Culture & Lifestyle / Tattoo Removal 101

Tattoo Removal 101

Culture & Lifestyle Aug 25, 2014

by Anokhi Admin

One third of everyone who gets a tattoo eventually has it removed. Here’s what you need to know.

According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), there have been more Americans that have received tattoo removal treatments in 2013 than in past years. With laser tattoo removal you can finally get rid of your unwanted tattoos that hold bad memories, or just don’t mean anything to you anymore. Here’s a basic primer on getting rid of old ink.

Laser Treatment Is Most Common

The most popular method involves using a Q-switched laser that emits laser pulses in nanoseconds. This shatters the molecules under the skin, which can be absorbed by the body and expelled.

The laser hair removal technique has to be done by a professional. It can be performed by laser technicians at tattoo removal places, or by dermatologists who are medical professionals.

Treatment May Take Longer Than You Think

The cost and length of treatment to remove a tattoo depends on the age and depth of the ink, rather than the size of the tattoo. Each treatment can range from 10 minutes to an hour every four to six weeks, or as your laser technician/dermatologist advises. For the average tattoo, each session costs about $100 – $240, with an average minimum total of $1,000, if a laser technician performs the procedure.

Pain Is Unavoidable

First the professional applies a numbing cream, generally followed 30 minutes later by an injection of one percent lidocaine into the area to ease some of the pain. Most customers report that it feels like someone is repeatedly snapping an elastic band against your skin, and after feels like a sunburn. Usually after that it starts to scab and crust. Side effects may include blisters, hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation.

Follow-Up Hygiene Is Important

You'll be given gauze for the blood, and once the blood has clotted, allow the area to breath. You need to make sure you are constantly rinsing the area with soap and water, and applying Polysporin a few times a day to speed up the healing process. Keeping the area clean will prevent infection.

If You Have a Colourful Tattoo, It’s Harder

Blue, green, yellow and red are the hardest tattoo colours to remove. With the PicoSure method of removal, it is easier to remove these colours because the laser operates at a much faster speed than the Q-switched method. And, if you’re not sure if you want to fully remove your tattoo, lightening it is also an option.

“Some people want to remove all traces of ink, others want to lighten their tattoo so they can cover it up with another tattoo and some want laser treatments to clean up what can’t be covered,” says Dr. Rice, from Rice Cosmetic Surgery in Canada that offers PicoSure. “The demand for tattoo removal or fading has grown significantly in the last few years and more people are now exploring how to remove unwanted tattoos or reduce the intensity of the tattoo so that new art work could easily be applied over the existing tattoo."

Have you gone through a tattoo removal? If so share with us your experience and helpful tips in the comment box below.

_{Featured Image: miamicenterfordermatology

Image 1:tattoo}

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