Tattoos and Their Removal

A tattoo is a permanent mark on one's body, that until a while ago was irreversible. Dermatological surgeons have developed safe and effective techniques that can remove tattoos, if unwanted.

Reasons why people remove tattoos

Some of the reasons why people opt to remove tattoos are that they may develop allergic reactions after they have had the tattoo applied, they may be facing some social pressure to remove the tattoo, and cultural conflicts may arise or even professional hindrances, where one is forced to remove because of the demands of their workplace.

Considerations to take into account

When removing tattoos, a few considerations have to be taken into account, like the colors used, whether it was professionally applied or whether it was a homemade tattoo. Those that are applied professionally penetrate deep layers of the skin uniformly and here, derma surgeons have to use techniques that remove broader areas of inked skin over the same depth. Homemade tattoos are however, often applied unevenly and are more difficult to remove.

Darker shades, like deep blue and black are a bit difficult to remove, in addition, professional tattoos made using newer inks and pastel colors are difficult to remove completely.

Ways of removing tattoos

Tattoos can be removed in a variety of ways, the most common techniques include:

1. Laser surgery. Here, a high intensity light beam is used to treat the pigment colors and thus remove them. This procedure is highly effective, low risk, is bloodless and has minimal side effects. The laser used depends upon the colors of the tattoo.

2. Dermabration. This is where sand is used to remove the surface of the skin as well as the middle layers of the skin, thus eliminating the tattoo.

3. Surgical excision. Here, a surgeon removes a tattoo using a scalpel and then closes the wound by stitching it up. This procedure allows the surgeon to excise the areas with ink carefully.

Side effects

These may include; a lack of complete pigment removal, in some cases there may be scarring, there may be discoloration at the site of treatment, infection at the site of the tattoo, and maybe a scar may appear a few months after the tattoo has been removed.