Tattoo
Removal OptionsYour
Options In Tattoo Removal
There are several options for tattoo removal,
however not all physician's offices will offer each one. Please discuss this before
you consult or make an appointment to discuss your options for more information
on what is available in your area.Laser
Removal: Laser removal is the penetration and break up of the ink
articles that were implanted into your skin. This procedure essentially speeds
up your body's natural process of ridding your body of the foreign object that
is ink. This procedure uses various types of lasers or intense pulsed light therapy
machines depending upon the color of the ink. This procedure once took an average
about 2 years to fully remove a tattoo and even then it was not guaranteed. Although
modern lasers and light systems can remove it in less time, this process is entirely
dependent upon the laser type, number of sessions and the patient's body's ability
to rid it self of the ink. This procedure is performed under a topical anesthetic,
or with none at all. See our Laser Resurfacing Section For more information. Intense
Pulsed Light: The same concept as above however Intense Pulsed Light
(IPL) is utilized. IPL was pioneered by Dr. Patrick Bitter Jr. and is based on
emitting high intensity pulses of light (not lasers) to penetrate the skin and
rid you of various complaints. There are different machines for different levels
or types of penetration. This procedure is performed under a topical anesthetic,
or with none at all. See our Intense Pulsed Light section for more information.
Dermabrasion:
This method is not without it's scars. Most Tattoos are deep within the dermis
and in order for the tattoo to be removed this skin and all the ink must be removed
with it. Dermabrasion is the procedure which utilizes manual abrasion (with either
fine grit surgical "sandpaper" or a Dremel® like tool) of the skin
to usually remove acne scarring, hyperpigmentations, wrinkles such as peri-oral
(around the mouth) wrinkles, scar revision and of course, tattoo removal. Although
this procedure is usually performed by itself for the above indications, dermabrasion
can be used in combination with other types of treatments as well. This procedure
is performed under local anesthetic or local and oral/IV sedation. See our Dermabrasion
section for more information. Excision:
This method also leaves a scar but is suitable for smaller tattoos - the results
are immediate and the treatment generally inexpensive. The tattoo it literally
cut out of your skin and the wound sutured. It is relatively simple and has a
mild recovery phase if no infections or other complications arise. This procedure
is performed under local anesthetic, depending upon the size. Salibrasion:
This is a very old method of abrasion where the treatment area is literally rubbed
with salt. This procedure is probably one of the oldest resurfacing techniques
known. This procedure is performed under local anesthetic. Saline
Injections: Injections can be given to help break up a tattoo - this
usually does not remove the tattoo but they can blurry it significantly. Some
tattoo artists suggest this if the area will be getting a "cover up"
anyway. This helps blur and fade the old tattoo to make way for a customized cover
up tattoo. | 
