Tattoo Removal -- What Is The Best Method

When tattoos are created, they are considered to be permanent markings on the skin of an individual. So it shouldn't be a surprise that removing them is not an easy 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 - This is a procedure that involves removing the tattooed skin with a scalpel and then stitching the remaining skin together. As you can imagine, not a good option on 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. This is actually the same process that occurs naturally that causes tattoos to fade. The laser just speeds up the process.

Laser tattoo removal is the most common and is less painful than all the other methods. It can also be done in an outpatient setting (unlike some of the other methods) which makes it more convenient.

Since laser tattoo removal does not involve traumatic damage to the skin it has far less severe side effects than other method. However keep in mind that it may take several laser removal sessions to get the tattoo totally removed 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 multitude of inks used in tattooing, it is difficult to gauge an exact amount of treatments 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.

Here are several things that a person can do to reduce the pain and speed up the healing process after a laser tattoo removal session:

- 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.

-24 hours past the treatment try to keep the area moisturized by using Aloe-Cort cream a couple of times a day.

- DO NOT pop blisters or pick scabs as this will make it more prone to scarring and infection.

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

- Be gentle when washing the treated area so you do not increase irritation and inhibit 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.