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Email 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