A cool, new tattoo may seem like a great idea at the time someone first gets it, but years later he or she may come to regret it. When this happens the best solution is to have it removed. When seriously considering tattoo removal Worcester residents should be sure they are aware of the different methods this can be done, so they can make an informed choice.
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.
The particular type of laser used for removing tattoos is called a "Q-switched" laser, it emits sharp, short light pulses that break the ink molecules down so they are absorbed by the skin cells and are no longer visible. These lasers are sub-grouped into three types which offer vary degrees of effectiveness on specific colors: Ruby and Alexandrite lasers are used for green, blue, and black ink, and the Nd:YAG laser for red, black, and blue. Vivid, intense colors are usually the most challenging to remove.
Amateur tattoos typically require fewer sessions than professional body art to remove. At least two lasers and as many as twenty sessions may be necessary to get rid of professional ink-work, whereas amateur work only requires about two. Inks which contain iron-oxide compounds may respond to the laser light by turning black, for this reason a patch test is recommended.
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.
Dermabrasion can also be used to remove unwanted body art. Using a local anesthetic, the surgeon sands away the skin's upper layers in which the inks are present using a machine called a dermatome. The area will be red and sore afterwards for up to several weeks as new skin grows. Those who scar easily should not undergo this procedure.
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.
The particular type of laser used for removing tattoos is called a "Q-switched" laser, it emits sharp, short light pulses that break the ink molecules down so they are absorbed by the skin cells and are no longer visible. These lasers are sub-grouped into three types which offer vary degrees of effectiveness on specific colors: Ruby and Alexandrite lasers are used for green, blue, and black ink, and the Nd:YAG laser for red, black, and blue. Vivid, intense colors are usually the most challenging to remove.
Amateur tattoos typically require fewer sessions than professional body art to remove. At least two lasers and as many as twenty sessions may be necessary to get rid of professional ink-work, whereas amateur work only requires about two. Inks which contain iron-oxide compounds may respond to the laser light by turning black, for this reason a patch test is recommended.
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.
Dermabrasion can also be used to remove unwanted body art. Using a local anesthetic, the surgeon sands away the skin's upper layers in which the inks are present using a machine called a dermatome. The area will be red and sore afterwards for up to several weeks as new skin grows. Those who scar easily should not undergo this procedure.
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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