How to, Cost, Before and After Pictures and more

Thinking of getting some ink removed? There are several ways to approach tattoo removal:

• laser removal
• surgical resection
• skin scraping

Tattoo removal generally works, but some tattoos are much harder to remove than others. Older tattoos as well as stick tattoos are easier to remove than newer ones, for example.

Some colors are easier to remove than others. These include:

Larger, more colorful tattoos are usually more time-consuming and expensive to remove than smaller, lighter, and less colorful ones.

Because of the risk of side effects, it may also be more difficult to remove tattoos if you have:

• darker skin
• a pre-existing skin condition, such as eczema;
• a health condition affecting the skin, such as herpes;

However, that doesn’t mean you can’t get your tattoo removed if any of these apply to you. It just means that you may need to spend a little more time finding the best removal option for you.

When considering your tattoo removal options, you’ll want to consider several factors, including:

• cost
• risk of scarring
• effectiveness
• time commitment

Again, these factors will largely depend on the size, complexity and condition of your tattoo, as well as your skin.

Here’s a quick look at how different types of tattoo removal compare to each other, followed by a more in-depth look at each.

Most experts consider laser removal to be the most successful and cost-effective way to remove tattoos. Often, lasers do not completely remove a tattoo. Instead, they lighten or fade it significantly so that it is much less noticeable.

Today, most tattoos are removed with a Q-switched laser, which emits energy in a powerful pulse. This pulse of energy heats the ink on your skin to dissolve it. You will need to receive a series of laser treatments over several weeks or longer to remove your tattoo. Older or less complex tattoos will require fewer sessions, while newer or more complex tattoos will require more.

If you have darker skin, you may want to consider Q-switched Nd:YAG laser treatment, which is less likely to change the color of dark skin than traditional Q-switched lasers.

In general, it takes approx 7 to 10 sessions to remove a tattoo with laser treatment. You should wait 6 to 8 weeks between sessions for best results.

After each session, you will want to follow any aftercare instructions you are given. Usually, this involves applying antibacterial ointment to your skin for several days. The ointment will help heal your skin and reduce the risk of infection. Change the wound dressing each time you apply the ointment.

For at least the next 2 weeks:

• Keep the treated area clean and dry.
• Avoid wearing tight clothing.
• Avoid exposing the treated area to direct sunlight.
• Do not pick at crusts or blisters that form.

Laser tattoo removal usually carries a lower risk of scarring than other removal options, just be sure not to pick at the area as it heals, as this can increase the risk of scarring.

Surgical removal, also called excision tattoo removal, involves cutting away the tattooed skin and stitching the remaining skin together. It is the most invasive method of tattoo removal, but also the only guaranteed way to completely remove a tattoo.

It is often less expensive than laser removal, but always leaves a scar. As a result, it is usually only done on smaller tattoos.

Surgical excision is usually performed in a plastic surgery office. You will be given a local anesthetic before the surgeon uses a sharp, knife-like instrument called a scalpel to cut through the tattooed skin. Then, they will sew the rest of the skin back together. The process itself can take a few hours, depending on the size of the tattoo.

The healing process will take several weeks. During this time, you will want to apply the prescribed or recommended ointment for several days to help your skin heal and avoid the risk of infection. Keep the site clean and out of the sun for at least 2 weeks and follow your surgeon’s aftercare instructions.

Dermabrasion involves using a grinding device to remove layers of skin to allow the ink to wash away. Its effectiveness varies greatly from person to person, making it a less popular option.

You’ll want to skip dermabrasion if you have very sensitive skin or a skin condition like eczema. If you take blood thinners, you may also be at a higher risk of bleeding, bruising, and changes in the color of your skin after the procedure. People with darker skin may also have a greater risk of skin pigment changes.

During a typical dermabrasion session, a clinician will administer a local anesthetic to reduce any pain. They will use a high-speed rotating abrasive device that scrapes away the top layers of skin to allow the tattoo ink to escape.

Typically, this is done during a procedure in a cosmetic surgeon’s office. The duration of the procedure depends on the size and color of your tattoo. Larger tattoos with multiple colors may take more than an hour to treat.

The treated area will likely feel sore and raw for several days after the procedure

Full recovery may take 2 to 3 weeks. Pinkness or discoloration of the treated area usually fades in 8 to 12 weeks.

As you recover, your clinician may advise you to:

• Apply an ointment to prevent infection.
• Avoid direct sunlight for 3 to 6 months after the procedure.
• Apply sunscreen to the area whenever you are outside.
• Avoid wearing tight clothing on the area until it heals.
• Avoid soaking the area in water as it heals.

Some people experience scarring from dermabrasion treatments. You can reduce scarring by:

• using the prescribed ointments
• wearing sunscreen
• avoiding the sun
• using anti-scarring oils and creams, after the treatment site has completely healed

After treatment, dermabrasion can cause:

• changes in skin color, such as lightening, darkening or spots;
• contamination
• redness or discoloration, swelling and bleeding
• scars

To prevent these complications, be sure to follow your doctor’s aftercare instructions. Make sure the clinician is also properly licensed and has good reviews (more on this later)

If you’re not trying to get a tattoo without a tattoo, it might also be worth considering getting a cover-up tattoo.

A cover-up can be a cost-effective, quick option to cover up your existing tattoo. This method is a good option if you don’t like your tattoo design but wouldn’t mind another tattoo.

When you ask a tattoo artist to do a cover-up, they will work with you to design a tattoo that can be used to cover up what you already have.

This may include creating a design with heavier lines, more shading, or unique shapes. Many tattoo artists are quite skilled at creating new designs to hide unwanted tattoos.

Once you’ve agreed on a design, your tattoo artist will apply the coverage just like they did your original tattoo.