When people first get a new tattoo they are proud to show it off, but several years down the road they may change their mind and wish they had never got it in the first place. In such instances, they will likely want to consider having it removed. There are different ways this can be accomplished, so when thinking about tattoo removal Worcester customers should first find out what their options are.
Laser removal is the most common method for eradicating embarrassing body art. Light beams dissolve the colored pigments in the inks, so they can be safely absorbed into the skin. Even stubborn, professional tattoos that often have more deeply injected ink that embeds itself amongst the collagen fibers of the dermis can usually be removed this way.
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.
A topical anesthetic is applied before the laser treatment to minimize discomfort, although it is not a pain-free procedure and most patients will feel a sensation when it's being done. It may take only a few minutes or up to an hour, depending on the type and size of the tattoo. There may be 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.
If a tattoo proves to be especially difficult to remove, the cosmetic surgeon may recommend surgical excision. After receiving a local anesthetic, the patient's skin will be cut away at the site of the design. If the area is smaller, the skin can be rejoined with stitches, but if it is larger, a graft may be necessary. More than one procedure may be required, and usually some scarring will occur.
Laser removal is the most common method for eradicating embarrassing body art. Light beams dissolve the colored pigments in the inks, so they can be safely absorbed into the skin. Even stubborn, professional tattoos that often have more deeply injected ink that embeds itself amongst the collagen fibers of the dermis can usually be removed this way.
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.
A topical anesthetic is applied before the laser treatment to minimize discomfort, although it is not a pain-free procedure and most patients will feel a sensation when it's being done. It may take only a few minutes or up to an hour, depending on the type and size of the tattoo. There may be 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.
If a tattoo proves to be especially difficult to remove, the cosmetic surgeon may recommend surgical excision. After receiving a local anesthetic, the patient's skin will be cut away at the site of the design. If the area is smaller, the skin can be rejoined with stitches, but if it is larger, a graft may be necessary. More than one procedure may be required, and usually some scarring will occur.
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