all about Tattoo Removal

Removal Methods

A Tattoo is meant to be a permanent piece of art. However, various methods have been developed for tattoo removal. Some methods are more successful than others; some methods take longer than others.

Fade Away Methods:

Fade away methods are the newest development in Tattoo Removal. This method normally involves a series of creams/rubs that are absorbed into the skin. The series, used in combination, causes a reaction that breaks down the components of the ink, which the body then disposes. This procedure essentially speeds up your body's natural process of ridding your body of a foreign object �in this case it is ink. With time the tattoo becomes lighter and lighter, thus the tattoo �fades away.�

Our private study has shown that these creams ARE effective. With consistent use the tattoo lightens to the point where it can no longer be recognized.

This perhaps is the cheapest and least painful removal method. This is the only method that does not have a risk of scarring. However, it is does take some patience. Results are not seen overnight.

The following are the removal methods that have been studied by this organization.

Tattoo-OFF � A fade away method that is suggested for sensitive skin (especially for permanent make-up on the face). However, we found that even though OFF is for sensitive skin that does not make it a weaker product. In our studies OFF seemed to be just as effective in removing tattoos as its competitor. Tattoo-OFF boasts that all natural ingredients are used in their formula, which aid in the removal process.

UPDATE -Tattoo-OFF has introduced a new 2 part system. They claim it is more effective and less time consuming then the original 3 part system. This has also allowed them to offer it at a lower cost.

Tat B Gone � This is the first company that came out with the fade away cream. This company has consistently received great reviews from customers, and continuous to expand. Tat B Gone has become a trusted name among the fade away creams, for the integrity of their business and the effectiveness of their product. Click here for Press Coverage.

Surgical Methods:

Most surgeons caution patients that complete tattoo removal is not possible. Few surgeons guarantee complete removal. Beware if they do! This might be your first sign warning sign.

How effective the removal technique is depends on size, location, age of tattoo, colors and type of ink used.

Also be aware of the possible side effects - scarring and pain. Some of the more damaging techniques include:

Chemical Peels Trichloroacetic acids (TCA) Peels

Frankly, this category blows us away. It almost seems that cutting off your tattooed arm might be a better solution than pouring acid on your skin. So much fine print, so many disclaimers, always absolving the seller of any responsibility if you end up with scars. All that risk for a product that does not remove the tattoo, but claims to shorten the laser or tattoo fade away cream treatment. We do realize it is cheap, but why get involved with a product that could require painkillers or an emergency visit to your dermatologist according to a warning posted by an internet store.

In this treatment, a chemical solution is applied to the skin that causes it to "blister" and eventually peel off. The TCA treatment is a medium-depth peel. Generally, TCA peels are performed in the doctor's office or in a surgery center as an outpatient procedure. Beware of any do-it-yourself TCA kits. They are generally not the real thing and may cause long term damage. During the procedure, most people feel a brief burning sensation, followed by a feeling of numbness or stinging. After the procedure TCA peels may cause significant swelling.

If you choose a TCA peel you must be willing to accept the consequences involved in the healing process. Also this process is not recommended for people who smoke.

Significant complications with chemical peels are infrequent, but potential complications include:

• Scarring (permanent)
• Infection
• Temporary or permanent changes in skin tone or uneven tone (especially with Phenol peels). Like
• Hyper pigmentation (a darkening of the skin, treatable in most cases with current bleaching techniques)
• Hypo pigmentation (a lightening of the skin, more difficult to treat)

After the peel be sure to use a sunscreen. It is critical that you protect your skin from sun exposure. Ask your doctor to recommend the right sun block that has UVA and UVB protection, and apply it daily.

Laser:

The Laser technique is the penetration and break up of the ink articles that were injected into your skin. Much like the Fade Away Method, the ink particles that are broken up by the laser are carried away by the body's natural systems and are disposed as bodily waste.

This removal method involves the use of several types of laser or intense pulsed light therapy. Which types are used all depends on the color of ink used in the tattoo. Laser has improved somewhat over the past couple of years. It used to take an average of 2 years to remove a tattoo, and even then the process was not fully guaranteed. Although modern lasers and light systems can remove a tattoo in a little less time, this process is entirely dependent upon the laser type, number of sessions and the patient's body. At lease several treatments are necessary, even today. This procedure is performed under a topical anesthetic or with none at all. This is one of the more expensive methods used today.

	Cryosurgery: This method involves freezing area of tattoo area prior to its removal. The removal technique often used is dermabrasion. As a result of freezing the skin, there is less blood loss.
	Dermabrasion: This method involves removing all of the skin and the ink of the tattoo. A sanding instrument is used to "sand off" surface and middle layers of the skin. The tattoo is "sanded" with a rotary abrasive instrument in order to remove all of the skin. Bleeding is likely to occur. This procedure is performed under local anesthetic or local and oral/IV sedation. The price for Dermabrasion can range from $1000 to several thousands of dollars depending on the extent of the area treated.
	Excision: The tattooed area is cut out of your skin, and the surrounding skin is sutured together. This method leaves a scar. Only a small tattoo or a small section of a tattoo can be excised at a time. A larger tattoo may require several treatments and a skin graft. If it is a large tattoo skin from another part of the body might be needed for a skin graft.