Tattoo removal

Ironically, the tattoo removal industry is one of the most fastest growing branches overall. Tattoo removal is a difficult process because the process involves using a permanent ink, placed on the secondary layer of the skin, the dermis. The pain of getting the tattoo comes from the needle penetrating the skin and leaving the ink where the bloodstream cannot carry it away.

 

Tattoo removal varies, depending on which is the chosen removal procedure. Still, most of the dermatological surgeons warn that complete removal of the tattoos is not possible. There are several methods that have come close to removing the tattoo and leaving few visible traces. This depends on several factors such as the size of the tattoo and the area where it was applied, the individual's ability to heal, the tattooing procedure, and the time since it had been placed.

Before lasers were used, removal involved several painful methods: dermabrasion (the skin is “sanded”), cryosurgery (before removal, the area is frozen) or excision (the surgeon removes the tattoo using a scalpel, then closes the wound using stiches). Laser has become the standard treatment that has minimal side effects and is done in a single visit.

 

Lasers emit short pulses of intense light that are absorbed by the tattoo pigment. The pigment is then fragmented into smaller pieces that are absorbed by the body's immune system. The laser selectively targets the pigment without causing any harm to the surrounding skin. Black pigments are the easiest to remove because they absorb all laser wave lengths, while lighter colors selectively absorb these wavelengths and can be removed with the help of lasers oriented on certain colors.

Before getting the tattoo removed, do not take any products containing aspirin because thye can produce severe bruising. A session usually takes one minute but more treatment sessions are needed to remove the entire tattoo, depending on the tattoo was made. The body needs about three weeks to absorb the pigment residue from the tattoo. An antibacterial ointment will be applied on the area by the doctor and several times after, following recommendations.