Tattoos are usually a source of pride and expression for those who choose to get them, but sometimes the love for this body art fades away, and the design is no longer something to be proud of, but rather something to hide. Once this happens, the best solution is getting it removed, which can be accomplished using several different techniques. If interested in undergoing tattoo removal Worcester patients must first learn what their choices are.
Perhaps the most popular approach to eliminating unwanted body art is laser removal. Laser light beams break apart the color pigments in the ink so they can be absorbed by the skin. This method even tackles professional tattoos in which inks have been injected into the deeper dermal layer where they are held in place by collagen fibers.
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.
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.
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.
Another approach similar to the laser method is the Intense Pulsed Light or IPL treatment. It works by applying larger pulses of a broad spectrum light. This treatment removes the uppermost epidermal layer, which after several applications can cause the tattoo to become less visible. It is best used for larger surface areas, and will require more light pulses for more complex and deeper designs.
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.
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.
Perhaps the most popular approach to eliminating unwanted body art is laser removal. Laser light beams break apart the color pigments in the ink so they can be absorbed by the skin. This method even tackles professional tattoos in which inks have been injected into the deeper dermal layer where they are held in place by collagen fibers.
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.
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.
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.
Another approach similar to the laser method is the Intense Pulsed Light or IPL treatment. It works by applying larger pulses of a broad spectrum light. This treatment removes the uppermost epidermal layer, which after several applications can cause the tattoo to become less visible. It is best used for larger surface areas, and will require more light pulses for more complex and deeper designs.
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.
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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