Today, tattoos have become more popular than ever with the advent of popular reality shows like Miami Ink and others. Many people that would have never before considered a tattoo are flocking in droves to get them done. Some do not put a lot of thought or think in the long term before having a tattoo done.
They put names of girlfriends, boyfriends, their mom, gang affiliation, crimes, etc. on their body and then after they break up with their girlfriend or similar a few weeks or months later they regret the tattoo. Worse, some even get tattooed on areas like the face and hands that can make a regular career or advancement in a professional setting impossible. This is where tattoo removal and tattoo reduction come in.
Excision
Excision is using a scalpel or similar to remove the affected area and then suturing and pulling together the skin to minimize scarring. If the tattoo is large or covers a big area than skin grafts may be necessary as the skin can only be pulled so taught before it will look worse, not heal right and possibly even pull apart.
Skin grafts are usually taken from areas inside the thighs and underarms where scarring will be minimal and largely unseen. Excision is surgery and does usually require a sedative or even anesthesia in cases with large tattoos. Due to the advent of lasers and TCA skin peels for tattoo removal, excision is rarely used anymore.
TCA skin peel
Chemical peels have been around in various forms for over half a century. They were first used for treating tough calluses and corns on the feet. About 20 years ago doctors started experimenting on different areas of the skin like the face with varying strengths and mixtures. It was found that a 25 to 50 % TCA skin peel was the most effective and easiest to apply. It was also found that this peel could affect deeper skin problems like acne scarring, wrinkles and then unwanted tattoos.
The TCA skin peel causes a controlled burn which results in several layers being peeled off and fresh, new skin being revealed. Many doctors now use the TCA skin peel as a very effective tattoo removal and reduction treatment. It can be either used alone or incorporated with the laser treatments described below which actually hastens healing and further reduces the chances of scarring. The TCA skin peel is so easy to use that it is now available for in home use for tattoo removal (something you will never see with laser treatment and excision).
Tattoos are created by making deep holes in the skin and filling them with pigment of some kind. Today's tattoo artists use a tattoo gun with a fast moving needle that applies the ink as they move over a design drawn on the body.
Tattoos are fairly permanent once they are applied, so be sure you want one before you walk into the tattoo parlor. If you really want one, think carefully about the design you're getting.
If you are determined to get a tattoo, choose the parlor carefully. It should be licensed by the state and keep hygienic standards.
Keep the design simple, up to three colors is still fairly easy for a doctor to remove if you find yourself disliking the tattoo in the future.
Think carefully about where you want the tattoo, try to choose someplace that will heal quickly, and is easy to conceal when you need to, like in the workplace. If you suspect an infection, see your doctor as soon as possible before it gets worse.
So, you have your tattoo, and down the road you decide to get it removed. Your doctor will probably refer you to a dermasurgeon for the procedure.
The doctor's choice of removal procedure will depend a lot on the size of the tattoo, the location of the tattoo, and how long you've had it. How your body heals may also factor into his or her decision.
Most tattoo removals will leave at least minor scarring, and maybe color variations in the skin. The success of the removal will depend on the size of the tattoo, the location, the evenness of the pigment and the age of the tattoo.
Excision is used on small tattoos, or in several stages for larger ones. The site is anesthetized, and then the tattoo is excised, or cut away.
The edges of the incision is then brought together and stitched. If this method is used for a large tattoo removal, a skin graft may be needed.
Dermabrasion is a procedure where a solution is sprayed on the tattoo which freezes the area. It is then "sanded" off with a rotary abrasive tool that makes the skin peel.
A dressing is applied afterwards, since some bleeding will happen.
Laser is considered the best method of tattoo removal by many physicians. A cream is rubbed on to numb the skin, and then pulses of laser light is applied, breaking up the pigment.
The healing process will remove the broken up pigment. Laser treatment usually takes more than one visit.
Salabrasion is a centuries-old technique to remove tattoos. A local anesthetic is used to numb the area. Then a solution of water and table salt is applied.
An abrading tool, like the one used in dermabrasion is applied, or sometimes a simple little block of wood covered in gauze is used to abrade the area. When the area turns red, a dressing is applied.
Both David Maillie & Ricardo D Argence are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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