People wonder if tattoos can be fully removed for a variety of reasons. Tattoos can be an excellent source of confidence and a valuable form of self-expression. Unfortunately, things can change, and people may regret having that tattoo permanently marked on their skin. Luckily, there are methods available for those who would like to have them removed. Still, due to the difficult nature of erasing all evidence of a tattoo from the skin, there is a chance that some of the tattoo might remain, even after intensive treatment. If you are interested in the process of laser tattoo removal, take a look at this overview of the process. It may help you decide if tattoo removal is in your best interest.
What is Tattoo Removal?
Tattoo Removal refers to any one of several methods that are employed to either partially or fully remove a tattoo. As tattoos have become increasingly popular in recent years, so have the procedures to remove them. Determining which of the tattoo removal methods is preferable will help ensure you get the best care available to you.
Can Tattoos Be Fully Removed?
The answer to this question is somewhat complex. Tattoos can be faded to the point they are no longer visible, but this does not mean that the tattoo is entirely removed. Part of this is due to the fact that the residuals of a tattoo may still faintly remain on the skin, meaning that it is challenging to completely remove tattoos.Nevertheless, it is quite common for tattoo removal to achieve a level of erasure that causes a tattoo to become naked to the invisible eye. Most tattoo removal patients can expect this level of erasure.
How Can Tattoos Be Removed?
Several different methods are employed for tattoo removal. Each one specializes in removing specific aspects of tattoos from the skin. Knowing which one is right for your situation is paramount for having a successful removal process.
Laser Tattoo Removal: This is arguably the most popular form of tattoo removal currently employed. During this process, high-powered lasers are directed at the skin to break the ink particles into smaller and smaller particles. This shrinkage makes the tattoo ink particles removable by the body’s immune system.
Chemical Peels: Chemical peels utilize small amounts of abrasive chemicals to remove the outer layers of the skin. These peels are effective at removing small tattoos from the skin.
Excision: This refers to an invasive surgical procedure that cuts the skin with a tattoo from the rest of the body. After the tattoo is removed, your surgeon stitches your skin together to cover the treated area. This method is effective for small tattoos but ineffective for larger tattoos due to the amount of skin that needs to be removed. It can also result in significant scarring.
Dermabrasion: Dermabrasion is another type of surgery that involves “sanding” down the top layers of the skin to remove the tattoo. Dermabrasion is also often utilized to improve the appearance of skin without tattoos and may be of some interest if you are interested in having work like this performed.
Tattoo Removal Creams: Tattoo removal creams are primarily utilized to remove tattoos that may have already faded slightly or ones that do not take up too much surface area of the skin. Overusing these creams has the potential to damage the healthy skin surrounding it.
Which Method is Right for Me?
The answer to this question depends mostly on the size and shape of the tattoo that you would like to have removed, as well as its placement on your body. You will go over the essential information surrounding your planned procedure during a consultation with your physician.During your consultation, your doctor will ask you questions regarding the tattoo you would like to have removed. Those questions will likely include the following:
How long have you had the tattoo?
Have you attempted to remove your tattoo in the past?
Was the tattoo applied by a professional studio or by an amateur?
Each type of tattoo removal requires a particular set of preparatory steps one must engage in to be adequately prepared for the treatment. In addition, each has its own recovery period that you can expect following the conclusion of the treatment. You can talk with your physician about the details of these elements before you begin any medical work.
Your Best Resource for Tattoo Removal
Dr. Bradford Lee is a well-respected physician with an exceedingly impressive track record of non-surgical skincare treatments. If you want to discuss your goals for tattoo removal, contact Dr. Lee’s office today to set up an appointment.
