Tattoo used to be a permanent and irreversible adornment to one's skin. However, in recent years dermatologic surgeons have developed safe and effective techniques to successfully remove unwanted tattoos.

Patients ask for removal of a tattoo for a variety of reasons — social, cultural or physical. Some patients develop an allergic reaction to a tattoo several years after the initial application. Since each tattoo is unique, removal techniques must be adapted to suit each individual case. For example, professionally applied tattoos tend to go through the deeper layers of the skin at uniform levels. This uniformity let dermatologic surgeons to use techniques that remove broader areas of inked skin at the same depth.

Home-produced tattoos are often applied with an unequable hand and their removal may be more complicated. Deeper blue and black ink colors are mostly difficult to remove. Professional tattoos made with some of the newer inks and pastel colors may also be complicated to remove completely.

Removing Tattoos

Tattoos can be removed by a dermatologic surgeon on an outpatient base with local anesthesia. The most widespread techniques used are:

1) Laser Surgery - the surgeon eliminates the tattoo by selectively treating the pigment colors with a high-intensity laser ray. Lasers have become the standard treatment because they offer a "bloodless," low risk, highly effective approach with minimal side effects. The type of laser usually depends on the pigment colors. In a lot of cases, several treatments may be required.

2) Dermabrasion - the surgeon "sands" the skin, eliminating the surface and middle layers of the tattoo. The conjunction of surgical and dressing techniques helps to raise and soak up the tattoo inks.

3) Surgical Excision - the surgeon takes away the tattoo with a scalpel and closes the wound with stitches. This technique confirmed highly effective in removing some tattoos and permits the surgeon to cut out inked areas with great control.

  Are There Side Effects or Complications?

Side effects are generally minor, but may include skin discoloration at the treatment site, infection of the tattoo site, lack of complete pigment removal, or some scarring. A raised or thickened scar may appear three to six months after the tattoo is removed.

What Results Can Be Expected?

In spite of of which method of tattoo removal is used, some scarring or color variations are prone to be remained. Healing time differs depending on the size and depth of the tattoo, the procedure used and the patient's healing process. It is essential for the patient to discuss with the physician different procedures, how they are performed, and the probable results. Concern of the treated area must also be discussed.