subject: Say So Long To Unwanted Ink With Tattoo Removal [print this page] Tattoos don't change, but people do, which often results in regrets and a desire to remove the offending body art. In the past, removal methods were poor and often left scars. New technology and techniques has made tattoo removal not only effective, but extremely safe. Here are some of the methods available.
Cover-up
This isn't exactly tattoo removal, but rather covering an old one with a new image. People often do this to conceal tattoos received in a moment of passion or when the person was younger and in a different frame of mind. Not all tattoos can be covered up with a new design, but there are many excellent tattoo artists that can help cover up old pieces with something new and beautiful.
Q-switched Laser
Laser is the most effective and popular method and the Q-switched laser is the latest in technology. This laser is supposed to cause less scarring and are used with a topical anesthetic to numb the skin beforehand.
Thin ones has a greater chance of developing scar tissue than treated areas with thicker skin. Different Q-switched lasers target different ink colors and can help remove more colors than previous lasers were able to.
Laser treatment takes multiple sessions over a period of time for maximum results. The length of time this takes, as well as the level of success, highly depends on the individual and the tattoo. On average it takes 10 treatments to fully remove it, and it is generally advised that each session be scheduled 2 months apart to allow the skin to heal properly.
The treatment is very painful even with anesthetic and afterwards the area will become dry and develop a scab. You may want to discuss how effective treatment will be before undertaking treatments, as those with low pain thresholds may decide to choose another process.
Fortunately, other than pain there are few risks associated with this procedure. There may be some scarring, in rare cases allergic reaction, and sometimes hyper pigmentation, or the development of white spots.
Surgical Removal
This is not the ideal method, but some people believe it is the best way to permanently rid yourself of unwanted body art. A plastic surgeon will excise the tattooed skin by simply cutting it away and sewing the remaining skin back into place.
This is not possible with all tattoos and is only recommended in extreme cases. There will be scarring. The benefit of this procedure is that you are guaranteed complete and permanent removal, and in some cases it may be more cost effective than undergoing multiple laser treatments.
Cream Removers and Microdermabrasion
Both of these treatments are usually not endorsed by dermatologists or cosmetic surgeons as they provide little if any results. Over the counter topical ointments claim to help eliminate tattoos with repeated usage.
There is little evidence that these provide visible results and can often be quite expensive. Microdermabrasion is supposed to slowly remove the layers, but usually this process is unable to go deep enough to reach the tattoo ink.
