Whether it is question of getting a tattoo in the first place or removing a tattoo, the single most important feature is that it must be done by a professional. An amateur making a tattoo will never be able to evenly spread ink under the skin, and this will never be easy to remove. This aspect was of no consequence when tattoos were considered permanent and no one ever thought of getting them removed. But with changing times and lack of consistency in tastes and fads, most people getting tattoos want them removed within a short duration of time.

Dermabrasion tattoo removal is among the oldest methods used, which is highly effective but unpleasant to see. The pictures of the healing process can seem a bit scary, and the prospect of sanding too much to bear. But Dermabrasion is a highly successful and popular method of tattoo removal, opted for by thousands over lasers and excision methods, particularly by those who have big tattoos covering larger portions of their body. Often when creams and lotions fail, and the need to see a clear skin instead of a tattoo covered one becomes predominant, then most people look for an expert in the dermabrasion method. The method involves using a rotary instrument, which is like a wire brush or a diamond wheel rotating at a very fast speed on the surface of the skin, sanding away the top and middle layer of the skin where the tattoo ink is imbedded. The pain is not felt since the area has been cleaned, numbed and frozen, and bleeding is also minimized. The whole process requires expertise and is accomplished quickly, leaving the skin patchy and pink with traces of bleeding. Within 7-10 days the whole area heals and a flat, smooth skin appears, with no trace of scars. This technique was initially tried for removing scars left by acne and pimples and other blemishes on the skin.

The benefits of dermabrasion include:

1. It is a method with the highest success rate in getting rid of the tattoo.

2. Many consider it healthier to have a new skin altogether instead of a skin that has borne damage with ink injections and treatment subsequently.

3. It works well on large tattoos since the rotary instrument with a brush tip can work better on a large area in the process of sanding the tattoo.

4. It is a cost effective method since it does not require repeated procedures.

5. The healing process is quick and within 7-10 days a new skin provides a smoothness of skin not seen before.
6. It does not entail endless trips to the doctor.

7. Medications prescribed are generally over the counter ones and are therefore neither strong nor difficult to get.

8. It is a very superficial procedure, which is not invasive, and is therefore safer.

9. Works better than most procedures, since many who find laser removal of tattoos unsuccessful turn to dermabrasion.

10. If performed on the face, it helps to get a fresh layer of younger looking skin.

Thus dermabrasion has remained in vogue even though other methods have become popular. It is often an option when all others have failed.