There are many reasons you may decide to remove a tattoo. Perhaps it was done out of impulse and you regret getting it. Or maybe you are dissatisfied with the way it turned out or are experiencing an allergic reaction to the ink. Although expensive and often painful, tattoo removal is possible. There are many procedures that can help lighten or even completely remove the unwanted body art.
Laser Treatment
According to the Skin Laser Center, laser treatments can be safely used to remove tattoos. Laser systems, like the Palomar Q YAG 5, work by focusing a laser on the tattoo. This laser passes through the top layer of skin and into the ink of the tattoo. As your skin absorbs the light, the resulting heat fractures the tattoo ink into tiny fragments. The lymphatic system of the body then carries these particles away to be shed naturally from the skin. The Mayo Clinic explains that tattoos with several colors may require multiple treatments with different laser wavelengths. After the procedure, the skin may swell, bleed or blister. Use antibiotic ointment on the affected area to encourage healing. Multiple sessions may be required to lighten or erase the tattoo completely.
Dermabrasion
Experts at the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery explain that dermabrasion is a common tattoo removal technique. In this procedure, a doctor or dermatologist sands away the top layer of skin, at the site of the tattoo, with a quickly revolving abrasive brush or wheel. This technique helps the tattoo ink to leach out of the skin. In addition, it encourages the body to absorb the leftover ink. For several days after the procedure, the skin will feel sore and irritated. A doctor may prescribe medication to help deal with the discomfort. After about seven days, new skin will begin to form to replace the tattooed skin.
Surgical Removal
Smaller tattoos can be surgically removed. The Mayo Clinic says that a surgeon will first numb the skin with an anesthetic. Using a scalpel, a doctor cuts out the tattoo and then stitches the skin back tighter. An antibacterial medication will need to be used after the procedure to encourage proper healing. Although this method is effective, it will leave a scar behind---making it unpractical for larger tattoos.
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