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 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.
A "Q-switched" laser is the specific type of laser used in this procedure. It delivers short, precise light pulses that break apart the pigment molecules, allowing them to be absorbed by the surrounding skin cells. These lasers can be grouped into three categories: the Nd:YAG laser which works best on black, red, and blue pigments, and the Alexandrite and Ruby lasers which are used on green, blue, and black ink. Usually brighter hues prove tougher to remove than more muted 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.
Another approach similar to the laser method is the Intense Pulsed Light or IPL treatment. It works by applying larger pulses of a broad spectrum light. This treatment removes the uppermost epidermal layer, which after several applications can cause the tattoo to become less visible. It is best used for larger surface areas, and will require more light pulses for more complex and deeper designs.
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.
A "Q-switched" laser is the specific type of laser used in this procedure. It delivers short, precise light pulses that break apart the pigment molecules, allowing them to be absorbed by the surrounding skin cells. These lasers can be grouped into three categories: the Nd:YAG laser which works best on black, red, and blue pigments, and the Alexandrite and Ruby lasers which are used on green, blue, and black ink. Usually brighter hues prove tougher to remove than more muted 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.
Another approach similar to the laser method is the Intense Pulsed Light or IPL treatment. It works by applying larger pulses of a broad spectrum light. This treatment removes the uppermost epidermal layer, which after several applications can cause the tattoo to become less visible. It is best used for larger surface areas, and will require more light pulses for more complex and deeper designs.
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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