A cool, new tattoo may seem like a great idea at the time someone first gets it, but years later he or she may come to regret it. When this happens the best solution is to have it removed. When seriously considering tattoo removal Worcester residents should be sure they are aware of the different methods this can be done, so they can make an informed choice.
Laser is the most common method used to remove unwanted tattoos. Light energy beams penetrate the skin and dissolve the ink's pigments which are then reabsorbed by the body. This approach can even successfully eliminate professional ink designs, which are typically injected deeper in the collagen fibers of the dermis.
A "Q-switched" laser is the specific type of laser used in this procedure. It delivers short, precise light pulses that break apart the pigment molecules, allowing them to be absorbed by the surrounding skin cells. These lasers can be grouped into three categories: the Nd:YAG laser which works best on black, red, and blue pigments, and the Alexandrite and Ruby lasers which are used on green, blue, and black ink. Usually brighter hues prove tougher to remove than more muted ones.
Amateur tattoos typically require fewer sessions than professional body art to remove. At least two lasers and as many as twenty sessions may be necessary to get rid of professional ink-work, whereas amateur work only requires about two. Inks which contain iron-oxide compounds may respond to the laser light by turning black, for this reason a patch test is recommended.
A topical anesthetic is administered before the procedure, but it is normal to still feel some discomfort. The length of time it takes will depend on the type and size of the tattoo, it may only be a few minutes or as long as an hour in duration. Minor scarring can occur in some patients.
Intense Pulsed Light or IPL, is another method which has demonstrated some effectiveness in removing body art designs. It is somewhat similar to laser, since light is used, however this technique involves a broad spectrum light which is delivered in larger pulses. The top layer of the epidermis is gently removed, which in effect reduces the visibility of the tattoo. Larger designs require more light pulses, and is most suited to larger areas of skin.
An older and less used technique, dermabrasion can also get rid of tattoos. A local anesthetic is injected, and the surgeon uses a machine called a dermatome to sand off the uppermost layers of the skin. Redness and tenderness in the area can be expected for several weeks, as the skin regenerates. People who scar easily may want to consider another approach.
The most extreme approach is surgical excision. The patient is given a local anesthetic and the surgeon then cuts away the section of skin where the design is located, if the image is small, the skin flaps on either side can simply be stitched together, however, if it is a larger design, sometimes skin must be taken from elsewhere on the body and be grafted on. Sometimes more than one surgery is needed, and scarring is a real possibility.
Laser is the most common method used to remove unwanted tattoos. Light energy beams penetrate the skin and dissolve the ink's pigments which are then reabsorbed by the body. This approach can even successfully eliminate professional ink designs, which are typically injected deeper in the collagen fibers of the dermis.
A "Q-switched" laser is the specific type of laser used in this procedure. It delivers short, precise light pulses that break apart the pigment molecules, allowing them to be absorbed by the surrounding skin cells. These lasers can be grouped into three categories: the Nd:YAG laser which works best on black, red, and blue pigments, and the Alexandrite and Ruby lasers which are used on green, blue, and black ink. Usually brighter hues prove tougher to remove than more muted ones.
Amateur tattoos typically require fewer sessions than professional body art to remove. At least two lasers and as many as twenty sessions may be necessary to get rid of professional ink-work, whereas amateur work only requires about two. Inks which contain iron-oxide compounds may respond to the laser light by turning black, for this reason a patch test is recommended.
A topical anesthetic is administered before the procedure, but it is normal to still feel some discomfort. The length of time it takes will depend on the type and size of the tattoo, it may only be a few minutes or as long as an hour in duration. Minor scarring can occur in some patients.
Intense Pulsed Light or IPL, is another method which has demonstrated some effectiveness in removing body art designs. It is somewhat similar to laser, since light is used, however this technique involves a broad spectrum light which is delivered in larger pulses. The top layer of the epidermis is gently removed, which in effect reduces the visibility of the tattoo. Larger designs require more light pulses, and is most suited to larger areas of skin.
An older and less used technique, dermabrasion can also get rid of tattoos. A local anesthetic is injected, and the surgeon uses a machine called a dermatome to sand off the uppermost layers of the skin. Redness and tenderness in the area can be expected for several weeks, as the skin regenerates. People who scar easily may want to consider another approach.
The most extreme approach is surgical excision. The patient is given a local anesthetic and the surgeon then cuts away the section of skin where the design is located, if the image is small, the skin flaps on either side can simply be stitched together, however, if it is a larger design, sometimes skin must be taken from elsewhere on the body and be grafted on. Sometimes more than one surgery is needed, and scarring is a real possibility.
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