Tattoos have been around for thousands of years and to this day, they continue to be the body art of choice of millions globally. With newer techniques allowing more intricate and complex designs, tattoo parlors are thriving big time.
Along with those seeking tattoos, there is a large number of people who wish to remove their existing ones. There can be many motivations for this, much like motivations for getting one in the first place. Removal process can be a bit handful and can cause pain.
There are numerous options in this regard which offer a varying degree of success. Laser tattoo removal seems to be the most useful of all options. We shall take a look into the traditional tattoo removal options as well as the laser tattoo removal to better understand the whole process and why you should opt for laser.
Traditional Tattoo Removal Options
There are a number of options when it comes to tattoo removal. These include surgical removal or excision. The skin where the tattoo is made is cut out to remove the tattoo. It does work well for the most part though it is highly invasive and can cause infections and leave scarring. The recovery period is quite long as well.
Cryosurgeryworks by freezing the skin where the tattoo is made in order destroy the skin tissue and remove it. Different agents may be used for this purpose though liquid nitrogen seems to be the more commonly used option. The treatment offers decent results but the risk of scarring is too real and this is the major drawback with cryosurgery.
Salabrasion is yet another option for tattoo removal and it is painful. It works with salt water applied to the tattoo and an abrasive tool, generally a wooden block wrapped in a gauze is used to rub it until the skin gets very very red. Antibiotic ointment is applied and dressing is done. Three days later, salt water is again applied followed by more dressing. The procedure may be less painful with anesthetics but overall it is highly invasive and the results may not be the very best.
Laser Tattoo Removal
Laser is a relatively new treatment for tattoo removal though it has been around for a couple of decades as well. It is highly effective and gives the best results of all the available options. How it works and all the allied matters are surely worth discussing.
How does it Work?
The treatment works with the help of a laser that uses small pulses of high intensity laser in order to break down the pigmentation in the tattoos into smaller bits. The laser is set at specific frequencies to ensure that only the tattoo absorbs them and the skin in the surrounding areas remains largely unaffected.
Once the pigmentation is broken down into smaller bits, the immune system in the body can easily remove it. Since the tattoo ink is a foreign object, the immune system as soon as a tattoo is made, starts working on removing the ink. The tattoo is too large to be fully removed by immune system on its own and all it can do is dull it down over a period of time. With help from laser, the job gets easier.
How Painful Is the Treatment?
There is some pain involved in the procedure and to numb it down, topical anesthetics are applied to the area to be treated prior to the start of the procedure. The anesthetics more or less remove the pain. Cool air with the help of a handheld device may also be blown during the treatment to make it even more comfortable for the patient.
How Many Sessions Are Needed?
The number of sessions in each case varies and your treatment provider can best judge your individual needs. There are numerous factors that determine the exact number of sessions that will be needed for the purpose of removing the tattoo with laser. The size and shape of the tattoo need to be taken into account first and foremost. Smaller and less complicated tattoos require lesser effort than large and complicated tattoos.
The colors in the tattoo also are important. Darker colors like blue and black are the easiest to remove. On the other hand, lighter colors require greater effort. The age of the tattoo can also make some difference. The tattoo that is older loses its edge and some of the color sharpness which makes it easier to get rid of when compared with a fresh one. Last but certainly not the least, how well the tattoo is made has its effect as well. A professionally done job is a lot easier to remove in comparison with a lousy one.
What Are the Side Effects?
The side effects are generally mild in nature and do not last for a very long time. Swelling, redness and itching are very common and usually last day or two. If you want to avoid discomfort, use an icepack to sooth the treated area. In some rare cases, skin discoloration can also take place. The problem should subside on its own but you still should discuss it with your doctor immediately.
Photosensitivity is to be expected to develop after the treatment. This can last from a few days to a few weeks, varying in individuals. It is imperative to protect the skin against the harmful UV rays. Avoid exposure to the sun during peak hours. When you go out during day time, wear a broad spectrum sunscreen. A large floppy hat also helps. If the tattoo removal is taking place on a part other than the face of the neck, be sure that you cover it with clothing to protect against the sun.
What Kind of Downtime Is Expected?
For most people, there is no downtime after the treatment. Doctors recommend rest after the treatment to allow quicker recovery of the skin. Some of the common chores like working out and application of makeup may be restricted after the treatment for a couple of days. When getting the treatment for the first time, it is ideal to take some time off from the work in order to understand the post-treatment effects.
Why Choose Laser?
There are some very compelling reasons as to why the laser treatment is chosen. It is highly effective and takes little time to bring the desired results, better than the rest of the treatments. It is also minimally invasive and side effects are next to nothing. It is surely the one that takes the least toll on the body with the best of results.
In order for you to get rid of unwanted tattoos, action is required. See your dermatologist and discuss the Laser Tattoo Removal in Dubai. Getting the tattoo removed with laser is the easiest and most effective option of all.
By Usman Shah
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