When I think of tattoo removal, I think of Ted Mosby from How I Met Your Mother getting his lower-back butterfly tattoo removed and meeting the infamous Stella in the process. Also this:
I think a lot of us have heard that getting a tattoo removed is even more painful than getting the tattoo in the first place. Other than that, it’s likely you don’t know that much about how a dermatologist actually removes a tattoo.
Tattoo removal specialists are more likely be able to remove a tattoo – and remove the entire design – if:
- The tattoo was professionally done (not homemade – yikes)
- The tattoo includes less of the deep black/blue inks
- More time has passed since getting the tattoo
Even under the most perfect circumstances, scarring, skin color variation, and incomplete removal of the tattoo often result. As it is considered a “aesthetic” or “cosmetic” procedure, tattoo removals are usually not covered by medical insurance. The cost of a tattoo removal procedure will depend on the type of procedure and the type/size/location/age of the tattoo.
There are three main types of tattoo removal according to the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery.
Dermabrasion
Like I explained in a past blog, tattoo ink only permeates into the epidermis and dermis. The idea behind dermabrasion is to remove these layers of the skin affected by tattoo ink in order to remove the tattoo. This approach is lauded for its low costs, outpatient experience, and well-tested assurance. Like other approaches to tattoo removal, dermabrasion is accompanied by a risk of skin color changes and potential scarring. Patients receiving dermabrasion for tattoo removal should expect to experience a two-three week healing time and a feeling of being “wind-burned.” During recovery, patients should avoid exposure to the sun.
Laser surgery
Laser therapy (also called laser surgery or laser rejuvenation) is the preferred treatment for tattoo removal (low-risk, minimal side effects). This treatment option involves targeting a tattoo’s pigment with high-intensity laser beams. Based on what type and how many lasers used as well as various laser settings, this approach can work for different color and size tattoos. Laser therapy limits the amount of scarring that results from tattoo removal because of the laser’s ability to selectively target the tattooed skin without damaging un-tattooed skin.
Surgical excision
Surgical excision is as invasive as it sounds. The dermatologists uses a scalpel to surgically remove the tattoo (this option is rarely used and usually only for small tattoos in special cases). The wound is closed with stitches.
References and sources to learn more
ScienceKara.com 