Tattoos are considered to be permanent markings on a person’s skin when they are created. Consequently, removing them is not a simple process. Below are some of the most common methods of tattoo removal and the positives and negatives of each procedure.

- Dermabrasion – a very painful method of sanding away the tattooed skin.

- Cryosurgery – where the tattooed skin is frozen and then removed.

- Excision – a procedure where the doctor removes the area of tattooed skin with a scalpel and then stitches together the skin that remains. This is not a good option on very large tattoos.

- Laser Tattoo Removal- A laser goes through the surface of the skin and breaks down the tattoo ink that is deeper in the skin. As the ink breaks down the coloring is removed by the patient’s own natural immune system that sees the tattoo dye as an impurity to rid itself of. This is actually the same process that occurs naturally that causes tattoos to fade. The laser just speeds up the process.

Of all the tattoo removal methods, laser tattoo removal is the most popular and least painful. It also has the advantage that it can be done on an outpatient basis, which makes it more convenient than some of the other methods.

Laser tattoo removal has far less detrimental side effects than other methods mainly because the laser method is less invasive than the other removal measures. Keep in mind though that it usually takes a multiple laser removal treatments to totally remove the tattoo from your skin. In general, most amateur tattoos require 1 – 6 treatments. While professional tattoos usually require 3-15 treatments, all spaced approximately 6 – 8 weeks apart. How many treatments are required depends on several different factors: How well the broken down ink gets eliminated by the body’s immune system. The age, depth and type of ink used as well as how the tattoo was applied are all important factors. Since there are a multitude of inks used in tattooing, it is difficult to gauge an exact amount of treatments required to remove a tattoo. Very rarely, more than ten treatments may be needed. Laser treatments are also very effective if a person wants to lighten a tattoo so they can put a new one in its place.

Here are several things that a person can do to reduce the pain and speed up the healing process after a laser tattoo removal session:

- Take aspirin or some other mild pain reliever before and after the treatment.

- For the first full day after the procedure, every so often ice the treated area and elevate it if possible. It is also recommended to limiting physical activities and avoid saunas, and swimming.

-24 hours past the treatment try to keep the area moisturized by using Aloe-Cort cream a couple of times a day.

- DO NOT pop blisters or pick scabs as this will make it more prone to scarring and infection.

- Avoid sun exposure and tanning beds during the healing process.

- When taking a shower be careful not to scrub the affected area as it will increase the inflammation and slow the healing process.

Laser tattoo removal is considered the most effective tattoo removal procedure at this time. Because it works in conjuncture with a person’s immune system it may take more time than other methods. However, this also accounts for the fact it is more effective, less painful, and it doesn’t have side effects of the other procedures.

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