TATTOO REMOVAL

TYPES 

Tattoos come in a variety of colors, including black, they were etched to be permanent. Technology and science have found a way to reverse the permanence.

TREATMENT

• Removal of tattoos comes in several choices that include the use of chemicals (chemical peeling), use of lasers, removal through surgery, and exfoliation of several layers of the skin with the use of a machine (dermabrasion).
• Removal with the use of lasers are rapidly gaining popularity and is the procedure of choice for permanent tattoo removal. This procedure entails separating the ink particles into smaller components by using waves of light to facilitate their removal by the body’s immune system. The length and the number of procedures depend upon the extent and the size of the tattoo to be removed. Intervals between treatments should be one and a half months each to allow complete healing of the treated area. During the procedure, there is minimal discomfort in the area of removal, but for those who have low pain, tolerance can opt to have local anesthesia given pre-procedure. Aftercare of the removal site includes thorough cleansing with soap and water, avoid rubbing the area vigorously since it can only cause unsightly scars. Topical antibiotics are also applied after cleaning, and healing usually takes place 5 to 7 days after the procedure.
• Dermabrasion employs the principle of destroying the uppermost layer of the skin (stratum corneum) to signal the body that it needs to regenerate a new layer of skin to cover up the site of the injury. The use of a machine does it, and numbing the area with the use of anesthetics is necessary to ease the pain brought about by the procedure. Healing takes about ten days to 2 weeks.
• Removal with the use of mild acid solutions such as Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) that hastens skin exfoliation on the area where it is applied. The procedure is simple, yet it will cause an open wound in the area. This method does not entail the use of anesthetics. Post-procedure care includes routine cleansing with soap and water and applications of topical antibiotics after that. Healing from this procedure takes one week.
• Excision or removal of the skin where the tattoo is applied is also an option. This procedure involves cutting off the area where the tattoo is located, which is only applicable for minute markings. Large tattoos may need a more radical excision with skin grafting to cover the vast area of the operation. Post-procedure top-up dressing will be removed after two days, and routine wound cleaning is done to ensure adequate wound healing.