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Whether you made a common mistake of getting a tattoo after having a few too many drinks one night or if you are just plain sick of a tattoo that you have had for a while, there are some methods for removing that unwanted tattoo. One word of caution when going through the tattoo removal process is some methods won’t be easy and could be painful, while others might not be guaranteed full removal. You can use this knowledge in making your decision on how you want to remove a tattoo.
Common Methods To Remove That Unwanted Tattoo
One very common technique to the tattoo removal process is by using a laser. What the laser does is it breaks up the ink that is in your skin so that your body can absorb it. This process does take a few treatments in order for a complete removal of the tattoo. It can be a painful process and there is a big possibility of you being left with a scar.
The use of glycolic acid is an alternative method to the laser. This is an acid that helps bring the ink to the surface of the skin and can be removed once it reaches this point. Unlike a laser, using glycolic acid helps to reduce the chances of scarring after the process.
Another form of tattoo removal is called excision. This is a bit more painful than the others as it involves actually cutting off the skin where the tattoo is and then sewing the skin back together. This usually always comes with a scar afterwards.
Dermabrasion is another form of removing that unwanted tattoo from your skin. This is basically the process of wetting your skin down and then scrubbing it or sanding it over and over until there is no signs of the tattoo left. This is also a painful method but can be considered. There is also another method of tattoo removal which is similar to dermabrasion called cryosurgery which uses a freezing substance which is applied to the tattoo and then is scrubbed or sanded off.
What To Expect And How To Treat Skin After The Removal Of A Tattoo
The first day after the procedure you should expect some swelling or blistering. You want to treat the effected area just like you would a sunburn as it will be very tender. You should use an antibiotic ointment and dressing to prevent infection. Consult your physician if pain persists, however Tylenol (acetaminophen) usually helps. You will experience a scab approximately two weeks later if not earlier.
Tattoo Removal is not always an easy process, but is definitely an option if you made the mistake of getting an unwanted tattoo or are ready to remove an old one. Just be sure to follow all postoperative instructions for full recovery. Be patient with the healing process and do not expect full recovery for at least 6 to 8 weeks after the process.
If you are interested in reading more, there’s another really good tattoo removal article here on the Beauty Buzz Website.
