Thursday, June 21, 2007

Tattoo Removal

Ok, so you got a tattoo and now you have decided for whatever reason to have it removed. Below are some of the ways to have it removed. No one method is 100%, as more then likely you will have some scarring and there is always the chance not all the color will be removed.

Methods of Tattoo Removal

There are several excellent methods of tattoo removal available today. The method that the physician chooses will depend upon the size of the tattoo and its location as well as the length of time it has been on the skin. How the patient heals may also be a factor in the decision.

Excision

Another popular method of tattoo removal especially when the dyed area is small is by excision. The advantage of this method is that the entire tattoo can be removed. With larger tattoos, however, it may be necessary to excise in stages, removing the center of it initially and the sides at a later date.

Excision involves an injection of a local anesthetic to numb the area after which the tattoo is removed surgically. The edges are then brought together and sutured. With this procedure, there is minimal bleeding which is easily controlled with electrocautery. In some cases involving large tattoos, a skin graft taken from another part of the body may be necessary.

Excision





Dermabrasion

Another method of tattoo removal is called dermabrasion in which a small portion of the tattoo is sprayed with a solution that freezes the area. The tattoo is then "sanded" with a rotary abrasive instrument causing the skin to peel. Because some bleeding is likely to occur, a dressing is immediately applied to the area.

Dermabrasion



Laser

In recent times, many physicians consider laser surgery one of the best methods of tattoo removal . Today, the Q-switched Nd:Yag, Q-switched Alexandrite and the Q-switched Ruby are among the most frequently used lasers today for the removal of unwanted tattoos. They are all employed in a similar manner. If necessary, a cream to numb the skin can be applied prior to the treatment. Pulses of light from the laser are directed onto the tattoo breaking up the tattoo pigment. Over the next several weeks the body's scavenger cells remove the treated pigmented areas. More then one treatment is usually necessary to remove all of the tattoo.

Laser



Salabrasion

Salabrasion, a procedure which is centuries old, is a method still sometimes used today to remove tattoos. As with the other methods, a local anesthetic is used on and around the tattooed area after which a solution of ordinary tap water dipped in table salt is applied. An abrading apparatus such as the one used with dermabrasion, or an even simpler device such as a wooden block wrapped in gauze, is used to vigorously abrade the area. When the area becomes deep red in color, a dressing is applied.

Salabrasion



What Results Can Be Expected?

Regardless of which method of tattoo removal is used, some scarring or color variations are likely to remain. Healing time varies depending upon the size and depth of the tattoo, the procedure used and the patient's healing process. It is important for the patient to discuss with the physician the various procedures, how they are performed, and the probable results. Care of the treated area must also be discussed.



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Tuesday, June 19, 2007

Tattoo Aftercare



How you take care of your tattoo after it is done is almost as important as picking an artist and shop. They are very easy to care for, but if you go in a pool or get sun on it right after it is done, then the work will suffer. Below is a general after care guideline.

Tattoo After Care



How to care for your tattoo...



1. If your tattoo has been wrapped, leave the wrapping on for one hour. If it has been covered with a bandage, leave the bandage on for 2 hours. Otherwise, go to step 2.

2. After removing the dressing or in one hour, gently wash your tattoo with your
fingertips using warm water and anti-bacterial soap.

DO NOT use a wash cloth or sponge on a new tattoo for 2 weeks.

3. Rinse off and pat dry with a soft cloth (DO NOT WIPE).
You will need to "pat dry" your new tattoo for the next 2 weeks. Apply a thin layer of Aquaphor to the tattooed area 4 times a day for 3 days.

4. On the 4th day, switch to Curel lotion. Apply Curel lotion periodically if the tattoo feels dry and/or tight. Use the lotion as needed for the next few days.

Keep your tattoo moist and clean at all times until it is completely healed.

5. If your tattoo starts flaking or scabbing, DO NOT pick or scratch at it. Let the tattoo flake off on it's own.

6. DO NOT put a covering (i.e. bandage) on your new tattoo.
The more air that you tattoo receives, the faster it will heal.

7. DO NOT expose your new tattoo to the sun for the first 2 weeks.

8. DO NOT soak your new tattoo for the first 2 weeks.
No baths (showers are fine), hot tubs, swimming pools, saunas or the ocean.

9. For the best results and color retention, always apply spf 45 or higher
sunscreen to your new tattoo, after it has healed, when ever the tattoo is going to be exposed to the sun.