Tattoo Removal Options

Most of the time when you get a tattoo, you understand that it's going to be permanent. But just like a marriage that you expect to last forever, sometimes a beautiful tattoo no longer expresses the way you feel. Sometimes people get tattoos when they're very young, and simply grow out of them. And there are still instances where at the end of a night of one or two too many, you find yourself with a tattoo that you regret. These days there are several tattoo removal options.

No matter what kind of tattoo removal option you use, there are several things that affect the success of the removal. Some of the variables are the size of the tattoo, the color of the tattoo, and whether it was performed professionally or not. Obviously the smaller the tattoo the easier it will be to remove. Depending on your removal method, the colors in your tattoo make a difference. If you're using laser tattoo removal, darker colors are easier to remove. If you're trying a fade cream, the lighter colors will fade faster. It might seem a little backwards, but a professionally done tattoo is easier to remove. This is because the ink is injected in a uniform manner down to a uniform depth, therefore it's easier to get to the ink and remove it.

The main methods of tattoo removal are discussed below:

1. Laser tattoo removal - Laser tattoo removal uses light energy to destroy the ink in the tattoo. The wand is held right up against the tattoo and the ink in the tattoo absorbs the energy of the light, breaking it up into microscopic particles which are passed harmlessly through the body. Different lasers are used for different ink colours. Laser tattoo removal is very expensive but it is considered to be the most effective and safest method of removal.


2. IPL - stands for intense pulsed light. These treatments are similar to laser treatments in that it uses light, but it doesn't use a laser. An intense light is aimed at the tattoo and pulsed, which breaks up the ink.


3. Dermabrasion/Salabrasion - involves a visit to the clinic. A local anethestic or sometimes general anesthetic is used and the tattoo is sanded off. Yes, it is painful and there is a high risk of scarring.


4. Excision - is a surgical procedure in which the tattoo is cut out. The surrounding skin is sewn up. For large tattoos, skin grafting is needed. This is the only way to completely remove a tattoo but most likely there will be scarring.


5. Tattoo removal cream is cheaper than other surgical methods but the effects are seen over several months. There are many different at home fade treatments and some combine dermabrasion/salabrasion along with a fade cream. These methods take advantage of the body's ability to regenerate new skin. There are mixed feelings as to where tattoo removal creams are effective.


6. Cover Up - another option you might consider for an unwanted tattoo is to get a cover up tattoo. A skilled tattoo artist can give you a new tattoo and you will not be able to see the old tattoo at all. Some tattoo artist only do cover up tattoos.