What Is the Most Effective Way to Remove a Tattoo

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When tattoos are created, they are considered to be permanent markings on the skin of an individual. Consequently, removing them is not a simple process. Below are some of the most common methods of tattoo removal and the positives and negatives of 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 - a procedure where the doctor removes the area of tattooed skin with a scalpel and then stitches together the skin that remains. This is not a good option on very 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. When the ink breaks down the body’s immune system naturally removes the tattoo dye because it is seen as an impurity in the body. Tattoos naturally fade over time because of this same process, the laser just greatly speeds up the process.

Laser tattoo removal is the most common and is less painful than all the other methods. It also has the advantage that it can be done on an outpatient basis, which makes it more convenient than some of the other methods.

Since laser tattoo removal does not involve traumatic damage to the skin it has far less severe side effects than other method. 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. The number of treatments depends on a variety of factors: How well the broken down ink gets eliminated by the body’s immune system. The age, depth and type of ink used as well as how the tattoo was applied are all important factors. Since there are a large variety of differnet inks used in tattooing, it is hard to predict the exact number of treatements required to remove a tattoo. Very rarely, more than ten treatments may be needed. Laser treatments are also very effective if a person wants to lighten a tattoo so they can put a new one in its place.

A few things that a patient can do to lessen the pain and improve the healing process after a laser tattoo removal are:

- 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.

- It is important NOT to break blisters or pick at scabs, because this will increase the chances of scarring and infection.

- Do not spend an extended period of time exposed to the sun and avoid tanning beds while the area is healing.

- 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. Because it works in conjuncture with a person’s immune system it may take more time than other methods. However, this also accounts for the fact it is more effective, less painful, and it doesn’t have side effects of the other procedures.