About Tattoo Removal Without Surgery
Tattoo removal has been around almost as long as tattooing. Old methods of
removal included surgical excision, sometimes with skin grafting. This is a
tried and true method and requires only one treatment. However, the side effect
is an unsightly scar, and possibly another scar where a skin graft was obtained.
Other older methods of removal included abrasives, such as salt crystal
scrubbing just after a tattoo is removed. Dermabrasion is similar, and uses a
power sanding device to abrade the skin down to below the tattoo. This can also
be effective but may leave a scar, depending on the depth of dermabrasion
required. Acids, such as glycolic acid or TCA, have also been used and work by a
similar mechanism, through a chemical burn. One method of tattoo removal favored
by tattoo artists involves over-tattooing with an acid or saline. This is
variably effective and can lead to severe scarring in some cases.
The use
of lasers is currently considered the most effective non invasive, bloodless
removal alternative. A high-intensity laser beam is targeted on the imbedded ink
by a surgeon where he directs high intensity pulses to break up the pigment. The
laser is applied with micro-second lasting pulses and it takes about 200 pulses
for a small tattoo. The laser energy causes the tattoo pigment to vaporize into
smaller particles that are then removed by the body's immune system. Laser
surgery is relatively low risk, pain free and effective with the least side
effects. Multiple treatments are normally required. Expect to experience minor
pain similar to the original tattooing experience. The lasers high energy
vaporizing the ink under your skin will cause sensations similar to specs of hot
grease. It usually takes more than one treatment which only takes a few
minutes.
One thing to keep in mind is that some scarring is likely to
occur while having a tattoo removed. After care will be needed likewise and may
include bandage changes or a suture removal. Even with tattoo removal, some
people will still experience some colored areas on the skin that have only been
lightened.
DERMABRASION:
This method involves sanding of the skin with a
rotating wire brush. The surgeon uses this tool to rub of several layers of the
skin.
The procedure is slightly painful and is performed under local
anesthetic. When the procedure is done the skin feels tender and is red. It
generally takes several weeks to heal and may require several treatments. This
procedure may leave a scar or pale area. It also may not completely remove your
old tattoo if the ink has penetrated very deep into your skin. The deeper the
ink, the less likely that dermabrasion will have good results.
An older
form of dermabrasion is called salabrasion. The skin is first rubbed with salt
or a salt solution before using the sanding tool. It is very painful and can
cause reddening and bleeding. This procedure has a high risk of
sca