Tattoo Removal Procedures
Information on the various tattoo removal procedures and techniques, so you can be informed about what's possible. We DO NOT perform any of these on the premises.
There are some great reference sites out there to help you decide what's your best course of action is, in riding yourself of that unwanted tattoo. Although we don't provide these services, we can provide you with the knowledge of what you can expect and look for. We always recommend talking to the professionals and do your research!
Laser Tattoo Removal
A variety of lasers are available for this purpose. Tattoos can be removed using short-pulsed lasers, including the Q-switched ruby laser, Ng:YAG, Alexandrite and 510-nanometer pulsed dye laser. Your doctor will apply a cream to numb the skin before treatment. Pulses of light from the laser are directed onto the skin, breaking up the tattoo pigment. Over the next several weeks, the body's cells remove the treated pigmented areas. More than one treatment is usually necessary to remove all of the tattoo ink. Amateur tattoos can usually be entirely removed as can black professional tattoos. Multicolored professional tattoos are more difficult to remove and require several different wavelengths for the different colors. 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 type of procedure and your own ability to heal. It is important for you to discuss the various procedures, how they are performed, and the probable results.
Contact Atlantic Skincare: Tattoo Removal Services
Scarification
Using an acid solution to remove the tattoo, which leaves a scar in its place. Using scratching, etching, burning/branding to remove or cover the tattoo. When people have Scarification done, it's the same procedure as removal; it involves scratching, etching, burning/branding, or superficially cutting designs, pictures, or words into the skin as a permanent modification.
In the process of body scarification, scars are formed by cutting or branding the skin by varying methods (sometimes using further sequential aggravating wound healing methods at timed intervals, like irritation), to purposely influence wound healing to scar more.
In the process of body scarification, scars are formed by cutting or branding the skin by varying methods (sometimes using further sequential aggravating wound healing methods at timed intervals, like irritation), to purposely influence wound healing to scar more.
Salabrasion - Not Recommended
A centuries-old technique using a salt solution and abrasion is sometimes used today, although this method can leave a scar if the solution penetrates too deeply. Your doctor will apply a local anesthetic on and around the tattooed area, followed by a solution of ordinary tap water dipped in table salt. An abrading apparatus, such as the one used with dermabrasion, or a simple block wrapped in gauze, is used to vigorously rub the area. When the skin becomes deep red, your doctor will apply a dressing.
Is it Painful?
YES!! A high pain threshold is essential to even consider using this method. For many years, salabrasion was one of the few methods of tattoo removal. It is still used today and may be carried out by a dermatologist or other medical personnel when a local anesthetic will be given. You can carry it out at home and it’s inexpensive… This, of course, makes it very attractive, particularly when compared to the cost of laser treatment. It’s probably the most agonizing, uncomfortable and painful method of tattoo removal you can use. This is why you need to be sure you have a high pain threshold before you begin – or you will be left with a part removed tattoo which could look worse than the original… This is sold as a "Quick Fix" for tattoo removal but the pain may not be worth it.
Why Salabrasion is Risky
Is it Painful?
YES!! A high pain threshold is essential to even consider using this method. For many years, salabrasion was one of the few methods of tattoo removal. It is still used today and may be carried out by a dermatologist or other medical personnel when a local anesthetic will be given. You can carry it out at home and it’s inexpensive… This, of course, makes it very attractive, particularly when compared to the cost of laser treatment. It’s probably the most agonizing, uncomfortable and painful method of tattoo removal you can use. This is why you need to be sure you have a high pain threshold before you begin – or you will be left with a part removed tattoo which could look worse than the original… This is sold as a "Quick Fix" for tattoo removal but the pain may not be worth it.
Why Salabrasion is Risky
- Permanent Skin Damage: The process is aggressive and carries a high risk of scarring, infection, and skin discolouration.
- Incomplete Removal: It rarely removes a tattoo completely, often only fading or blurring it.
- Prolonged Healing: Because it creates an open wound, healing can take much longer than professional methods.
Dermbrasion
Dermabrasion – also known as surgical skin planing – is classified as a skin-resurfacing procedure as it “sands” the outer layers of the skin. Using a rapidly rotating device, a dermatologic surgeon removes the surface and middle layers of the tattoo.
First, your doctor will spray a small portion of the tattoo with a solution that freezes the area. The tattoo is then "sanded" with a rotary abrasive device, causing the skin to peel. Some bleeding is likely to occur; a dressing is immediately applied to the area.
Possible Risks:
Dermabrasion may cause various minor side effects, including:
What to expect after the procedure:
Recovery time following dermabrasion is usually two to three weeks. For several days, the skin will likely feel “wind-burned.” The patient will be temporarily left with pink or red skin at the treatment site. The pinkness usually fades within eight to 12 weeks. Patients are asked to avoid the sun for three to six months following the procedure and you should apply sunscreen on a regular basis when outside. Exposure to sunlight can lead to excessive scarring.
First, your doctor will spray a small portion of the tattoo with a solution that freezes the area. The tattoo is then "sanded" with a rotary abrasive device, causing the skin to peel. Some bleeding is likely to occur; a dressing is immediately applied to the area.
Possible Risks:
Dermabrasion may cause various minor side effects, including:
- Redness, swelling or bleeding.
- Changes in skin color – including hyperpigmentation (treated skin becomes darker than normal), hypopigmentation (lighter than normal) or blotchiness.
- Infection – although rare – may occur.
- Dermabrasion that is performed too deeply may cause scarring.
What to expect after the procedure:
Recovery time following dermabrasion is usually two to three weeks. For several days, the skin will likely feel “wind-burned.” The patient will be temporarily left with pink or red skin at the treatment site. The pinkness usually fades within eight to 12 weeks. Patients are asked to avoid the sun for three to six months following the procedure and you should apply sunscreen on a regular basis when outside. Exposure to sunlight can lead to excessive scarring.
Surgical Removal
In which the entire tattoo is cut away. The skin is then drawn together and stitched with sutures. This is a popular method of tattoo removal, especially when the dyed area is small. The advantage of this method is that the entire tattoo can be removed, but with larger tattoos, it may be necessary to remove the skin in stages, starting with the center and then removing the sides later. Your doctor will first inject a local anesthetic to numb the area. In some cases with large tattoos, a skin graft taken from another part of the body may be necessary.