By Rosella Campbell


A cool, new tattoo may seem like a great idea at the time someone first gets it, but years later he or she may come to regret it. When this happens the best solution is to have it removed. When seriously considering tattoo removal Worcester residents should be sure they are aware of the different methods this can be done, so they can make an informed choice.

Laser removal is the most common method for eradicating embarrassing body art. Light beams dissolve the colored pigments in the inks, so they can be safely absorbed into the skin. Even stubborn, professional tattoos that often have more deeply injected ink that embeds itself amongst the collagen fibers of the dermis can usually be removed this way.

The particular type of laser used for removing tattoos is called a "Q-switched" laser, it emits sharp, short light pulses that break the ink molecules down so they are absorbed by the skin cells and are no longer visible. These lasers are sub-grouped into three types which offer vary degrees of effectiveness on specific colors: Ruby and Alexandrite lasers are used for green, blue, and black ink, and the Nd:YAG laser for red, black, and blue. Vivid, intense colors are usually the most challenging to remove.

Amateur ink work may only need two sessions or so to eliminate it, whereas professional designs can involve the use of at least two lasers and require up to twenty sessions. Some inks that contain iron-oxide compounds have the tendency to turn black when exposed to laser light, so a patch test is done first to determine if this will occur.

A topical anesthetic is administered before the procedure, but it is normal to still feel some discomfort. The length of time it takes will depend on the type and size of the tattoo, it may only be a few minutes or as long as an hour in duration. Minor scarring can occur in some patients.

The IPL or Intense Pulsed Light method is another alternative for removing tattoos which is similar to laser except that it uses larger pulses of broad spectrum light. The upper layer of epidermal cells is burned away, taking the pigments with it, after several treatments the design will fade. Due to the nature of it, it is most suitable for larger areas such as the back, and more light pulses will be needed for designs that are deeper and more complex.

An older and less used technique, dermabrasion can also get rid of tattoos. A local anesthetic is injected, and the surgeon uses a machine called a dermatome to sand off the uppermost layers of the skin. Redness and tenderness in the area can be expected for several weeks, as the skin regenerates. People who scar easily may want to consider another approach.

If a tattoo proves to be especially difficult to remove, the cosmetic surgeon may recommend surgical excision. After receiving a local anesthetic, the patient's skin will be cut away at the site of the design. If the area is smaller, the skin can be rejoined with stitches, but if it is larger, a graft may be necessary. More than one procedure may be required, and usually some scarring will occur.




About the Author:



0 comments :