Years ago, you just had to have that certain tattoo. Now that you're older and wiser, what can you do about it? Are there tattoo removal options that really work?
BALTIMORE, Aug. 31, 2011 — We've all made mistakes, so it's easy to forgive and forget. A tattoo, however, never lets you forget. Maybe the tattoo that made you so proud when you first got it now makes you cringe. Perhaps your tattoo, being many years old, has shifted from its original site or the ink has blurred. Whatever the reason, do you wish you could just wipe the slate clean? Now you can!
Laser Treatments Come to the Rescue
Tattoo removal has come a long way. Today's laser procedures do a remarkable job, removing multicolor tattoos with minimal scarring. You may also need fewer sessions to complete the process than ever before.
The safety and effectiveness of tattoo removal has improved in recent years, thanks to advances in laser technology. Laser treatments — very precise, very intense pulses of light — break down the pigments deep in the skin, after which they are absorbed by the body naturally, through the lymphatic system. As a result, the tattoo gradually fades away.
Are Laser Treatments Easy?
Black pigment is the easiest to remove, but red and dark blue respond well, too. Green, orange, light blue, and white pigments have presented a challenge in the past, but today's lasers can dissolve them over time. Color isn't the only factor that affects removal, though. Tattoos on thick-skinned areas like the abdomen require fewer sessions than those on thin-skinned areas, such as an ankle.
The number of treatments required for removing tattoos can vary immensely, depending on the size and colors used. The average number of sessions required is between 6 and 15.
Some people compare the laser sensations to the feeling of a rubber band snapping against their skin. Topical anesthesia is applied to your tattoo before each treatment to keep discomfort to a minimum. While each session usually takes only a few minutes, you have to wait approximately 6-12 weeks between appointments to allow the site to heal properly. Side effects can include some redness and minimal swelling. Both subside shortly after treatment.
If you're looking to return to a clean slate, find a licensed plastic surgeon or dermatologist (such as the experts at the Cosmetic Surgery Center of Maryland) and ask about laser tattoo removal.
About The Cosmetic Surgery Center of Maryland: CSCMD is a nationally recognized cosmetic surgery practice located in the Baltimore area. Their offices are in the Bellona Surgery Center at 8322 Bellona Avenue, Suite 300, Towson, MD 21204. They can be reached at 410-296-0414 or at http://www.cscmd.com.
Media Contact: Lauren Weinberg, Cosmetic Surgery Center of Maryland, 410-296-0414, http://www.cscmd.com
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