There are many options available when it comes to tattoo removal. Some are more effective than others. Some leave behind scars while others do not. Before deciding on any one tattoo removal option it is best to do some research to determine what would work best for you.

Probably the most common form people use for tattoo removal is a topical cream that promises gradual fading until the tattoo is gone. These creams can fade the tattoo, but that’s about as far as it goes. Because the creams cannot get deep enough into the skin to where the ink resides, it is impossible for the cream to remove the ink. It does tend to speed the aging process, and by causing the skin to rapidly turn over, it can cause the tattoo to fade. A word of caution though is that some of these creams have harsh chemicals that can permanently change the texture of your skin. If you are wanting to tattoo over the area, it may be difficult for the new ink to stay in the skin where it was placed.

Another way to remove a tattoo is through dermabrasion or salibrasion. Both work by literally scrubbing off layers of skin until you reach the dermal layer where the ink resides. Salibrasion uses salt whereas dermabrasion uses a motor driven wire brush. Both can and most likely will leave scarring slightly larger than the tattoo.

Excision is another option for tattoo removal. Excision is a surgical procedure where the skin is opened and the ink is cut out, then the outer layer is sewed back together. This can and often does result in scarring, but is a great option for those who have had allergic reactions to the tattoo ink.

A newer procedure for tattoo removal is the use of a saline type solution that is applied under the skin just as a tattoo would be applied. The solution then bonds to the ink and aids in pushing it out of the body through scabbing. The reviews for this type of procedure are a mix of good and bad. Going over a tattoo a second or third time can result in scarring, especially if you are prone to scarring easily. Also it is possible your body won’t respond well to the solution.

And finally, laser tattoo removal. Laser tattoo removal seems to be the “gold standard” of tattoo removal options. Today’s lasers are designed to target the ink in the skin. The energy from the laser is applied just long enough to cause the ink to shatter and then cool without causing permanent damage to the skin. The downside is that some lasers are used improperly or are incorrectly calibrated. When this is the case, scarring can occur. Another disadvantage is that multiple treatments are required to fully remove a tattoo. The average number of treatments is between 5 and 10.

There are pros and cons to nearly every option available. The key is to do your research, weigh the pros and cons, and determine the right method for you and your tattoo. At Vanish we offer free consultations where you are able to meet with the laser specialists and have all of your questions answered. You are never under any obligation to begin treatment, however if you do decide to start, time is set aside so that you may start the same day, in most cases.