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.
Perhaps the most popular approach to eliminating unwanted body art is laser removal. Laser light beams break apart the color pigments in the ink so they can be absorbed by the skin. This method even tackles professional tattoos in which inks have been injected into the deeper dermal layer where they are held in place by collagen fibers.
The type of laser used for this procedure is known as a "Q-switched" laser, it delivers short, precise pulses of light which penetrate the ink molecules, breaking them down into tiny particles which will be absorbed by the cells of the skin. Three kinds of Q-switched lasers are implemented, depending on the colors of the tattoo, the Nd:YAG is used for blue, red, and black pigments, and the Ruby or Alexandrite for blue, green, and black. Brighter colors are usually harder to eliminate than duller ones.
It normally requires fewer laser treatments to eliminate amateur tattoos than it does to remove professional designs. The former may only need about two sessions, whereas the latter can take as many as twenty in some cases and at least two lasers will be implemented. Conducting a patch test before the procedure is recommended, as some inks contain iron-oxide and may turn black.
The procedure is done using a topical anesthetic to reduce discomfort, however most patients will still feel some sensation as it is not a painless one. Depending on the size and type of tattoo it can take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour to apply the laser treatment. It is normal to expect some minor scarring.
Another approach similar to the laser method is the Intense Pulsed Light or IPL treatment. It works by applying larger pulses of a broad spectrum light. This treatment removes the uppermost epidermal layer, which after several applications can cause the tattoo to become less visible. It is best used for larger surface areas, and will require more light pulses for more complex and deeper designs.
Although it's not used as much today, dermabrasion can also remove tattoos. The patient is given a local anesthetic, and the tattooed layers of skin are sanded off using a dermatome. New skin will grow in the area treated, and it may remain somewhat reddened and tender for a few weeks. People prone to scarring may wish to consider a different 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.
Perhaps the most popular approach to eliminating unwanted body art is laser removal. Laser light beams break apart the color pigments in the ink so they can be absorbed by the skin. This method even tackles professional tattoos in which inks have been injected into the deeper dermal layer where they are held in place by collagen fibers.
The type of laser used for this procedure is known as a "Q-switched" laser, it delivers short, precise pulses of light which penetrate the ink molecules, breaking them down into tiny particles which will be absorbed by the cells of the skin. Three kinds of Q-switched lasers are implemented, depending on the colors of the tattoo, the Nd:YAG is used for blue, red, and black pigments, and the Ruby or Alexandrite for blue, green, and black. Brighter colors are usually harder to eliminate than duller ones.
It normally requires fewer laser treatments to eliminate amateur tattoos than it does to remove professional designs. The former may only need about two sessions, whereas the latter can take as many as twenty in some cases and at least two lasers will be implemented. Conducting a patch test before the procedure is recommended, as some inks contain iron-oxide and may turn black.
The procedure is done using a topical anesthetic to reduce discomfort, however most patients will still feel some sensation as it is not a painless one. Depending on the size and type of tattoo it can take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour to apply the laser treatment. It is normal to expect some minor scarring.
Another approach similar to the laser method is the Intense Pulsed Light or IPL treatment. It works by applying larger pulses of a broad spectrum light. This treatment removes the uppermost epidermal layer, which after several applications can cause the tattoo to become less visible. It is best used for larger surface areas, and will require more light pulses for more complex and deeper designs.
Although it's not used as much today, dermabrasion can also remove tattoos. The patient is given a local anesthetic, and the tattooed layers of skin are sanded off using a dermatome. New skin will grow in the area treated, and it may remain somewhat reddened and tender for a few weeks. People prone to scarring may wish to consider a different 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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