Things to Consider When Removing Tattoos
by Dr Chen Tai Ho | Feb 11, 2015
Hi all, hope the week continues to treat all of you well. Today I want to talk about tattoo removals and what you should consider when contemplating removal. It is not an easy process and there are several things to keep in mind when opting for it. Things such as colours, side effects and follow-up treatments are just a few aspects. Read on more below.
What Should I Expect?
Will I regret this? Would I want to get another tattoo in the same spot in the future? What if my skin never fully recovers? Just like getting a tattoo, removing it is a procedure that is permanent and you should consider all the options and possibilities before going ahead with it.
Firstly, your skins reaction to laser treatment will be assessed as this is the most crucial part of the procedure. The most effective option needs to be determined, and if laser treatment is not suitable for your skin, there is no other real alternative for clean and effective tattoo removal. The size of your tattoo will also play a big part in this. Tattoos that are smaller in surface area will require less intensive laser beams while larger tattoos naturally will need more pulses and a more intensive beam.
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| The size of your tattoo determines what the laser intensity needs to be (pic from tattoosfx.com) |
Regardless of laser intensity, you are likely to require several sessions in order to effectively remove traces of your tattoo. After each session, your skin should display progressive improvements and the ink from the tattoo should become lighter and lighter in colour.
Is the Procedure Safe?
The development of new technology means laser tattoo removal is much more effective than before, with not much risk of scarring (however, this is not a guarantee!) It is definitely more effective than methods such as dermabrasion or excision, all of which cause extensive damage to your skin and can leave lasting marks or scars.
Blue and black ink tends to react positively to laser treatments, while other colours may or may not respond accordingly. Some colours may prove hard to remove and this is something you should consult with your doctor before going ahead with the treatment.
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| Blue and black ink tends to react the best to the laser treatment |
What Side Effects Are There?
Side effects tend to be minimal; however they should not be simply dismissed. The area of the skin where the tattoo is to be removed is at risk of becoming infected and there is also the possibility of the pigment in your skin not being removed completely. This may leave an unsightly colour mark on your skin. There is also the chance of a permanent scar developing after the treatment, which may prove to be unsightly, especially if your tattoo is on a prominent part of your body.
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| An example of a removed tattoo, but with slight scarring still visible |
There is also a slight risk of hypopigmentation – this is when the skin that is treated turns out to be paler than the skin around it. Alternatively, you may also develop hyperpigmentation where the skin turns out to be darker.
If you have any questions or want to schedule an appointment, please call us at +6012-662 5552 or email us at contactus@premier-clinic.com today!
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