Tattoo Removal

A procedure under the umbrella of cosmetic surgery, tattoo removal involves eradicating or lessening tattoo ink or objects embedded in the skin after trauma through minor surgery, dermabrasion, saline injections or the use of lasers.

Depending on the color of ink, certain lasers are used to break up implanted ink. Quantized laser light removes the pigment--approximately 200 bursts are required for a small tattoo. A light pulse aid such as a prism can also be used to remove color pigment. During intense laser tattoo removal procedures, a numbing agent is spread over the area to lessen discomfort.

To perform dermabrasion, a physician utilizes medical sandpaper to rub off the tattoo in layers. Dermabrasion can be used in conjunction with other tattoo removal processes. As with laser removal, a local numbing agent is employed to alleviate pain.

Small tattoos are removed through excision which involves surgically removing the tattoo and suturing up the exposed area. Before excision, the cosmetic surgeon will buff the tattoo with medical sandpaper and apply a numbing agent. The procedure is instant and relatively inexpensive but may leave scarring.

Another method of tattoo removal is to inject an anesthetic or saline solution under the skin to break up ink wedged in the dermis. Injections fade and blur the tattoo so the area is prepped for a cover-up tattoo or another procedure like micro dermabrasion.