Tattoo Removal Options

With the wonderful advancement of technology in the last decade, medicine and surgical procedures have changed drastically, and for the better.  We also know that people have changed drastically and are wanting to change the decisions they once thought were permanent, like tattoos.  Depending on the method of tattoo removal, there are several risks and considerations to be looked into.   We cannot say that laser tattoo removal is the best way to remove a tattoo, however, we can tell you it is an excellent option with many pros.  This blog post will share with you the different methods and procedures of tattoo removal processes and perhaps you will be able to make a better decision for yourself as to which route is best for you.

Excision:

Excision is surgical removal of the skin when the tattoo is located.    After the tattoo is surgically cut out, the skin is drawn together and stitched up.  Excision is not typically recommended for very large tattoos because it can leave a very large scar.  It also causes heavy bleeding depending on the size and location of the tattoos.  Also, because the skin is being surgically cut into, there is a risk of infection developing because the wound is open to bacteria.  The benefit of excision, however, is that it is a one step process and it removes the tattoo completely.  However, instead of faint tattoo image, you will probably be reminded that tattoo was once there due the the scar left behind.

Cryosurgery:

With Cryosurgery, doctors use liquid nitrogen to freeze the area of skin the tattoo is located.  By freezing the skin, the skin cells are destroyed and it causes the skin to peel away and removes the colored pigment.  As the new skin cells grow in, it pushed out the pigmented skin.  Because this tattoo removal procedure is very similar to that of frostbite, it is known to damage the surrounding skin tissue and not just the area of the tattoo.  Not only that, cryosurgery can change the skin color of the area that was frozen.

Dermabrasion:

Dermabrasion involves a process where the doctor uses an abrasive tool that removes layers of skin where the tattoo is located in a way that can be compared to as “sanding down” the skin.  Many patients compare the process as if the skin is being burned off in that location and have noticed that the skin touched by the abrasive tool tends to become very sensitive and their skin color changes as well.  The color of the skin and sensitivity of the skin can last weeks to months until the skin repairs itself.  Dermabrasion can lead to permanent lighter or darker skin known as hyper/hypopigmentation.

Laser Tattoo Removal:

With laser tattoo removal, a laser specifically targets and breaks up ink particles beneath the skin.  Lasers are much more power and better than lasers in the past.  ERASE uses the Asclepion TattooStar Effect laser, which makes the laser removal process much quicker and more effective than in the past.  The laser tattoo removal procedure is much less risky than the methods listed above because there are less complication, scarring and bleeding.  However, patients can expect to see some swelling and blisters after each treatment and treatment sessions should be about 8 weeks apart.  The benefit of laser tattoo removal is that is can be much more cost effective dependent on the size and colors in the tattoo and leave little to no scarring at all depending on how you care for the skin between and after treatments. 

Before you decide on any tattoo removal procedure, we sincerely hope you do the research and contact experts to gain certified and honest information.  If you have any questions about laser tattoo removal or our R20 laser tattoo removal procedure, please feel free to contact our laser tattoo removal studio in Oak Brook.