Removal Education
Tattoo removal is achieved in one of two ways. The first is that the body absorbs the ink, and the second is that the ink is pushed or extracted up and out of the skin. All methods other than laser removal require breakage of the skin so that ink can be pushed out via natural, mechanical, or chemical processes. Lasers are the only method that can break down the ink without breaking the skin, allowing the body to absorb the ink naturally and pass it out of your system.
The truth of the matter is, other than the physical excision of the tattoo (which is expensive and leaves a scar), the only truly effective way of completely removing a tattoo is with a professional laser. Though home tattoo removal and non-laser tattoo removal may seem appealing, they are rarely effective.
For those who want to have a tattoo removed without spending a lot of money or going to a dermatology clinic, the prospect of an over-the-counter tattoo removal skin care cream can be very appealing. Unfortunately, at-home tattoo removal creams as a tattoo removal alternative are more hype than anything, and in certain cases, they can actually harm the skin with harsh chemicals.
We have been seeing a lot of spas and tattoo removal clinics offering “Red Light” therapy to aid in the tattoo removal process. But does it really work well with laser treatment?
The process of using a salt/saline treatment to remove tattoos can be a partially effective method, but it usually only results in lightening the tattoo. A complete tattoo removal result should not be expected.
Chemical peels can be performed with a variety of different acid solutions and are very successful in treating fine lines, wrinkles, and dull skin. However, using these peels to remove tattoos is less effective because the solutions cannot reach the deeper layers of skin where the ink resides.
It would sure be nice if you could have all the effectiveness of professional laser technology in your own home – and at the tempting cost of around $200. However, the laser tattoo removal pens that are on the market definitely fall into that ‘too good to be true’ category.
Dermabrasion works by mechanically removing the first layers of skin and ink pigment to stimulate cell turnover. The concept is used in aesthetics to help promote cell turnover on the hands, neck, chest, and face to reduce wrinkles. The use of this method for tattoo removal can often include the use of chemicals, salt or even lemon!
TEPRSOL Injection or Injection Removal involves using a 40% lactic acid solution and injecting it into a scattered field in the tattoo area. Unfortunately, injecting acid into the skin is unreliable, unpredictable, and can have disastrous consequences. Severe scarring can occur if the solution is not done perfectly.
Likely one of the oldest methods of tattoo removal, tattoo excision involves cutting out the area of skin where the tattoo pigment resides and stitching it back up. Sound like a painful process? It is, and it will certainly leave a scar.
The IPL was used before Q-switched lasers came on the market and are still used from time to time. The pulse duration or time the light energy is on the skin with an IPL effectively removes ink. However, one of the major concerns when using an IPL machine is that the pulse is too long and damages the surrounding tissue.
When you want a tattoo removed, it’s natural to be curious about home tattoo removal and non-laser tattoo removal. Whether you’re apprehensive about going to a clinic or don’t feel you can afford laser tattoo removal, you probably hope that there’s an alternative that can get the job done safely and effectively.
Remember, tattoos can only be removed by pushing the ink out through the surface of the skin or by breaking it up into small enough particles so the body can flush it out of the system. Unfortunately, other tattoo removal methods are rarely effective at doing this. Although it needs to take place in a professional clinic setting and certainly involves some costs, laser tattoo removal performed by a trained professional is the safest and most effective way to completely remove an unwanted tattoo.
Laser tattoo removal is a procedure that has been FDA approved for about 20 years. Both the process and technology have come a long way over the past couple of decades to become a safe and effective procedure.
Covering your tattoo with another newer tattoo is an option that many people choose. The use of laser often allows tattoo artists to effectively cover almost any existing tattoo. Tattoo fading usually takes up to 5 sessions before most artists can begin working. Clients find that covering their tattoos after the laser is a cost-effective way to get something new without completely removing their tattoos.
Eyebrow tattoos are commonly seen on people who desire thick full eyebrows. However, styles change, and these tattoos can also change in color over time, which are two of the reasons why we see clients who want to get eyebrow tattoo removal.
We are proud to support cancer survivors by providing free radiation tattoo removal.
Removery’s INK-nitiative program is a community outreach initiative designed to provide safe, effective and free tattoo removal on the hands, neck, and face to those in need who were formerly incarcerated, gang members, survivors of human trafficking and those who wish to remove hate symbols or racist tattoos.
