TATTOO REMOVAL AND SKIN CARE
Do you have a tattoo and are now considering the various tattoo removal methods? Consider the following options:
Laser surgery
The most common method of tattoo removal is by laser surgery. Pulses of highly concentrated light beams shatter the ink of the tattoo into tiny fragments which are cleared out by the body’s immune system. It usually takes more than one treatment and this increases the risk for damage to the skin. Experts in tattoo removal claim that new technology has reduced the complications of scarring and are either minimal or non-existent. Treatment afterwards may include:
- Apply an antibiotic ointment and a sterile dressing three times a day.
- Apply cool compresses to reduce discomfort. Take a non-aspirin medication for pain.
- Shower as directed by the doctor.
- Watch for signs and symptoms of infection such as crusting, redness and oozing. Call the doctor to report any of these symptoms.
- For three months, wear a sun block with an SPF of 25 or higher and no makeup in the area treated.
Dermabrasion
Removing the tattoo is accomplished by “sanding” the skin to remove the surface and middle layers of the tattoo. A rotary instrument with a specially designed abrasive brush will peel away the top layers of skin over the tattoo in order to remove the pigments of the ink. Treatment afterwards may include:
- Apply an antibiotic ointment and gauze for approximately six to eight days or as directed by the doctor.
- Clean the area with a gentle cleanser and do not use an exfoliation product.
- Use a moisturizing lotion and a high rated SPF sun blocker when in the sun.
- Watch for signs and symptoms of infection such as oozing, redness, crusting and call the doctor if any of these symptoms are present.
Surgical excision
The doctor will remove the first and second layer of skin. Sutures are used to close the wound. For tattoo removal of a larger tattoo, it might be necessary for the doctor to “graft” skin from another part of the body to cover the area that has been excised. Treatment afterwards may include:
- Change the dressing every 1 to 2 days or as directed by the surgeon.
- Watch for redness, weeping, swelling, or stitches that have popped open. Call the surgeon if any of these symptoms are present.
- Avoid baths, swimming pools and hot tubs until instructed by the doctor.
- Follow up with the surgeon to have the sutures removed.
Tattoo removing creams and lotions
There are numerous tattoo removal products on the market and they all use a different approach for removing a tattoo. How fast the tattoo fades out depends on body chemistry, the age of the tattoo, pigment colors, amount of ink used and how deep the ink was injected. The “average” treatment takes from three to nine months. Since these treatments are ongoing for months, there are no typical treatments suggested for skin care except:
- Keep the area being treated clean and dry.
- Watch for complications. Call a doctor if some untold problem arises.
