Tattoo Removal Techniques
Overview
- Common reasons to undergo tattoo removal
- What kind of tattoos can be removed easily?
- What are the risks?
- How do you prepare for tattoo removal?
- What are the 3 types of tattoo removal?
- Laser Removal
- Surgical Removal
- Dermabrasion
- Finding a tattoo removal specialist in Vadodara
- What results should you expect?
Overview
Do you wish to get rid of the tattoo; that you cherished years back? Regardless of the reason, you can now get rid of your undesired tattoos permanently. Tattoo removal procedures are a boon to people who are dissatisfied with their tattoos. If you are interested, make sure you consult a Certified Cosmetic Plastic surgeon
Tattoo removal is the process of removing undesirable or unwanted tattoos. Tattoo removal comes with different removal techniques, and each one is associated with risks and benefits. This article, however, outlines the types of tattoo removal techniques, their risks, and other things included.
Common reasons to undergo tattoo removal
Whether you are disappointed with the appearance or regret doing one
You develop an allergic reaction or cause an infection post-tattoo application
After certain years, if you feel the tattoo has faded or doesn’t look up to the mark
What kind of tattoos can be removed easily?
Generally, tattoo removal works successfully in removing tattoos, but some are difficult to remove. Both Stick and Poke tattoos and the older ones are easily removable. While larger and more colourful tattoos are generally more time-intensive and costly to remove. Pastel shades containing high titanium dioxide are more challenging.
Some colours are easier to remove than others. Those include dark ink pigments such as:
- Green
- Brown
- Black
- Dark blue
Moreover, it may be difficult to remove tattoos if you have:
- A darker skin tone
- A preexisting skin infection, like eczema
- A health condition that impacts the skin, such as herpes
Nevertheless, this does not mean you are not eligible for tattoo removal. It simply means you should be extra careful and find better options for you.
What are the risks?
Scarring is the most likely risk after tattoo removal
Infection or skin discolouration can be other risks
How do you prepare for tattoo removal?
If you’re thinking of tattoo removal, begin with consulting a Board Certified Cosmetic Plastic Surgeon. They will exemplify the best-suited options based on your skin and tattoo colour and assist to select the procedure that’s most likely to be effective for you.
For example, some tattoo inks are more receptive to laser treatment than others. Similarly, small tattoos are ideal for surgical removal, while others are unduly large to remove with a scalpel.
What are the 3 types of tattoo removal?
Tattoo removal is normally performed as an outpatient process with local anaesthesia. The most common techniques for tattoo removal include Laser Surgery, Surgical Removal, and Dermabrasion.
If you are an aspiring candidate, keep in mind that tattoo removal usually depends on several aspects such as:
- Scarring risks
- Time and effectiveness
- Cost of the treatment
Again, these factors rely greatly on tattoo size, skin type, and condition of your tattoo. Now that you know the factors; let’s look at the treatment methods, one by one.
Laser Removal
Most specialists regard laser removal as the most booming and cost-effective approach to removing tattoos successfully. Though, lasers do not remove a tattoo. Rather, they lighten or fade in due time making them less observable.
Nowadays, most tattoos are removed with a Q-switched laser. Q-switched lasers release energy in a single, powerful pulse- allowing it to heat up and break the ink in your skin to liquefy it. You will require to get several laser treatment sessions over weeks or more to remove your tattoo. Older or negligibly complicated tattoos will need fewer sessions, while more recent or intricate tattoos will demand more.
For darker skin, Q-switched Nd: YAG laser treatment is preferred, which is less likely to alter the colour of dark skin compared to conventional Q-switched lasers.
Typically, laser removal techniques require 5 to 7 sessions. Also, for the best outcomes, you must be patient and keep realistic expectations.
Before starting the laser treatment, the skin is numbed with local anaesthesia. Then, as mentioned earlier, a pulse of energy is used to destroy the tattoo ink. Colourful tattoos are more challenging to remove and thus require various lasers and distinct wavelengths.
Post-treatment you will notice swelling or bleeding. The doctor will advise you to follow instructions and give you an antibacterial ointment to stimulate healing. The ointment is necessary to avoid the risks of infection. Make sure you follow the instructions carefully.
Do this for at least the 2 weeks post-treatment:
- Keep the treated area clean and dehydrated.
- Do not wear tight clothes.
- Avoid sun exposure.
- Do not touch or pick at any scabs or blisters (if formed).
Laser tattoo removal typically carries a lower risk of scarring than other removal options, just be sure not to pick at the area as it heals, as this can increase your risk of scarring.
Surgical Removal
Surgical removal, also known as excision tattoo removal, applies to cutting off tattooed skin and stitching the leftover skin back together. When comparing the other methods, it is the most effective and assured way to entirely remove a tattoo. Surgical treatment requires only one session for tattoo removal and hence is very effective for ones which can actually be removed by surgery.
Surgical excision is performed in a Plastic surgeon’s hospital. As it is a surgical approach, you will be given local anaesthesia before the surgery. Thereafter, the surgeon uses a scalpel to cut out the tattooed skin. Then, they’ll stitch the remaining skin back together. The surgery might take a couple of hours to complete; depending on the size and complexity of the tattoo.
Surgical treatment requires roughly 7 to 10 days to heal. Make sure you follow the instructions and apply the antibacterial ointment to avoid the chances of infection. Keep the area clean and avoid direct sun exposure until advised.
Dermabrasion
This treatment procedure involves utilizing a sanding device to remove layers of skin to let the ink leach out. Its effectiveness differs widely from person to person.
Dermabrasion is not recommended if you have absolutely sensitive skin or a pre-existing skin condition like eczema. If you take blood thinners, you may also have a higher risk of undergoing bleeding, bruising, and modifications in your skin colour post-treatment.
During the treatment session, the treatment area is chilled until numb. Local anaesthesia is given to reduce pain. Then, the tattooed skin is sanded down to deeper levels with a high-speed rotatory abrasive device which is known as Diamond Burr Dermabrasion. This lets the tattoo ink leach out.
Usually, it is performed under one procedure at a Cosmetic Plastic surgeon’s hospital. The treatment time depends on the complexity and colour of the tattoo. Larger tattoos require more time than smaller ones.
After the treatment, the treated area will feel sore and raw for a couple of weeks. The healing process may take around 2 weeks. The pinkness or discolouration of the treated area usually fades within 8 to 12 weeks post-treatment.
- You will be advised to follow instructions meticulously.
- Apply an ointment to reduce the risks of infection.
- Avoid direct sun exposure for 3 to 6 months after the treatment.
- Apply sunscreen to the affected area while you are outside.
- Until complete recovery, avoid wearing tight clothes
- Wash well and apply local ointment.
According to research. people encounter scarring from dermabrasion treatments. You can therefore reduce scarring by:
- Applying the specified ointments
- Wearing sunscreen
- Avoiding the sun
- Using anti-scarring oils and creams, post-recovery
After treatment, dermabrasion is likely to cause:
- Differences in skin colour, such as lightning, darkening, or blotchiness
- Skin infection
- Redness or bruise, swelling, and bleeding
- Scarring
To preclude these intricacies, be certain to obey your clinician’s instructions. Before deciding on getting the treatment, make sure the clinician has appropriate licensing( ie is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon specialising in Cosmetic surgery) and satisfactory reviews.
Dermabrasion can be a good choice in properly selected cases by your surgeon.
What results should you expect?
Complete tattoo removal is possible if treated well and taken care of well by the patient. Scarring or skin colour variation can happen, no matter which treatment option is preferred. Tattoo removal procedures range in cost, effectiveness, and healing time. Knowing your alternatives can help you make a decision about tattoo removal that’s suited for you and your budget.
Finding a tattoo removal specialist in Vadodara
All the laser procedures and surgeries are performed by our Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon at Luxor Hospital, with the best laser machines and clinically proven methods. Get rid of your unwanted tattoos without the fear of risks. Take your first step and contact us today at +91 79907 10731.
