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If you want a tattoo removed, there could be many reasons behind it. Perhaps, you no longer want to be burdened with it and regret having one at all. Perhaps a tattoo is preventing you from getting a good job or perhaps it keeps you from reaching your goals. For all these reasons, bearing a little pain is no big deal.
Alternatively, you’re probably not part of the gang you were associated with that branded you with a tattoo, so obviously you no longer want it. If your tattoo stands for hatred or prejudice, it’s time to scrape it off your skin. Whatever the reason for removing a tattoo, let’s consider your options and the possible methods of removal.
These days, there are several excellent methods of removing your tattoo. Your physician will choose one depending on the size of the tattoo and its location, the time it has been on your skin and how well your skin will heal. These methods are:
Laser: Perhaps the most widely used technique of tattoo removal, with the physician using one of the following methods—the Q-switched Nd:Yag, Q-switched Alexandrite or the Q-switched Ruby. He will try to get to the ink with pulses of high concentrations of light that break up into tiny bits. These bits get finally cleared up with your immune system.
You need to have many sessions wherein the laser penetrates the ink and destroys it. You must, however, ensure that this procedure does not damage your skin and cause you painful blisters and scabs. Besides, this procedure is expensive and costs $250-$850 per session.
Intense pulsed light therapy (IPL): Here, the physician applies a gel to the skin and focuses light on the skin through a wand. This is a very good method and can be accomplished in fewer treatment sessions.
Dermabrasion: By this method, the top layer of the skin is abraded through friction. A small portion of the tattoo is sprayed with a solution that freezes the area. Using a rotary abrasive instrument, the tattoo is “sanded” away so that the skin of the tattoo peels away. Anticipating bleeding, a dressing is applied to the affected area.
Excision: A local anesthetic is given to the numb the tattooed area and the tattoo is removed surgically and the edges sutured. This gives rise to minimal bleeding, which is easily controlled by electrocautery. For large tattoos, a skin graft taken is done or it may have to be excised in stages. This method is advantageous because through this the entire tattoo can be removed.
Fading with saline: By this technique, your tattoo artist will use a saline solution to fade your tattoo—a process that will prove very effective. It will be particularly effective if you have had your tattoo done long ago. You will be able to fade the tattoo with this method and quickly design another tattoo on the same spot.
Whichever method of tattoo removal you choose, you will end up with some scarring or color variations. This may heal depending on the size and depth of the tattoo, the procedure you choose and your healing process. At this stage, it is very important for you to discuss a likely procedure with your physician. So, choose wisely.