Tattoo Removal

A number of methods are used to remove unwanted tattoos. The method that the physician chooses will depend upon the size of the tattoo and its location as well as the length of time it has been on the skin. How the patient heals may also be a factor in the decision. The best method for you also depend on the type and colour of your tattoo. Dark colours (particularly blue and black inks) are more difficult to remove and some modern pastel-coloured inks can also be hard to break down.
 

Methods of Tattoo Removal

Laser

Laser therapy is the most common method of tattoo removal. Your specialist will focus an intense light beam onto the tattooed area of skin, the laser light heats up the tattoo ink and breaks it down into small fragments to be absorbed by the body. Over the next several weeks the body's scavenger cells remove the treated pigmented areas. More then one treatment is usually necessary to remove all of the tattoo.

Lasers can cause an uneven colour in brown and black skins, so the treatment may not be suitable for people with these skin types.

Dermabrasion

Another method of tattoo removal is called dermabrasion in which a small portion of the tattoo is sprayed with a solution that freezes the area. The tattoo is then "sanded" with a rotary abrasive instrument causing the skin to peel. Because some bleeding is likely to occur, a dressing is immediately applied to the area.

Surgical excision,

where your surgeon cuts out the tattoo, may also be effective. The advantage of this method is that the entire tattoo can be removed. With larger tattoos, however, it may be necessary to excise in stages, removing the center of it initially and the sides at a later date. Excision involves an injection of a local anesthetic to numb the area after which the tattoo is removed surgically. The edges are then brought together and sutured. With this procedure, there is minimal bleeding which is easily controlled with electrocautery. In some cases involving large tattoos, a skin graft taken from another part of the body may be necessary.

It is important that you have realistic expectations of your tattoo removal procedure. Results are often good but, in some cases, it may not be possible to remove all of the tattoo pigment from your skin. There will also be some scarring whatever the method you use.

Tattoo removal and laser therapy are usually an out-patient treatment. Surgical excision may require a general anaesthetic and you should be able to go home later the same day.

All procedures carry risks as well as benefits. The chance of complications following tattoo removal depends on the type of treatment and other factors such as your general health. Your specialist will explain how the risks apply to you.