Do you regret getting a tattoo with your ex-partner’s name? Or maybe you’re applying for a job that requires no tattoos? If so, maybe you can try one of the tattoo removal methods below.
Can permanent tattoos be removed?
In addition to considering health factors before deciding to get a tattoo, you also need to estimate whether one day you don’t change your mind and decide to remove it.
Permanent tattoos are very difficult to remove because the ink is injected between the layers of the skin. Removing them would require a complicated and expensive method.
When removing a tattoo, there are a few things you need to consider, which are as follows.
- Removing a tattoo cannot be done all at once. You will usually need several treatments to remove it.
- The tattoo removal process may also need to be done in several methods.
- Your skin may be at risk of scarring after tattoo removal.
- Your skin may also experience infection or discoloration.
It is best not to expect more after tattoo removal. This is because tattoos are intentionally made to be permanently attached to the skin.
Often the skin color cannot return to its original state, although sometimes there are patients who get quite good results after the removal process is carried out.
Some ways to remove tattoos in a medically safe way
As explained earlier, tattoo ink is permanently attached to the skin layer. So, you should not be careless when you want to remove it. You don’t want to experience infections or other problems that endanger your health. To be on the safe side, it’s best to have your tattoo removed by an experienced dermatologist.
Here are some ways to remove permanent tattoos medically that are relatively safe for you to try.
1. Laser technique
Through this technique, the color of the tattoo will be broken down using high-intensity light. There are many types of lasers that are used as a way to remove tattoos.
Each type of laser has different uses, such as YAG and Q-switched ruby lasers. Before starting laser tattoo removal, the doctor will inject a local anesthetic to numb the skin.
Next, the laser device is attached to the tattoo to heat up and destroy the tattoo ink. Once the laser process is complete, you may notice swelling, blistering or bleeding of the skin. However, these can be treated with an antibacterial ointment.
You will need to do this procedure repeatedly to get maximum results. It may take 2-4 treatments or even 10 times, depending on the color and size of the tattoo.
2. Surgical removal of skin tissue
Launching the Mayo Clinic, how to remove tattoos can also be done by skin surgery. This operation aims to remove skin tissue containing tattoo ink. The procedure is carried out in the following stages. Before starting, the skin area is numbed with a local anesthetic injection. Then a scalpel is used to cut the tattooed skin area and remove it. After that, the edges of the incised skin are brought together and stitched to make it stick together again.
After the surgery, the incision area is given an antibacterial ointment to aid the healing process. This method is considered effective in removing tattoos, but it can cause scars on the skin.
Therefore, this method of tattoo removal by surgery is usually only for small permanent tattoos.
3. Dermabrasion
How to remove tattoos can also be done with the dermabrasion process. The trick is to use a device that has wheels and a coarse brush that can rotate at high speed.
After that, the tattooed skin is sanded down to the deeper layers of skin using the dermabrasion tool. This aims to fade the color. So that you don’t feel pain, the tattooed skin area is previously numbed. Unfortunately, due to the uncertain results, the dermabrasion technique is less popular nowadays.
In addition, the previous two methods are considered more effective than dermabrasion. If you want to try one of the ways to remove a permanent tattoo, you should first talk to a skin specialist.
Ask about what method is right for your type of tattoo and the cost.
4. Chemical tattoo removal
This method of tattoo removal is done by peeling off the outer skin tissue (peeling) using special chemicals. Liquid trichloroacetic acid (TCA) can be used for this process. TCA is a mild acid that is applied to the skin to remove the outer layer of skin containing the tattoo ink.
This method may be slightly painful, but it does not usually require the use of an anesthetic. As with other tattoo removal methods, exfoliation with TCA will result in the removal of the tattoo ink.
This method may be a little painful, but it usually does not require the use of an anesthetic. As with other tattoo removal methods, exfoliation with TCA will result in an open wound that will need to be treated after the procedure is complete.
In addition, you will also need to regularly care for the scar, such as cleaning it with soap and water, applying antibiotic ointment, and wearing a bandage.
This tattoo scar will usually heal in approximately 5-7 days.