Tattoos are considered to be permanent markings on a person's skin when they are created. 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 - this is a very painful method and involves sanding away the skin that has been tattooed.
- 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. 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. 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 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. Keep in mind though that it usually takes a multiple laser removal treatments to totally remove the tattoo 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. How many treatments are required depends on several different 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. While possible, it is very rare for a tattoo to require more than 10 treatments. Laser treatments are also very effective if a person wants to lighten a tattoo so they can put a new one in its place.
Here are several things that a person can do to reduce the pain and speed up the healing process after a laser tattoo removal session:
- 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.
-After 24 hours use Aloe-Cort cream twice a day to moisturize the area.
- DO NOT pop blisters or pick scabs as this will make it more prone to scarring and infection.
- Avoid sun exposure and tanning beds during the healing process.
- 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.
To learn more about laser tattoo removal visit Vanishing Point’s FAQ page at www.vplaser.com. Vanishing Point provides safe, affordable laser tattoo removal in St Louis and the surrounding area.
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