Many people get a tattoo literally on the spur of the moment, later sitting down and regretting it. Once upon a time, there was absolutely nothing you could do if you had the name of your ex-wife tattooed along your buttocks, or the name of your favorite football hooligan gang tattooed on your fore-arm. But now, with the latest technologies in cosmetic surgery, it is possible to do away with any of the bad memories from the past. Still, this depends on how long the tattoo has been on the skin, where it is located and its size that will determine how successfully it can be totally removed.
About the Procedure
There are a few different ways to remove an unwanted tattoo. Your doctor will advise you on the best approach when he inspects the tattoo for size, location and how long it has been embedded in the skin.
Laser:
Depending on whether your doctor feels it necessary, numbing cream will first be applied to the skin. Light from the laser will be directed onto the tattoo breaking up the colors. Over the course of the next few weeks, your body’s scavenger cells will remove the treated pigments. Your doctor will probably advise that one session is not enough.
Excision:
This is a popular method in that it can remove the tattoo entirely, however, if the tattoo is large, it may take quite a few sessions. First, a local anesthetic will be applied to numb the targeted area. The edges of the tattoo will next be brought together and saturated. If the tattoo is exceptionally large, skin grafts from other parts of the body may also be used.
Salabrasion:
This is an extremely old technique which has been around for hundreds of years, but it is still used in this day and age. First, anesthetic will be applied to the target area; then, normal tap water with salt will be applied. A special instrument will next be used such as a wooden block wrapped in gauze to strenuously scrape away the skin. When the skin has turned a strong red color, a dressing will be applied.
Dermabrasion:
This technique is very similar to Salabrasion, but a solution will be sprayed onto the area in order to freeze it. Next, a rotary abrasive will be used to sand the area down, causing the skin to peel. After this, a dressing will be added to prevent any bleeding.
Benefits
Tattoo removal will eradicate that hideous tatoo which has been irritating you for ages. There will be no need to cover it up with a sweater or long pants anymore.
Who is an ideal candidate?
Anyone who has an undesired tatoo which they wish to be rid of.
Recovery
• Wound care is required to aid the healing process and to prevent infection. Typically, an antibiotic ointment and dressing changes are recommended.
• Recommendations include acetaminophen (Tylenol) for pain, elevation of the treated area to counteract any local swelling and sun avoidance to prevent tanning.
Planning your surgery
You should attain a better understanding about tattoo removal, and understand the expectations. It is recommended that you view before and after photographs of the surgeon’s previous patients and speak with them. It is also important for patients to ask questions about anything they do not understand about the procedure.
Preparing your surgery
When preparing for the tatoo removal, it is important to discuss with your doctor the best methos which is suitable for both your body and your budget.
Risks / Complications / Side effects
There are certainly risks involved with tattoo removal. If the method you use is old-fashioned Salabrasion, then you can be rest-assured that you will be left with a hefty visible scar. As for dermabrasion, there may be a difference in the skin’s coloration; the same goes for laser surgery. In the result of this happening, the area around the tattoo will be much lighter than your usual skin color. In the case of Excision, there is the possibility of infection.
Post operative care
• For the first few days after surgery you can expect some swelling and blistering.
• White crusting may occur immediately following the treatment. Any scab generally resolves in 10-14 days.