Tattoo Removal

There are several methods of tattoo removal and the one you use can depend on factors such as the size of your tattoo, the colors of it, how long you have had it, and also which methods are offered to you.  The physician removing the tattoo will usually know which method is the best for you.

Excision:
One of the more popular methods of tattoo removal is Excision. It is particularly popular when the tattoo is small, because it works vest then. The excision method is comprised of an anesthetic injection in the area where the tattoo being removed is.  The tattoo is then cut out surgically. The remaining skin is pulled together and sutured. During this procedure there is minimal bleeding, however, in the event that a large tattoo is being removed, a skin graft may become necessary.

Dermabrasion:
This method of removing a tattoo involves spraying the area being removed with a freezing solution. The tattoo is then rubbed off with a rotary abrasive instrument. This usually will cause some bleeding so the area is usually dressed immediately to avoid medical damage. This process works for all sizes of tattoo.

Laser Removal:
Currently, laser surgery is considered one of the best methods of tattoo removal. A cream is rubbed onto the tattoo to help numb it. Then, the laser fires brief beams of light to attempt to separate the tattoo pigments from the skin. During the course of a few weeks, the body will naturally remove and destroy the detached pigments. Most tattoos will require laser treatment more than once.

Salabrasion:
This method is similar to dermabrasion in that an anesthetic is applied, although in this case it is often injected. Then the area is rubbed aggressively until it turns red. Then, the area is dressed and treated.

All methods of tattoo removal can usually be expected to leave some scarring or color variations. It is difficult to completely remove a tattoo. Talk to the physician performing the removal to see what remainder of your tattoo is likely to exist after the process.

"Tattoo Removal: The Process of Removing Tattoos."