Tuesday 26 November 2013

Getting Your Tattoo Removed

Getting your tattoo removed it something most people today would consider doing. A recent survey conducted by the British Association of Dermatologists’ conference was base on over 600 people over a six month period. The finding showed that 45% of the respondents had their tattoo done between the ages of 18 years and 25 years. One third of the respondents regret having their tattoos done. But only half of the one third respondents would consider getting their tattoos removed. Tattoos have grown in popularity over the past year and can be seen in all shapes and sizes on professional athletes to celebrities. Whether or not the tattoo was done by a professional or friend at home, when individuals do get older many would consider having the tattoo removed especially now that the costs of removing tattoos have reduced significantly and the means to do so are easily available. 

Bad tattoos photo courtesy of wikipedia

There several reason one would consider removing a tattoo such as;
·         Past regrets
·         Change in life style
·         Maturity
·         Stigmatization
·         Career
·         Dissatisfaction with the quality of the tattoo
·         Altered body image

Whatever the reason the good news is that safer methods are available to remove your tattoo and leave your skin looking healthier than ever. Before laser tattoo removal was developed, other techniques were used to remove tattoos which include Cryosur and Excision which are still used along with skin grafting to remove larger tattoos. Dermabrasion where a wire brush or fraise is used to remove the upper layer of your skin, TCA (Trichloroacetic acid which remover the top layer of the skin and Sabrasion where the skin is scrubbed with salt. Patients respond better to laser tattoo removal providing that they have not developed excessive scarring from previous treatments.

Laser tattoo removal is more popular as it can be tailored to suit each individual case as each tattoo is unique on its own. The number of treatments may vary depending on the age of the patient, size and colour of the tattoo as well as whether the tattoo was done by a professional or not. The colour of the patient’s skin as well as the depth to which the tattoo pigment extends will affect the removal technique and the number of visits. It is easier to remove a tattoo on a dark complexion than on a lighter complexion. Most patients do not require any anesthesia for the treatment and once the treatment is done, a bandage or patch is used to protect the site. However of a patient should experience pain , the physician may elect to use some form of anesthesia such as topic cream anesthesia cream or a painkiller is injected during the procedure.

Some patients may experience some side effects associated with laser removal such as

     1   .    Infection which may lead to a permanent scar
2   .    Hypopigmentation where the treated kin is lighter than the surrounding skin
3   .    Hyperpigmentation where the treated kin is darker than the surrounding skin


However Laser tattoo removal is considered safer and more effective because of its unique ability to selectively treat pigment involved in the tattoo. To have your tattoo removed you should ensure you use a reputable dermatologist or cosmetic surgery center. To ensure you get the proper treatment and care, it is advisable to get a recommendation from your family doctor.

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