Cosmetic Surgery for Tattoo Removal

Many individuals get a tattoo with the best of intentions and then end up regretting the decision. A tattoo is the injection of ink into the skin to form an image. The problem is that the image is permanent. There are a number of reasons why someone might want to have a tattoo removed. The advances in cosmetic surgery have made this a viable option. It's important to understand the types of surgeries available, so you can make an informed decision.

Qualification for Surgery

• The first thing you need to ask yourself is why you want to remove the tattoo. Some reasons include a career that does not allow for visible tattooing, the end of a relationship or possibly just embarrassment about a badly chosen design.

  Your physical condition is a factor is the decision. This is an invasive medical procedure. You need to determine if you are healthy enough avoid complications. People with underlying conditions that will make recovery difficult, such as diabetes or a comprised immune system, are not good candidates. The doctor you consult about the surgery will determine your overall health and if you are qualified to consider cosmetic procedures.

Excision

• Excision is the surgical removal of the skin involved in the tattoo. A doctor will use a scalpel to cut away the layers of skin and close the area with stitches. Removal of larger tattoos may involve graphing a piece of skin taken from another part of your body to cover the removal area.

Dermabrasion

• Dermabrasion is literally sanding off the tattoo. The doctor will use a rotary tool to remove all the layers of skin that involve the image. After the procedure, a scab will form over the area and eventually form new skin. There may be some discoloration and swelling for a number of months.

Laser

• This is probably one of the most well-known and popular methods. It involves a precision laser that will remove the ink from the tattoo without damaging the skin. One disadvantage, it can't be preformed in one visit. Multiple treatments are required, as many as six total. With laser treatment, it's also possible that not all of the tattoo will be removed. Instead, it might just fade considerably.

Risks of Tattoo Removal

• There are risks with any type surgery. Depending on the type of treatment you receive, risk might be scarring, change in pigmentation and infection. You should be aware of the possibilities of removal and be realistic about them. Some individuals do not understand that full removal with no adverse effects might not be impossible. The decision to get a tattoo is often an emotional one. It's important to be realistic about the removal. There may always be a reminder of the tattoo in the form of a scar, discoloration or shadow of the image. Discussing the procedure and aftercare with the surgeon is important to avoid some of these issues.