Tattoo Removal - What Is The Best Method
When tattoos are created they are considered to be permanent markings on the skin of an individual. Removing a tattoo is not a simple process and there are a number of different procedures to remove a tattoo.
Some of the more common tattoo removal methods are:
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 top layer of skin (the epidermis) and reaches the dermis layer that is where the tattoo ink resides. The laser causes the tattoo ink to break down. As the ink breaks down the coloring is removed by the patient's own natural immune system that sees the tattoo dye as an impurity to rid itself of.
Of all the tattoo removal methods, laser tattoo removal is the most popular and least painful.
Laser tattoo removal can be done in an outpatient setting (unlike some of the other methods) and is generally more expensive than some of the other tattoo removal 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. However laser tattoo removal still has some potentially unfortunate side effects to be aware of such as:
- The stain of the tattoo may embed itself deeper into the skin
- It is possible that the tattoo ink may spread to other parts of the skin
- A chance of permanent scarring on the area of skin treated with the laser
- A possible loss of color in the skin where the laser has been used
- Infection can occur in the laser treated area. This can be avoided if the treated area is kept clean.
These may seem like minor side effects, but ones you should be aware of when considering laser tattoo removal.
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
- Apply a doctor prescribed topical cream to the treated area to help the area stay germ and bacteria free
- When you take a shower be careful no 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 however keep in mind that it may take several laser removal sessions to get the tattoo totally removed from your skin.