Getting a tattoo is relatively easy

. Some figures show that 14-16% of the overall population of most western nations sport body art, with higher numbers among people under forty years of age

. When the skin design that seemed like such a good idea becomes a liability, however, removing it sometimes becomes the next step

. For many, the discomfort and expense of tattoo removal UK may be greater than undergoing the original work

. If inked skin becomes a source of serious regret, there are several methods available for making it disappear

. Most involve the services of a doctor or plastic surgeon with access to the necessary technical equipment, including specific types of lasers

. The duration and expense involved depends primarily on the size, the colors that were used originally, and whether or not the work was done professionally

. Total eradication often requires more than a single treatment

. Little preparation is required on the part of the patient, but it will be necessary to sit through a certain amount of discomfort, just as getting the original work done required

. Most people will receive some form of pain reduction medication, depending on the extent and duration of the procedure

. Many plastic surgeons use laser removal

. This involves directing individual pulses of laser light to a specifically targeted area, which has the effect of breaking up skin pigments into very small bits of color

. These are then absorbed and removed by natural bodily processes

. Larger areas often require more than one treatment for completion

. While this method is effective, one possible side effect is blistering or scabbing

. Advances in technology mean there is little actual scarring after laser treatment, unless complications such as an infection are present

. There is a similar but non-laser treatment called Intense Pulsed Light Therapy, where high-intensity bursts of light are delivered via a wand

. These are said to be less painful, but can end up costing more because fees are often calculated by the individual pulse

. When the unwanted skin decoration is small, surgical excision may be an excellent choice

. Larger patches, however, may require more than one surgery

. It is usually performed under local anesthesia, and the skin is then sutured together for healing

. Any bleeding may be controlled by electrocautery

. Normal precautions against post-surgical infections must be undertaken

. If surgery or laser treatment seems unattractive or impractical, another option is dermabrasion

. Because of the pain involved, this freezing and abrasion technique is usually a last choice

. An earlier form of dermabrasion is called salabrasion, which uses salt as the primary ingredient

. The salt literally "sands" away layers of outer skin when rubbed vigorously

. People seeking a totally non-painful solution may try one of the various creams advertised as removal agents

. Their effectiveness has been questioned, but they are readily available over the Internet

. Erasing unwanted skin art is generally regarded today as safe, but tattoo removal UK is not a totally risk-free procedure

. There may be undesirable changes in skin texture, or discoloration over the area treated

. As with any minimally invasive medical procedure, there is a small chance for complications, and that risk must be individually assessed before a decision for treatment is made

. Consult your own doctor for the latest information, and think twice before getting another one

.