Tattoos are usually a source of pride and expression for those who choose to get them, but sometimes the love for this body art fades away, and the design is no longer something to be proud of, but rather something to hide. Once this happens, the best solution is getting it removed, which can be accomplished using several different techniques. If interested in undergoing tattoo removal Worcester patients must first learn what their choices are.
Laser is the most common method used to remove unwanted tattoos. Light energy beams penetrate the skin and dissolve the ink's pigments which are then reabsorbed by the body. This approach can even successfully eliminate professional ink designs, which are typically injected deeper in the collagen fibers of the dermis.
A "Q-switched" laser is the specific type of laser used in this procedure. It delivers short, precise light pulses that break apart the pigment molecules, allowing them to be absorbed by the surrounding skin cells. These lasers can be grouped into three categories: the Nd:YAG laser which works best on black, red, and blue pigments, and the Alexandrite and Ruby lasers which are used on green, blue, and black ink. Usually brighter hues prove tougher to remove than more muted ones.
It normally requires fewer laser treatments to eliminate amateur tattoos than it does to remove professional designs. The former may only need about two sessions, whereas the latter can take as many as twenty in some cases and at least two lasers will be implemented. Conducting a patch test before the procedure is recommended, as some inks contain iron-oxide and may turn black.
The procedure is done using a topical anesthetic to reduce discomfort, however most patients will still feel some sensation as it is not a painless one. Depending on the size and type of tattoo it can take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour to apply the laser treatment. It is normal to expect some minor scarring.
Intense Pulsed Light or IPL, is another method which has demonstrated some effectiveness in removing body art designs. It is somewhat similar to laser, since light is used, however this technique involves a broad spectrum light which is delivered in larger pulses. The top layer of the epidermis is gently removed, which in effect reduces the visibility of the tattoo. Larger designs require more light pulses, and is most suited to larger areas of skin.
Although it's not used as much today, dermabrasion can also remove tattoos. The patient is given a local anesthetic, and the tattooed layers of skin are sanded off using a dermatome. New skin will grow in the area treated, and it may remain somewhat reddened and tender for a few weeks. People prone to scarring may wish to consider a different approach.
Surgical excision is usually done as a last resort if other methods fail in eliminating the unwanted design. After applying a local anesthetic, the surgeon excises or cuts away the tattooed area of skin, rejoining the skin flaps on either side. If the design is larger, sometimes skin will from elsewhere on the body must be grafted on. More than one surgery may be necessary, and some scarring is normal.
Laser is the most common method used to remove unwanted tattoos. Light energy beams penetrate the skin and dissolve the ink's pigments which are then reabsorbed by the body. This approach can even successfully eliminate professional ink designs, which are typically injected deeper in the collagen fibers of the dermis.
A "Q-switched" laser is the specific type of laser used in this procedure. It delivers short, precise light pulses that break apart the pigment molecules, allowing them to be absorbed by the surrounding skin cells. These lasers can be grouped into three categories: the Nd:YAG laser which works best on black, red, and blue pigments, and the Alexandrite and Ruby lasers which are used on green, blue, and black ink. Usually brighter hues prove tougher to remove than more muted ones.
It normally requires fewer laser treatments to eliminate amateur tattoos than it does to remove professional designs. The former may only need about two sessions, whereas the latter can take as many as twenty in some cases and at least two lasers will be implemented. Conducting a patch test before the procedure is recommended, as some inks contain iron-oxide and may turn black.
The procedure is done using a topical anesthetic to reduce discomfort, however most patients will still feel some sensation as it is not a painless one. Depending on the size and type of tattoo it can take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour to apply the laser treatment. It is normal to expect some minor scarring.
Intense Pulsed Light or IPL, is another method which has demonstrated some effectiveness in removing body art designs. It is somewhat similar to laser, since light is used, however this technique involves a broad spectrum light which is delivered in larger pulses. The top layer of the epidermis is gently removed, which in effect reduces the visibility of the tattoo. Larger designs require more light pulses, and is most suited to larger areas of skin.
Although it's not used as much today, dermabrasion can also remove tattoos. The patient is given a local anesthetic, and the tattooed layers of skin are sanded off using a dermatome. New skin will grow in the area treated, and it may remain somewhat reddened and tender for a few weeks. People prone to scarring may wish to consider a different approach.
Surgical excision is usually done as a last resort if other methods fail in eliminating the unwanted design. After applying a local anesthetic, the surgeon excises or cuts away the tattooed area of skin, rejoining the skin flaps on either side. If the design is larger, sometimes skin will from elsewhere on the body must be grafted on. More than one surgery may be necessary, and some scarring is normal.
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