So you didn’t believe your mom when she said you’d regret getting that tattoo. Now, quite a few years later it’s not so cool to have “rock and roll” tattooed on your middle finger! You may also have a shot at a dream job with a conservative business and you are concerned that your symbol of self-expression could create problems in your new career, or maybe you have just fallen out of love and don’t want a no-longer-special person’s name on your chest.

Tattoos are serious business. They are not so easily “erased” and removals are expensive. It is estimated that 50% of those who get tattoos, later regret them. However, should you eventually decide to reverse the procedure, here’s what you should know.

Laser tattoo removal is widely considered the gold standard treatment to remove a tattoo. Thanks to new technology laser tattoo removal has become much more effective with very little risk of scaring. This treatment is safer than more traditional methods such as dermabrasion or salabrasion (scrubbing the skin with salt). Some early forms of tattoo removal included the injection or application of wine, garlic or pigeon excrement. Crazy!

What to expect during laser tattoo removal:

• Protective eye shields are placed on the patient.
• The skin’s reaction to the laser is tested to determine the most effective energy for the treatment.
• A hand piece is placed against the surface of the skin and the laser light is activated. Each pulse feels like a grease splatter or the snapping of a rubber band against the skin.
• Several treatments and multiple visits are required.
• Treatment sessions should be spaced at least seven weeks apart. Treating more frequently than seven weeks could lead to scarring.
• At each session, some, but not all of the tattoo pigment particles are effectively fragmented, and the body removes the smallest fragments over the course of several weeks. The result is that the tattoo is lightened over time.
• The number of sessions and the spacing between depends on various factors including the area of the body, skin type, location, colour, the amount of ink and layering. Tattoos located on the extremities such as the ankle, generally take the longest. In many cases certain colours may be more effectively removed than others. Black or blue tattoos respond well to laser treatment while green and yellow are the most difficult colours to remove.
• As tattoos fade dermatologists may recommend that patients wait a few months between treatments to facilitate ink resolution and minimize side effects.

What are the possible side effects of laser tattoo removal?

Thanks to technology, laser tattoo removal has become more effective with very little risk of scarring. However, you should consider these factors in your decision:

• The tattoo removal area is at risk of infection. You may also risk the lack of complete pigment removal and a slight chance that the treatment can leave you with a permanent scar.
• You may risk hypopigmentation, where the skin becomes paler than the surrounding skin, or hyperpigmentation, where the treated skin becomes darker than the surrounding skin.
• Cosmetic tattoos such as lip liner, eyeliner and eyebrows may darken following treatment with tattoo removal lasers. Further treatment of the darkened tattoos usually results in fading.

The information provided here is designed to provide general information. For details regarding your specific case, arrange a consultation with a physician experienced in the use of tattoo laser treatment.

Source: www.webmd.com, www.medicinenet.com,

DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms or need health advice, please consult a healthcare professional.