Tattoos are a big part of modern life, millions of people around the world have them on their bodies, different designs, symbols, artwork. But as life changes so do our tastes and preferences. What seemed like a good idea at the time may not be so good later. Whether it’s a change of style, professional reasons or a bad design, many people find themselves wanting tattoo removal.
You’re not alone if you’re looking to get a tattoo removed. Tattoo removal services are in high demand these days. However, always be on the lookout for proper clinic such as Clinic Twenty 2 for best results.
In this article we’ll cover the best ways to remove tattoos, costs, side effects and how to choose the right one for you.
1. Laser Tattoo Removal
Description
Laser tattoo removal is the most effective and popular method to remove unwanted tattoos. It uses high intensity light beams to break down the tattoo ink particles under the skin. The body then flushes these particles out.
How It Works
During a laser tattoo removal session a laser emits pulses of light energy that targets the ink in the tattoo. The light is absorbed by the ink particles and they shatter into smaller fragments. Over time these fragments are naturally eliminated by the body’s lymphatic system.
The type of laser used can vary depending on the colors of the tattoo. For example Q-switched lasers are used for black and dark blue inks, other lasers like Picosecond laser are used for lighter colors like green and yellow.
Pros
- Works on Most Tattoos: Laser removal can remove various colors and types of tattoos.
- Minimal Scarring: When done by a professional laser removal minimizes scarring.
- Non-Invasive: No incisions or stitches required.
Cons
- Multiple Sessions: Complete removal may require multiple sessions, up to 10 or more depending on the size, color and age of the tattoo.
- Pain and Discomfort: Many people describe the sensation as like a rubber band snapping on the skin, some areas can be more sensitive than others.
- Costly: Laser removal can be expensive, each session can cost from £100 to £500 depending on the location and size of the tattoo.
Side Effects
- Redness, swelling, blistering.
- Skin pigmentation changes especially for darker skin tones.
- Scarring can occur if the treatment is too aggressive or aftercare not followed properly.
2. Surgical Excision
Description
Surgical excision is a method of physically cutting out the tattoo. It’s used for smaller tattoos and is considered when laser removal is not an option or hasn’t worked.
In surgical excision a dermatologist or plastic surgeon uses a scalpel to cut out the tattooed skin. The edges of the remaining skin are then stitched together. This method ensures complete removal of the tattoo but it’s not suitable for large tattoos as it can leave significant scarring.
Pros
- Complete Removal: Surgical excision removes the tattoo completely in one session.
- Fast: Unlike laser removal which requires multiple sessions, surgical excision is a one time procedure.
Cons
- Scarring: Since the tattooed skin is physically cut out, scarring is inevitable. The size of the scar will depend on the size of the tattoo and how well the wound heals.
- Limited to Small Tattoos: This method is generally used for small tattoos only due to the nature of the procedure.
Side Effects
- Scarring is the biggest side effect.
- Infection if aftercare not followed properly.
- Pain and discomfort during the healing process.
3. Dermabrasion
Description
Dermabrasion is a less common method of tattoo removal that involves using a high-speed rotary device to “sand” off the top layers of the skin where the tattoo ink resides. This method is more aggressive than laser removal and is used when other methods have failed.
How It Works
During dermabrasion the skin is first numbed with a local anesthetic. A specialized tool with a rough surface is then used to scrape off the top layers of the skin. As the skin heals the tattoo ink is carried away with the top layer of skin. This method is more invasive than laser treatment and may require multiple sessions.
Pros
- Can be Effective: Dermabrasion can work for certain types of tattoos especially older or faded ones.
- One Time Procedure: Unlike laser removal dermabrasion can sometimes remove a tattoo in one session.
Cons
- Painful: The procedure can be very painful even with anesthesia.
- Scarring: There’s a big risk of scarring especially for larger tattoos or those in sensitive areas.
- Not for All Skin Types: People with darker skin tones are at higher risk of pigmentation changes and scarring with dermabrasion.
Side Effects
- Pain, redness and swelling during the healing process.
- Infection if aftercare not followed properly.
- Scarring and skin pigmentation changes.
4. Tattoo Removal Creams
Description
Tattoo removal creams are marketed as non-invasive and cost effective way to fade or remove tattoos. These creams contain chemicals that claim to break down the ink particles in the skin over time. But the effectiveness of these creams is highly debated.
How It Works
Tattoo removal creams are applied directly to the skin and are designed to break down the ink particles. Most creams contain ingredients like trichloroacetic acid (TCA) which is commonly used in chemical peels to remove dead skin cells or hydroquinone a skin lightening agent.
Pros
- Non-Invasive: No surgery or laser treatment required.
- Low Cost: Tattoo removal creams are much cheaper than professional removal methods, most creams are between £20-£100.
Cons
- Limited Effectiveness: Most tattoo removal creams don’t live up to their claims and many users see no improvement after months of use.
- Skin Irritation: The chemicals in these creams can cause irritation, redness and even burns in some cases.
- No Removal Guarantee: Even if the cream works it will only fade the tattoo not remove it.
Side Effects
- Skin irritation, redness and possible allergic reactions.
- Uneven fading resulting to patchy appearance.
- Long term skin damage if used incorrectly.
5. Salabrasion
Description
Salabrasion is an old tattoo removal method that involves rubbing the tattooed area with a mixture of water and salt to exfoliate the skin and remove the ink. This method is hardly used today because of its painful nature and risk of scarring.
How It Works
The tattooed area is first numbed with a local anesthetic. A saltwater solution is then applied to the skin and the area is rubbed vigorously with an abrasive tool like a sponge or pad. The friction will remove the top layers of the skin and as the skin heals the tattoo ink will fade.
Pros
- Low Cost: Salabrasion is one of the cheapest method of tattoo removal.
- No Professional Equipment Required: Can be done at home but professional supervision is recommended.
Cons
- Painful: The process is very painful even with anesthetic.
- Scarring: The aggressive nature of salabrasion can cause significant scarring.
- Not Effective for All Tattoos: This method is more effective for older and faded tattoos and may not work for newer or colored tattoos.
Side Effects
- Severe pain and discomfort during and after the procedure.
- High risk of infection if aftercare is not followed properly.
- Significant scarring and skin pigmentation changes.
6. Intense Pulsed Light Therapy (IPL)
Description
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy is a light based treatment sometimes used for tattoo removal. It works similar to laser treatment but uses a broader spectrum of light. IPL is more commonly used for hair removal and skin rejuvenation and its effectiveness for tattoo removal is not proven.
How It Works
During IPL therapy, a device emits pulses of intense light onto the skin. The light is absorbed by the tattoo ink which then breaks down into smaller particles. These particles are gradually eliminated by the body’s immune system. Multiple sessions are required to see results.
Pros
- Less Painful: Many people find IPL less painful than laser tattoo removal.
- Non-Invasive: Like laser treatment IPL does not require any incisions or surgical procedures.
Cons
- Less Effective: IPL is generally less effective than laser tattoo removal especially for darker tattoos and certain ink colors.
- Expensive: IPL treatments can be costly, often same as laser removal.
- Not Suitable for All Skin Types: IPL may not be suitable for people with darker skin tones as it can cause pigmentation issues.
Side Effects
- Redness, swelling, blistering after treatment.
- Skin pigmentation changes especially for darker skin tones.
- Scarring rarely if treatment is too aggressive.