Tattoo Removal

Tattoo Removal - permanent tattoos:

Tattoo Removal - percentage: -It is estimated that approximately eighteen million people per year will get a tattoo, eighty percent of them will regret it. To understand the difficulty in tattoo removal we must first understand the process of getting one.

Tattoos are most commonly done with an electronic tattoo machine, this instrument similar to a sewing machine injects small needles filled with various pigments or ink. These needles are rapidly punctured into the dermal layer of the skin, permanently leaving a marking or tattoo.

Tattoo Removal - methods: -There are several methods of taking off tattoos, however some scarring and color variations may remain. The success of any procedure depends on many factors such as:

Type of individuals immune system.

Type of skin tone.

Type of ink used.

Type of color used.

Depth of tattoo.

The individuals own healing process, size, location and how long the tattoo has been on the skin will affect the eventual outcome.

Dermabrasion:

-The area is sprayed with a freezing solution to numb the area then a rotary abrasive instrument sands off the surface and middle skin layers resulting in peeling. There is usually only minimal bleeding and a light dressing should be applied.

Excision:

This is a favourable method if the area is small.

Area is frozen by local injection.

Tattoo is cut out and edges of skin are brought together and sutured.

Larger tattoos may be excised in stages.

Skin graft from other parts of the body may be used for larger excisions.

Small amount of bleeding which can be minimised by electrocautery.

Tissue expansion:

A balloon is placed under the skin.

Slowly inflated to stretch out skin.

Tattoo is later cut out and covered by new skin.

Fade away methods:

A series of creams are applied to the tattoo.

The absorption of this combination of creams cause a reaction to break down the pigment in the tattoo.

The human body sees these particles as foreign objects and speeds up processes to dispose of the tattoo.

Laser (light amplification by the stimulator emission of radiation):

Regarded by doctors as one of the best methods of removal.

Controlled pulses of light are passed over tattoo area.

Pigment in tattoo is broken up by this process and is removed by the bodies lymphatic system.

Usually requires numerous treatments given at approximately three week intervals

Anti bacterial ointment applied after treatment.

May feel like a sun burn.

Laser has been described as feeling as if you were being snapped with a thin rubber band or having hot specks of bacon grease spattered on you skin.

Doctors recommend taking a non-Aspirintm product such as Tylenoltm prior to the procedure.

All of the procedures can be pricey, usually more expensive than getting the tattoo. Any undertaking is deemed cosmetic there for it is generally not covered by medical insurance plans.

Temporary or washable:

Unlike permanent tattoos washable tattoos are a fun easy and temporary option for both children and adults. Washable or temporary tattoos are easily removed by wiping them off gently with alcohol or baby oil.