Tattoos are usually a source of pride and expression for those who choose to get them, but sometimes the love for this body art fades away, and the design is no longer something to be proud of, but rather something to hide. Once this happens, the best solution is getting it removed, which can be accomplished using several different techniques. If interested in undergoing tattoo removal Worcester patients must first learn what their choices are.
Laser is the most common method used to remove unwanted tattoos. Light energy beams penetrate the skin and dissolve the ink's pigments which are then reabsorbed by the body. This approach can even successfully eliminate professional ink designs, which are typically injected deeper in the collagen fibers of the dermis.
The type of laser used for this procedure is known as a "Q-switched" laser, it delivers short, precise pulses of light which penetrate the ink molecules, breaking them down into tiny particles which will be absorbed by the cells of the skin. Three kinds of Q-switched lasers are implemented, depending on the colors of the tattoo, the Nd:YAG is used for blue, red, and black pigments, and the Ruby or Alexandrite for blue, green, and black. Brighter colors are usually harder to eliminate than duller ones.
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.
Laser is the most common method used to remove unwanted tattoos. Light energy beams penetrate the skin and dissolve the ink's pigments which are then reabsorbed by the body. This approach can even successfully eliminate professional ink designs, which are typically injected deeper in the collagen fibers of the dermis.
The type of laser used for this procedure is known as a "Q-switched" laser, it delivers short, precise pulses of light which penetrate the ink molecules, breaking them down into tiny particles which will be absorbed by the cells of the skin. Three kinds of Q-switched lasers are implemented, depending on the colors of the tattoo, the Nd:YAG is used for blue, red, and black pigments, and the Ruby or Alexandrite for blue, green, and black. Brighter colors are usually harder to eliminate than duller ones.
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.
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