How to Remove Tattoos

For many reasons people turn to physicians to remove tattoos in which there are several successful removal techniques. The size of the tattoo, the location, and the length of time the tattoo has been on the skin will come into play when deciding which method is appropriate. This informative guide will help you decide which option is the best.

Option 1 Salabrasion

Salabrasion is a procedure which has been around for centuries, however it is a method still used today to remove tattoos. A local anesthetic is applied where the tattoo is located. A solution of tap water is then dipped in table salt and is applied. An abrading tool, or an even simpler device such as a wooden block wrapped in gauze, is used to scrape the area. When the area turns red or looks irritated, the area is wrapped with gauze.

Option 2 Excision

With this method the entire tattoo can be removed. However, with larger tattoos the excision may be scheduled in stages. In the first stage the center is removed and in the second and third stages the ends are removed.
The excision procedure consists of an injection of a local anesthetic to numb the area. The edges are then brought together by stitching. When this procedure is performed, bleeding is minimal. In some cases involving large tattoos, a skin graft may be taken from another part of the body to cover the area.

Option 3 Laser Surgery

This is the most common procedure performed today, because it does not cause bleeding. When laser surgery is performed a laser light pulls the color out of the pigment. However, like excision this procedure is performed in stages which depend on the size of the tattoo.

Option 4 Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion is similar to salabrasion. The physician sand abrades the top layer of skin to remove the ink. The skin begins to peel away as does the layers of ink. After the procedure the area may become irritated, whereas it is protected by be covered by gauze. With this procedure scarring may occur.