|
A tattoo is colored pigment or ink injected into the skin, typically resulting in a symbol or design. People acquire tattoos for a number of reasons, and for various other reasons they then decide they are uncomfortable with the tattoo and want it removed from their skin. Because the pigments can sit deep within in the skin, several treatments are generally required over a long period of time before the tattoo can be removed. The efficacy of the tattoo removal is dependent upon the type, depth and density of the ink, the length of time the tattoo has been in the skin and whether or not the tattoo was done by an amateur or a professional.
Tattoos are supposed to be permanent, so removal of them can be difficult. Because of this complete clearing is not guaranteed. Removal options include topical creams, dermabrasion, Salabrasion, excision and laser. Topical creams aim to fade the tattoos color. Dermabrasion and Salabrasion sand and scrape away the upper layers of skin, thereby scratching out the ink. Excision cuts out the tattoo which is then replaced by a scar. The most common and most effective way to remove a tattoo today is with laser.
The lasers goal in tattoo removal is to target the ink with pulses of highly concentrated light energy. The light energy then breaks up the ink, initiating an immune response from the body. The natural healing process then surrounds the ink to eliminate it from the skin. Several treatment sessions are needed to clear the skin of the tattoo. To decrease discomfort during a laser tattoo removal treatment, topical numbing medications can be applied to the area prior to treatment or a cooling device, such as Zimmer, is applied before, during and after treatment to increase patient comfort. Tattoo removal is reported to resemble hot elastic bands snapping at the skin. A white or grayish discoloration, redness or swelling is often expected immediately following treatment. Pinpoint bleeding may also be seen following treatments. These symptoms may last from a few days to a week.
Side effects from laser treatments can include scabbing, blisters, scarring and color discrepancy in the skin. The risk of scarring is under 5% as long as after care instructions are appropriately followed. The possibility of scarring increases for people with darker skin tones, immune system deficiencies, circulatory problems, history of keloids or are on certain medications.
How many sessions are required to remove a tattoo is unique to each individual and tattoo. The number is dependent upon the type of tattoo (professional or amateur), size, color and depth of the ink, the location, skin color, age of tattoo, and individual response to treatment. Not all ink colors disappear equally as well. Black ink has the highest success rate for removal. Reds, oranges, and pinks respond well. Purples and yellows can be inconsistent but will usually respond. Greens and blues such as teal and light blue are more difficult, but success can be achieved. Whites, flesh tones and permanent make up can hyper-pigment the skin with laser removal and should be spot tested prior to treatment. A range of 3-15 sessions are generally needed for effective removal. Sessions are spread 6-8 weeks apart to allow for healing between treatments. |
