You thought you'd found the love of your life, and declared your love to the world by having her name emblazoned on your arm. But now she's gone and you're left with a permanent reminder of your heartbreak--one you'll be explaining to future dates for the rest of your life. You have several options for removing that tattoo, all of them expensive and painful.
Laser
Lasers break down the pigment in the tattoo, and the body absorbs the small particles and gets rid of them naturally. While older lasers had difficulty removing some colors of ink, such as green, newer lasers are effective on all colors, according to the California Medical Association. Lasers can remove tattoos in as little as one session in a dermatologist's office. Some tattoos may require multiple sessions. Side effects include scarring or incomplete tattoo removal. Tattoo Health.org reports that some people have experienced allergic reactions following laser treatments, as their body reacts to the ink. Older tattoos are more likely to leave pigment behind after laser treatment.
Excison
Excision involves cutting out the tattoo. This is the most effective method of completely removing the tattoo, but it only suitable for very small tattoos. The surgeon cuts out the tattooed area and sews it up. This surgery leaves a scar and for larger tattoos, skin grafts may be necessary. The healing time can be extensive and painful.
Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion sands off the tattoo using a wire brush or sanding dish. The California Medical Association reports that dermabrasion is most effective on pastel tattoos, and not very effective at removing black ink. The treatment may take several sessions and healing can be painful.
Intense Pulsed Light
Intense Pulsed Light fades the tattoo with bursts of very bright light. Tattoo Health.org reports this technique is effective with brightly colored tattoos. You may need several sessions to successfully remove your tattoo.
Camouflage
Some people choose to camouflage tattoos by tattooing over them, either with a different design, or with ink the same color as their skin. A skilled artist can completely cover an old tattoo and make it invisible.
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