Tattoo Removal — What Is The Best Procedure
Tattoos are put on a persons skin with the idea that they will be there forever. Consequently, removing them is not a simple 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 – a procedure where the doctor removes the area of tattooed skin with a scalpel and then stitches together the skin that remains. This is not a good option on very 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. Tattoos naturally fade over time because of this same process, the laser just greatly speeds up the process.
Laser tattoo removal is the most common and is less painful than all the other methods. It can also be done in an outpatient setting (unlike some of the other methods) which makes it more convenient.
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. However keep in mind that it may take several laser removal sessions to get the tattoo totally removed from your skin. In general, most amateur tattoos require 1 – 6 treatments. While professional tattoos usually require 3-15 treatments, all spaced approximately 6 – 8 weeks apart. The number of treatments depends on a variety of factors: how effectively the body’s immune system scavenges the fragmented ink. The age, depth and type of ink used as well as how the tattoo 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 a mild pain reliever (like aspirin) before and after the procedure.
- In the first 24 hours after treatment, ice the area periodically along with rest and elevation of the treated site. It’s also a good idea to limit physical activities and avoid saunas, swimming.
-24 hours past the treatment try to keep the area moisturized by using Aloe-Cort cream a couple of times a day.
- It is important NOT to break blisters or pick at scabs, because this will increase the chances of 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.
Laser tattoo removal is considered the most effective tattoo removal procedure at this time. 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.