Cosmetic Tattoo Removal with Lasers, Excision, Surgery and Dermabrasion

Tattoo Removal

Today's trend can often turn into tomorrow's regret. With the number of wearable art patrons and parlors increasing, so is the number of people who are trying to remove what they intended to keep with them forever. Getting rid of a tattoo can cost much more than the original artwork. It also used to be very painful and it was impossible to be sure the treatment to remove the tattoo would work on all inks and skin colors. For example, simpler tattoos that contain only a few colors are easier to remove. Darker colors are easier to remove than brighter hues. Colors mixed with white are also tough to remove.

Choosing a tattoo removal method

The choice of removal methods depends on a number of things. For example, what kind of tattoo is it? Is it amateur or homemade or is it professional? An amateur or homemade tattoo is usually one color and not as deep, making it easier to remove. Where the tattoo is located also has an impact. Tattoos on the ankles, hands and fingers are more difficult to remove.

The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, (ASDS) however has some techniques for safe and effective removal of unwanted tattoos. They include:

• laser removal
• dermabrasion
• surgery or excision

A dermatologic surgeon is usually the doctor you would call to remove a tattoo. Make sure you check out the doctor's credentials, don't be afraid to ask your surgeon questions, and make sure your physician has a great deal of experience in this area.

The procedure is usually done on an outpatient basis with local anesthesia.

Laser tattoo removal

When a laser is used, the surgeon treats the pigment colors of the tattoo with a high intensity laser beam. Multiple treatments may be required. Lasers are getting more effective each year. They once were only effective on darker inks but are now being adjusted in ways that help clear lighter inks.

In cosmetic tattoo removal, different wavelengths of lasers are used on different ink colors. The types of lasers include:

• Q-switched Ruby Laser (QSRL)
• Q-switched Nd:YAG
• Q-switched Alexandrite Laser
• Flashlamp-pumped Pulsed Dye Laser

Each of these lasers works best on different colored inks. The QSRL was the first and is pretty effective on most tattoos, including amateur tattoos. It does have problems getting rid of some greens. Each of the others has its strong points. The laser delivers short bursts of energy. The ink and pigments absorb more of the energy, which means the laser can dissolve the ink, without burning the skin tissue. There are, however, a lot of variables that will determine how successful the procedure will be for each individual, including what dyes were sued, how deeply the pigments have entered the skin, what type of needle was used to apply the tattoo, where the tattoo is located, your skin type and your skin color.

Each treatment can last up to an hour but is usually less. You may have some bleeding and the skin is likely to be of a different color for awhile. There may also be swelling and perhaps blistering. You'll need to protect the area from water for a time and use sun protection for even longer. It can take six to 10 treatments to remove a tattoo. The treatments are usually several weeks apart. Even if the tattoo isn't completely removed, it can be significantly lightened. The cost varies depending on the size and the colors of the ink involved. Each treatment can cost from one hundred to thousands of dollars. You should shop carefully, comparing not only price, but also experience, professionalism and state-of-the-art equipment.

Dermabrasion tattoo removal

In dermabrasion, the skin is sanded by the surgeon. It removes the surface and middle layers of the tattoo. Dermabrasion can be used alone, or in combination with other types of treatments for tattoo removal. It is generally performed under local anesthetic and/or sedation It can be painful and will leave the skin red for a period of time. It may also result in a scar.

Surgical tattoo removal (excision)

The amount of time you have had the tattoo affects how a tattoo is removed. The ink of an older tattoo is likely to have spread wider and deeper under the skin. These are the types of tattoos that may need surgery or excision to be removed. With surgery, the doctor would remove the tattoo with a scalpel and close the opening with stitches. This technique is highly effective in removing some tattoos according to the ASDS. You should discuss with the doctor how much of a scar to expect and ways you can mitigate the scar.

Tattoo removal concerns

The ASDS reports the following possible side effects after removing a tattoo:

• scarring
• lack of complete pigment removal
• raised scar
• infection

The bottom line on tattoo removal is that it's a lot tougher, and more expensive, than getting one in the first place.

It is also important to protect your skin, especially the area of the tattoo, from sunburn. Sunscreen and sun protective clothing are essential for sun protection.

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Updated May 2008

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