makes it more convenient than some of the other methods.
Laser tattoo removal has far less detrimental side effects than other methods mainly because the laser method is less invasive than the other removal measures. Keep in mind though that it usually takes a multiple laser removal treatments to totally remove the tattoo from your skin. Generally, it takes 1-6 sessions for amateur tattoos, and 3-15 sessions for professional tattoos. Each one of these treatments should be spaced about 6-8 weeks apart to allow the body to absorb the ink. The number of treatments depends on a variety of factors: How well the broken down ink gets eliminated by the body’s immune system. The age, how deep the ink is in the skin, the type of ink used and how it was applied are all important factors. Since there are a multitude of inks used in tattooing, it is difficult to gauge an exact amount of treatments required to remove a tattoo. Very rarely, more than ten treatments may be needed. If someone is interested in lightening the tattoo to place a new tattoo, laser treatments are extremely effective.
A few things that a patient can do to lessen the pain and improve the healing process after a laser tattoo removal are:
- Take aspirin or some other mild pain reliever before and after the treatment.
- For the first full day after the procedure, every so often ice the treated area and elevate it if possible. It is also recommended to limiting physical activities and avoid saunas, and swimming.
-24 hours past the treatment try to keep the area moisturized by using Aloe-Cort cream a couple of times a day.
- DO NOT pop blisters or pick scabs as this will make it more prone to scarring and infection.
- Do not spend an extended period of time exposed to the sun and avoid tanning beds while the area is healing.
- When taking a shower be careful not to scrub the affected area as it will increase the inflammation and slow the healing process.
The most effective way to remove an unwanted tattoo at this time is laser tattoo removal. Since it works with the body’s immune system it may take longer than other methods, but he results are better, it is less painful, and it doesn’t have the side effects of the other methods.