There are almost as many reasons for wanting a tattoo removed as there are for having one in the first place. When we are young many ideas and actions appear “cool” which later in life we regret. Getting a tattoo for many can fall into this category.
Having the name of a loved one tattooed on your body can seem a great idea when you are young and in love but that gesture can remain long after the partnership and affection have ended. So how can you rid yourself of any tattoos that you now wish you did not have?
There are several options and the ones available to your will depend upon two factors the size of the tattoo you want removed and the price you re prepared to pay to lose it. It is also worth remembering that some scarring is likely to occur when having a tattoo removed. After care will be necessary as well and may include bandage changes or a suture removal. Even with tattoo removal, some individuals will still experience some colored areas on the skin that have simply been lightened.
How successful the removal will be depends on the size and color of your tattoo. Another factor is where about on your body the design is as it is easier to remove from some parts of the body than others.
One method of removal is excision which can work well for small tattoos. Even some larger designs can be removed by this method but it will take several treatments to remove the whole of a large tattoo. The method is simply cut away the tattoo and then suture the skin closed again.
Larger tattoos may be removed by excision as well; however it may take several attempts to remove the entire art. Many times, the middle portion of the tattoo is removed and allowed to heal before attempts are made to excise the outer portions. Another technique for excising larger tattoos is to take a skin graft from another area on the body to make it possible to close the incision.
Another technique is called dermabrasion. This method for tattoo removal involves the use of a special chemical that is applied to the tattoo. The tattoo and skin around it are frozen, providing a local anesthetic effect. A rough surfaced tool is then used to rub down the tattoo in the same fashion one would use sandpaper.
Lasers have recently grown in popularity in the medical field and tattoo removal has certainly benefited from them as well. For the purpose of removing a tattoo, the laser is used to break up the ink and coloration of the design. Cells in the body are then able to attack and eliminate these colored cells naturally. When lasers are used, repeat visits are often needed to continue the break down of the ink that was used.
Tattoo removal can be done with one of a variety of methods. A physician is needed for this type of procedure. The physician should be consulted with any concerns regarding the size of the tattoo to be removed, the coloration, the location on the body and the required after care that will be needed once it has been removed.
A tattoo is thought of something that lasts a lifetime. Although they can be removed with surgery, lasers or dermabrasion, some scarring is likely to be encountered. Getting a tattoo should be seriously considered first as it will always be a permanent mark in the skin.
