Tattoos can be removed by plastic surgeons.
There are several methods used by plastic surgeons to remove tattoos. Laser surgery is the most recent and popular method of tattoo removal. Other methods of tattoo removal include dermabrasion, excision and salabrasion. These methods are less commonly used in tattoo-removal surgery today, but they may be considered when laser surgery cannot be performed.
Excision
Surgical excision involves cutting the skin to remove the tattoo and then stitching the skin back together. Excision is most commonly used to remove very small tattoos, as only small sections of skin may be removed at a time. Larger tattoos may be removed by surgical excision using skin grafts to replace the skin that was removed, but this process may take several years, depending on the size of the tattoo. Scarring will occur; depending on the person's skin type, the scars may fade gradually with time.
Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion involves scraping away layers of skin with a rotary abrasive tool, allowing new skin to grow back and replace the removed layers. The new layers of skin are often softer than the removed layers were before the operation. New skin may appear smooth after 12 weeks, however patients should allow 18 months for full healing. The healing process is often painful, and scabbing can be expected. Infection is a serious risk during the healing process, and post-procedure skin care is extremely important.
Salabrasion
Salabrasion is the oldest method of tattoo removal. Salabrasion is a form of dermabrasion that involves scraping the skin with a salt sanding block until the tattoo is removed. This process can be extremely painful, leaving the skin irritated for weeks after the procedure is performed. Healing may take up to several months, depending on the person and the size of the tattoo. Scabbing is a large part of the healing process, and scarring is likely to occur.
Laser
Laser surgery is the most popular and perhaps the safest method of tattoo removal used by plastic surgeons. Laser beams are used to break down the ink particles of the tattoo so that the body may naturally eliminate them as waste. The widths and wavelengths of the laser beam are adjusted to remove specific colors of the tattoo without damaging the skin. Laser removal is the least painful method of tattoo removal, and the chance of scarring is very low. It may take several laser treatments to completely remove a tattoo. The price of laser treatments can be expensive, depending on the size of the tattoo.
Warning
Each of these methods have its own benefits and disadvantages, and individual results may vary depending on the person and the tattoo. It is important to consult a professional surgeon to discuss which method will work best for you.
Tags: tattoo removal, method tattoo, method tattoo removal, depending person, healing process, plastic surgeons, size tattoo
