Tattoo
removal
It is not known exactly when the practice of
tattooing got started, but some evidence of
tattoos have been found on Egyptian mummies
back in 1300 B.C. Tattoos are made artistically on the
skin by injecting a color into small holes in the
skin. It does not matter who injects the color into
the skin, but it is a fact that the mark of a tattoo is
permanent. However due to several reasons, people take the help
of physicians to remove tattoos.
Luckily, there are several successful ways to remove tattoos,
which are being used by physicians. Nevertheless, in most cases
some blemishes can remain visible on the skin. It depends on a
number of factors such as size, location, and the time taken in
the individual healing process. If the tattoo has been on the
skin for a long time, then it may be difficult to remove.The
physician will choose a tattoo removal method after considering
the size and length of the tattoo. He will also take into
consideration the time that the tattoo has been on the
skin.
Tattoo
Removal Methods
Some of these widely used Tattoo removal methods include:
Excision: This is one of the most popular tattoo removal
methods, especially when the tattooed area is small. By using
this method, tattoos can be removed completely from the skin.
In order to remove large tattoos, the excision process is done
in stages.
While performing this method, the tattooed area is first
numbed, and then it is erased surgically. There may be minimal
bleeding, but it can be controlled easily by using
electrocautery.
Dermabrasion: Another tattoo removal procedure is known as the
“Dermabrasion Procedure”. The tattooed area is sprayed with a
solution to freeze it, and then the tattoo is rubbed down with
a rotary abrasive tool, which results in the peeling of the
skin. During this process, bleeding may occur, so it is a must
that immediate dressings are applied to that area.
Laser: Nowadays, Laser
tattoo removal is becoming popular among physicians,
as it offers better results in a short time. Laser techniques
such as Q-switched Nd: Yag, Q-switched Alexandrite and the
Q-switched Ruby, are being used to remove tattoos.A cream can
be applied on the skin for numbing before the treatment begins,
if required. After that, by using laser light technique, the
pigment of the tattoo is broken and thereafter several weeks,
scavenger cells of the body eliminate the treated pigment area.
Generally, one may be required to have more than one laser
treatment to erase the tattoo entirely.
Salabrasion: This is an ancient method to remove tattoos, but
it is still used sometimes. Similar to other methods,
anesthetic is used on the tattoo as well as on its surrounding
area. After that, a solution of normal tap water and salt is
applied on the skin. By using abrade equipment, the
tattooed area is abraded strongly, and when the area
becomes dark red, then a dressing is applied.
In conclusion, it does not matter which tattoo removal method
you opt for, but one thing is definite - there will always
remain some scarring or color variation.
It is always best to discuss with the physician the various
methods available and their procedures. It is important that
you clear all your doubts regarding the process before you go
for it.
| 
