Will the tattoo be completely removed? How to remove a tattoo: professional and folk methods. Remote tattoo, expectations and reality

Tattoos have been around for thousands of years. Humanity knows of tattoos made more than five thousand years ago. The stigma associated with them seems to have disappeared over the past few decades. Now the skin decorated in this way becomes familiar. Almost everyone has at least one tattoo. Some people are too afraid of decorating themselves this way because it is forever. In fact, thanks to the advancement of technology, removing a tattoo is no longer a problem. Available options appear. If you want to get rid of an image that you stopped liking a long time ago, or want to find a place for a new tattoo, getting rid of the old one may well solve the problem! But before you go to the salon, you should find out exactly what you have to deal with.

How does tattoo removal work?

The simplest explanation of how tattoo removal occurs is as follows: the laser simply destroys the ink particles. Some of the ink comes out to the surface of the skin, and the part that remains is destroyed into smaller and smaller pieces. After a series of procedures, the particles are so small that they are simply no longer visible. A more professional explanation for traditional laser tattoo removal is that it involves selective photothermolysis. This is a process in which a specific wavelength of light and vibrations are directed towards the tattoo.
The target is heated until it is completely destroyed, while there is no harm to the skin surrounding the image. A special laser creates a photomechanical effect, physically destroying tattoo particles. Small particles are then processed by the body.

There are several ways to remove a tattoo

Laser tattoo removal is the most popular method. However, a tattoo can also be removed surgically. When there were no lasers, chemical peels and dermabrasion were used. These methods come with a high likelihood of scarring and other unwanted side effects. However, laser removal itself has several varieties and techniques.
For example, removal can be combined with laser treatments commonly used to treat wrinkles, pigmentation and scars. There are also a variety of whitening procedures. During one visit to a specialist, several different tactics can be used. During your tattoo removal consultation, your doctor will explain your options.

How many sessions will be required?

A traditional laser requires ten to twenty treatments to remove a tattoo, and there is always the possibility that the result will be unsatisfactory. Either way, you should know that there are many factors that influence how a tattoo will respond to laser removal.
Among the factors are the age of the tattoo, the technique of its application, location on the body, and the color of the ink. However, in most cases it is possible to get rid of the tattoo. For example, innovative technologies make it possible to do this in six procedures. This is a real revolution in skin cleansing.

The process depends on your tattoo.

Consultation with a doctor or dermatologist is necessary before tattoo removal because the procedure is individualized. Just because you heard from a friend that a tattoo can be completely removed in two treatments, you shouldn't expect the same result for you. In fact, it all depends especially on the color. A black tattoo is easiest to remove even with traditional lasers. Innovative techniques do a better job with blue and green shades. You should also take care to minimize the risk of scarring and pigmentation. Protect the treated area from sun exposure before and after treatment until the skin recovers.

You will feel slight discomfort

You've already had a tattoo, so the sensation won't be a surprise to you, but either way, you need to know that tattoo removal won't be completely painless. It's unpleasant, but there are many ways to minimize the pain. Numbing cream and ice will reduce discomfort from the laser if the tattoo is small enough.
You should also know that the location of the tattoo can determine how painful and unpleasant you will experience it. There are more sensitive parts of the body. If you feel pain, local anesthesia may help. Sometimes the procedure does not cause pain, but discomfort appears after it; as a rule, it does not impair the quality of life.

What to expect after tattoo removal?

After the laser removal procedure, the tattooed area will be red, swollen, and damaged. Sometimes blisters and scabs appear. Be sure to reapply skin repair product frequently and wear a bandage until the treated area is completely healed. If you want to remove a tattoo to get a new one, you may want to wait a while before applying a new design. Many patients choose to lighten tattoos to add a new one over an old one or to change the design. Once the skin has completely healed from the laser, it will be safe to get the tattoo again. Therefore, you should wait from one to four weeks, depending on the area of the body where the tattoo is. You can find out more detailed information on this matter after the procedure from a specialist who performs tattoo removal.

Tattoo removal comes with risks.

Like most medical procedures, tattoo removal comes with some risks. It is important to have the procedure done by a board-certified dermatologist who knows how to use the laser. Risks include scarring and pigmentation, which is the lightening or darkening of the skin. It is important to use the appropriate wavelength and specific frequency for the laser procedure to proceed correctly. In addition, there is a chance that you will be offered to refuse tattoo removal altogether. Many illnesses, the use of certain medications or the consequences of other procedures may be contraindications. Safe skin treatment is possible for everyone, but only if the right laser with the right parameters is available. That is why it is so important to contact qualified specialists who understand the procedure you are interested in at the proper level.

Tattoo removal will cost a lot of money

If you think that getting a tattoo is not scary because you can remove it at any time, you are mistaken. Despite the growing popularity of the procedure, tattoo removal has not yet become cheap. The price is quite impressive, so you will have to pay a lot. Getting a tattoo is much cheaper. Therefore, you should think about the design as carefully as possible so that you do not have to plan to remove or change it later.

Think twice before removing a tattoo

Just like before application, you should consider all your options before removal if you want to get rid of your tattoo. Do your research and talk to different salons before you begin a series of treatments. Remember that tattoo removal can be expensive and time consuming. Do everything safely and correctly so as not to face side effects and disappointment later.

Tattoo is one of the ways of self-expression. As it turns out, self-expression is one of the main life desires of every person, and tattoos have long ceased to evoke associations with bikers, rockers and long-distance sailors. Today, both TV stars and ordinary people try to paint their bodies as much as possible. Tattooing, unlike a regular tattoo, allows us not only to express ourselves, but also makes life much easier. However, even this does not prevent permanent makeup from becoming, in some cases, not a joy for the eyes, but a burden and an irritant. According to statistics, up to 40% of people who get a tattoo decide to remove it after some time. How do people get rid of their once-loved body art today?

The factors that prompt a person’s desire to remove pigment from under the skin can be different:

new trends in the fashion world;
change in life views and priorities;
tattoo inconsistency with the position;
other indirect factors.

However, there are other, direct reasons for tattoo removal: over time, any body design can become deformed and stretched, which looks extremely unattractive. In such cases, the tattoo can simply be corrected by making an appointment with a specialist for correction. Often, masters in the field of permanent makeup convince their clients that tattooing is really necessary for them, because removing tattoos and covering it with a new design requires special professionalism and skills from the specialist.

Some artists offer their clients to apply a pigment to the tattoo that matches their skin color - the so-called camouflage . This technique is intended only to disguise an unnecessary tattoo, giving it the color of the skin tone. However, most often the body pattern still remains noticeable and only its saturation changes.

If you still decide to completely remove the tattoo, then you should stock up on time and finances. Be prepared for the consequences that may remain on the body after the removal procedure.

Contraindications for tattoo removal:

inflammatory or dermatological diseases in the area of removal;
skin injuries in the removal area;
cardiovascular diseases;
acute infectious diseases;
epilepsy;
oncological diseases;
pregnancy and lactation.

Goodbye tattoo

Removing any tattoo is considered the most difficult process in the tattoo world. You need to get rid of annoying drawings only in clinics that have all the necessary licenses and offer the services of real professionals. This procedure almost always requires repeated repetitions and still leaves marks on the skin.

The number of tattoo removal procedures is affected by:

tattoo area;
depth of pigment introduction;
thickness of the skin in the tattoo area;
gender and age of the tattoo owner.

Body drawings made at one time with professional equipment are much easier to remove than those applied by an amateur. Also, the process of tattoo removal is affected by its age: fresh designs are removed more easily than those made a long time ago. If you decide to have your tattoo removed, you need to prepare not only for the financial and time costs, but also for the scars in the removal area. Whether they will be noticeable depends on the professionalism of the artist, the technique of removing pigment from under the skin and the specifics of the recovery period. However, if we talk about removing luminous patterns, then at the moment a method for removing them without scars has not been developed.

Ways to get rid of tattoos - down with laser

Surgical excision . You can get rid of a tattoo in one session. The area of skin along with the pattern is completely cut off, the edges of the wound are stitched, and in some cases, skin is additionally transplanted from other, clean areas. Typically, surgical excision is used as a last resort if other methods have not brought the desired results. Naturally, scars will remain on the skin.

Grinding. Not long ago, this method was one of the most popular in removing body art. This method involves gradually cutting off the top layers of skin using a diamond cutter. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and consists of two stages: first, the thin top layer of skin is removed, allowing access directly to the dermal layer of the skin and the tattoo pigment. At the second stage, another tool attachment cuts off the lower layer of the dermis (skin) along with the tattoo. It takes two to three sessions to completely remove a tattoo, and the healing process can take several months.

Grinding is considered a very harsh method of tattoo removal. In the process of tattoo removal, not only the design is removed, but also the skin that is adjacent to it. Disadvantages of the method: the formation of severe edema in the injured area and later a temporary crust, the risk of infection of soft tissues with subsequent scarring.

Dermabrasion (exfoliation). This method of tattoo removal is quite popular today, despite the fact that it has identical consequences to the grinding method. The method of layer-by-layer exfoliation of the upper layers of the skin occurs using a stream of aluminum salt crystals, which operates under a set pressure.

Electrocoagulation. This method, in turn, involves cauterizing the tattoo with electrodes using high-frequency current. It is performed under local anesthesia. After electrocoagulation, a dry scab forms on the treated area, which peels off after 7-10 days. The procedure is painful and there is a high probability of scarring. Adherents of this method of tattoo removal should pay attention to the fact that if the procedure is not carried out professionally, a burn may remain on the skin. Pigment is removed by 90%.

(a liquid nitrogen). The procedure is as follows: an applicator soaked in liquid nitrogen is pressed onto the tattoo. Freezing exposure time depends on the depth of the tattoo. The procedure is painful, so it is performed under local anesthesia. As the skin is frozen with liquid nitrogen, it begins to turn pale, becomes white and dense, and a white rim appears along its periphery. Then a thermal burn forms on the skin, and the pattern swells. After a day, an epidermal bubble with serous or hemorrhagic contents forms. The bubble usually lasts up to 5-7 days. After which a dry crust appears in its place. After 7 days, it disappears, leaving a pink scar on the skin, which soon lightens and becomes almost invisible. Barely noticeable traces of the tattoo may remain, as approximately 90% of the coloring pigment is removed.

Chemical peeling — removal of the skin using special acids. A medium peel removes the stratum corneum of the skin and may require multiple treatments. With deep peeling, the entire thickness of the skin is affected. This is a painful and traumatic method. There is a risk of scarring and hyperpigmentation.

Tattoo removal creams . The principle of action of external products is based on the biochemical process of extracting coloring pigment from the skin. The cream is mixed with paint, and then rejected by the body and excreted. After drying, a crust forms on the skin, which disappears over time. The recovery period takes from 1 to 3 months for tattooing and up to 6 months for a regular tattoo. To ensure deep penetration, such a cream is applied using the same equipment as the tattoo itself. Requires several sessions. Not recommended for use when tattooing the eye area and mucous membranes.

Laser special effects

In the 1980s, tattoo removal reached a new level: the invention of the laser became a powerful breakthrough in beauty medicine. These devices made it possible not only to remove body designs, but also to correct them. The process of laser processing of body patterns is based on a slight thermal effect on anatomical tissue.

Laser tattoo removal is still considered one of the safest methods, however, it is not without certain disadvantages:

long-term skin restoration;
the likelihood of only partial removal of pigment;
high risk of scarring and scarring.

New generation laser devices are capable of projecting a beam clearly onto the tattooed skin, as a result of which the laser energy is absorbed by the dye, and it is split into small particles, which the body later removes with blood and lymph.

Modern aesthetic medicine offers more than one type of laser that can remove tattoos.

Ruby laser is considered especially effective in the process of removing blue, black and green pigments introduced only into the upper layers of the skin. If the tattoo is a deep injection of pigment, then the ruby laser will not cope with it. To reach the deeper layers of the skin, you will have to increase the strength of the light beam, which can lead to pigmentation problems and scarring. Another disadvantage of this device is its slow operation, so this laser can be used to produce only small drawings.

Alexandrite laser its mechanism of action is similar to Ruby. Effective only on blue, black and green pigments, does not cope with deep tattooing, but its main advantage is its speed.

Diode laser mainly used to remove dark pigments, but at the same time it can also cope with red, yellow, brown colors. 2-3 weeks after the procedure, the dye is completely removed from the body, and the injured skin has time to recover. However, this ideal laser has its drawbacks: it has a bad effect on the hair follicle, so its use is highly undesirable for removing eyebrow tattoos. You can get rid of not only pigment, but also eyebrow hairs.

Neodymium laser combines all the best characteristics of the above lasers: works quickly and affects tattoos of any color and any depth of insertion. There are two types of Neodymium laser: infrared and yellow-green. The first brings out black, dark blue and dark green pigment from under the skin. When using this type of laser, the risk of pigmentation changes and spots on the skin is low. If we talk about the yellow-green laser, then it is effective in removing red, orange and yellow colors, which are always introduced deeper than shades of black, blue and green tones. The yellow-green Neodymium laser is capable of removing both dark and light pigments introduced to any depth. Most often, it does not injure soft tissues and does not leave scars. 7 days after the procedure, the treated skin undergoes primary healing, and after three weeks it is completely restored.

After removal

After the client has undergone the tattoo removal procedure, experts recommend treating the damaged skin with a solution of potassium permanganate 2-3 times a day. 7 days after the pigment is removed from under the skin, it is recommended to apply special cosmetics that have a regenerating or moisturizing effect (bepanten, solcoseryl, baby cream with plant extracts) to the skin. For 4-5 days after getting rid of the “body painting”, it is strictly not recommended to allow the damaged skin area to come into contact with water and sunlight, so the best time of year to remove a tattoo is winter.

After any of the above procedures, scars will still remain on the skin. How noticeable they will be depends on the removal technique, the qualifications of the specialist and the characteristics of the recovery period. It is important to remember that complete removal of tattoos is impossible in many cases - there is a high probability of retaining the contours, even slightly hazy ones.

The process of removing pigment from under the skin is very long, expensive and dangerous (the possibility of scars and cicatrices, the risk of infection of soft tissues), so it is worth assessing the risks more than once and thinking carefully before deciding to tattoo a particular area of the skin. It is no coincidence that temporary tattoos using henna or other washable substances are becoming more and more popular.

Alexandra CHETYRKINA

The number of people interested in the question of how to remove a tattoo is constantly increasing. They want to remove drawings made at a young age for various reasons: disapproval of loved ones, a tattoo on an open area of the body can become an obstacle to employment, but most consider them a mistake of youth. Tattoos can be removed in several ways. There are many options for self-removal of drawings at home and professional procedures performed by specialists.

Removing tattoos at home

Often a person hopes that he can remove an unsuccessful body painting without leaving a trace on his own. In most cases, this is explained by the desire to save money or the lack of nearby special institutions that provide professional tattoo removal services. It should be understood that this will be a very long procedure, often accompanied by burns, the formation of scars. And it is impossible to guarantee 100% success and complete removal of tattoos.

According to experienced people, removing a tattoo is three times more painful than getting one. I repeat, we are talking about a professional cosmetic procedure - and some “folk” methods are even worse.

One of the most gentle methods is the use of iodine. If the image was applied with a professional machine, the needle of which penetrates shallowly under the skin, the reduction may take several weeks, and when pricked with a regular needle, it can take up to several months. The essence of the method is to apply a 5% iodine solution to the drawing. This should be done 3 times a day using a cotton swab. Under the influence of iodine, the top layer of skin dies and peels off. Gradually you can get to the lower layers of the dermis, where there is no paint. The area of the body to be treated must be open; applying bandages can lead to serious burns. It is recommended to apply antiseptic ointment to the skin at night. Small tattoos can be treated with iodine as a whole, but large ones can be treated in parts.

Sometimes people decide to carry out rather barbaric procedures at home using substances that cause burns to the epidermis. For this purpose, vinegar essence, potassium permanganate, and nitrogen and sulfuric acid are applied to the skin. After such burning, scars and cicatrices always remain, and there is a serious danger of wound infection. That is why experts recommend that before removing a tattoo at home, you should think carefully about the possible negative consequences.

Professional tattoo removal

Most of those who removed the design from the skin without a trace sought help from medical institutions and special salons that provide the opportunity to get rid of the tattoo painlessly.

Today, the laser procedure is considered the safest and most effective. It completely eliminates the formation of wounds and burns, and its result is clean, smooth skin. This happens gradually and requires several sessions, the number of which depends on individual characteristics: the color of the design, the depth of skin pigmentation, the age of the tattoo, and the ink used.

There are several ways to remove a tattoo with a laser.

The most modern is selective exposure. For this purpose, short-pulse neodymium, ruby and alexandrite lasers are used, the operation of which is based on selective photocavitation. In this case, laser light is absorbed, color pigments are discolored and destroyed without damaging the skin - the pattern brightens and disappears. A neodymium laser copes well with deep tattoos and multi-colored images, a ruby laser works with green, blue and black ink, but is ineffective for removing deep designs. The Alexandrite laser is used to get rid of dark, shallow tattoos, with the exception of those made with orange or red ink.
Laser resurfacing or ablative treatment is the removal of the top layer of the epidermis. For this procedure, CO 2 laser, thulium and erbium lasers are used. Their radiation very quickly heats the water contained in the skin cells. This causes vaporization - instant evaporation of water, protein denaturation and destruction of skin cells. Using this method, surface patterns can be removed very quickly. If the paint penetrates into the deeper layers of the skin, there is a possibility of scarring.

Laser procedures should be performed no more than once a month. In some cases, they can cause temporary redness of the skin, swelling, skin depigmentation, and hair loss in the area of the dermis exposed to the laser. To prevent possible complications, after laser procedures you should avoid sunbathing for 10-15 days.

Useful tips

The reasons why people get tattoos can be very different. Let's say I just didn't like the tattoo. Often the decision to get a tattoo is spontaneous.

And although some time passes from the emergence of such a desire to the appearance of a pattern on the skin, it is not enough for this desire to be considered mature and balanced.

There are cases when management at a new job considers tattoos on the hands or neck of their employee unacceptable, after which people are forced to look for ways to draw a picture to save your work.

Perhaps the tattoo simply “floated” due to age-related skin deformation or poor quality workmanship.

A common case of removing a design or name is when the tattoo was filled in a fit of feelings for someone. The feelings have passed - the tattoo remains. Quite a curious reason - when a person, having filled himself with beautiful hieroglyphs, later learns about their true meaning. Would you remove a tattoo like this if you found out that the ornate letters meant something like "Fast and Dumb"?

Alas, it is not always possible to remove a tattoo from the body completely without a trace!

In addition to the fact that this pleasure is sometimes expensive, and some removal procedures can be quite painful or contain contraindications. We invite you to learn everything about the most common tattoo removal methods, their effectiveness, as well as the possible consequences.

Tattoo removal

Laser tattoo removal

The most popular method of tattoo removal, often recommended to everyone who wants to remove this permanent design from the body, is physical method of tattoo removal using laser equipment. However, the fact that this method is so popular does not mean that it can be considered universal and ideal.

The method itself arose in the last century, in the 60s, thanks to the invention of gas lasers of various types. At that time, attempts to use carbon dioxide laser for tattoo removal turned out to be unproductive. Generally speaking, the main reason was the imperfection of equipment and methodology; as a result, the method is painful and the development of side effects.

In particular, exposure to a tattoo with a carbon dioxide laser led to the formation of scars due to the deep penetration of the beam in the infrared range with a wavelength of up to 10.6 micrometers. The situation was worsened by the inability to select individual laser beam parameters that would actually make this process as efficient as possible.

Is laser tattoo removal really that effective?
Those who praise the effectiveness of tattoo removal using laser equipment often claim that this method allows you to painlessly remove large-sized designs. practically without traces and with a short healing period. In reality, only small tattoos, or those that were made with shallow penetration of the coloring pigment, can “go away” without a trace.

To understand whether it will really be possible to remove a tattoo without a trace (how realistic this is at all) is sometimes possible only after a specialist begins to remove the tattoo.

Currently widely used two of the most popular laser tattoo removal methods, selected depending on the depth of the tattoo and some other parameters. We are talking about laser vaporization exfoliation and selective photocavitation.

Laser vaporization exfoliation

Laser vaporization of a tattoo is, if you like, its evaporation, carried out using an erbium laser emitting at a wavelength of 2.94 micrometers. According to the mechanism of beam action this method is sometimes called laser resurfacing, although we are still talking about layer-by-layer vaporization of the skin surface treated with erbium laser radiation.

The advantage of the method is that the penetration depth of erbium laser radiation can not exceed 5 micrometers, which, in fact, ensures layer-by-layer removal (ablation) of tissue.

This laser is much more effective than existing carbon dioxide (CO2) lasers, which are also used in modern cosmetology for tattoo removal using vaporization.

In what cases is it used for tattoo removal? CO2 laser?
The use of a CO2 laser for tattoo removal is advisable when it is necessary to remove shallow-lying patterns from water-containing tissues (for oily and porous skin). If the laser vaporization method is used to reduce deep tattoos, the likelihood of scarring increases and the healing period increases.

Ideally, if the tattoo is done professionally and the pigment lies at a moderate depth, the use of laser vaporization exfoliation method allows not only cheap and fast (5-10 minutes) completely remove a small drawing, but also to avoid obvious scars. The initial healing period of the skin after such a procedure is from two to three weeks.

Laser tattoo removal

Selective photocavitation

The method of selective photocavitation, in contrast to the previous method of removing tattoos using a laser, involves acting directly on the coloring pigment embedded in the layers of the skin.

We can say what is happening high energy pulse impact, maximum accepted by the paint pigment. In this case, it is possible to avoid damage to the skin tissue that surrounds the tattoo.

The pigment is destroyed, and the split paint particles are absorbed at the cellular level (by phagocytes) in order to subsequently be eliminated from the body due to the work lymphatic system(in the same way as various toxic substances are eliminated). Such tattoo removal is a much longer process, which, moreover, will cost more.

Typically, the pain felt when removing a tattoo with a selective laser is tolerable, but much depends on the client’s pain threshold.
In some cases it may be prescribed local anesthetic drug. To completely remove a large and complex tattoo using this method, it may take a dozen sessions and more than one year of time.

Removing a tattoo using this method is essentially a gradual lightening of the design. After each procedure, which usually lasts 5-10 minutes, must pass at least four weeks to remove split pigment from the body. The destruction of healthy (including superficial) layers of the skin is minimal, but their healing also takes time.

What skin type is easiest for people to get a laser tattoo removed?
The selective photocavitation method is suitable for all skin types, but tattoo removal is easiest for people with fair skin types. The number of sessions is determined individually, however, this method is easiest to remove tattoos from areas with thin skin (for example, from the skin of the fingers or ankles). The exact number of sessions for tattoo reduction is determined individually.

In general, the issue of timing is most often an individual one. The number of sessions is determined by the patient’s health condition, which determines the ability of his body remove split pigment. It is believed that tattoos that were applied with unprofessional paint are usually easier to remove, however, even here a lot depends on the depth of the pigment.

Fresh tattoos fade faster than old ones. One of the very important factors on which the speed of tattoo removal depends is the number of colors of the design.

It mostly depends on the color type of lasers used, which differ in the wavelength of the emitted radiation, power, and speed. To remove tattoos using a selective method, neodymium, ruby and alexandrite lasers are most often used (less commonly, diode).

Neodymium laser

The neodymium solid-state laser emitter produces a beam with a standard wavelength of 1.064 micrometers, which has high penetration into the body– up to 8 millimeters.

A neodymium laser can be universal, designed to remove all types of tattoos of any color, regardless of its location and depth.

Why is neodymium laser tattoo removal considered the most effective?
The use of a neodymium laser significantly reduces the likelihood of scar formation due to the fact that the radiation specifically affects blood vessels. Wherein the flow of nutrients to the rumen is disrupted, which, in turn, does not allow the formation of new connective tissue and scar growth.

Modern technologies used in the so-called Q-switched neodymium laser allow you to change the frequency, making it possible to also work with wavelengths of other colors. Standard laser wavelength is effective for tattoo removal black, blue and green colors. The applicator, which allows a wavelength of 0.532 micrometers, makes it possible to remove tattoos of brown, red, orange and yellow colors.

Ruby laser

Another device of solid-state emitters designed for tattoo removal using selective photocavitation is ruby laser. The operating wavelength of this equipment is 0.694 micrometers. When the laser operates, ultrashort pulses are generated, allowing it to act only on cells containing coloring pigment.

Considering the above, the most effective use of a ruby laser is considered to be for removing shallow tattoos of black, blue and green colors. Wherein tattoo saturation should be medium or lower, otherwise this type of laser will be ineffective. Removing a tattoo with a ruby laser is quite slow, which determines its use for reducing small tattoos.

Is it true that the ruby laser is an outdated technology?
The laser emitter, which uses a ruby crystal (of artificial origin) as a working fluid, is more than half a century old. He's really being pushed out universal neodymium lasers. However, modern Q-switched ruby lasers make it possible to generate ultra-short, super-powerful flashes, so it is too early to write off this type of laser.

Alexandrite laser

The Alexandrite solid-state laser, which has increased power compared to the ruby laser, is designed to reduce more deep tattoos in black and blue colors. Thanks to the operating wavelength of 0.755 micrometers, this type of laser is the most effective for removing green tattoos, which the ruby laser cannot boast of.

The Alexandrite laser is characterized not only by a higher penetration ability, but also by a more noticeable speed of action compared to the ruby laser when it comes to about processing similar tattoos. There is also the possibility of changing the wavelength in the range from 0.7 micrometers to 0.82 micrometers.

Diode laser

Since neither ruby nor alexandrite lasers are able to properly treat brown, red and yellow tattoos, it is sometimes suggested that tattoo removal using diode laser, which typically generates a wavelength of 0.81 micrometers. However, when this equipment operates, the principle of selective photocavitation is violated.

Is it worth removing a tattoo with a diode laser?
The diode laser was developed for other purposes: this emitter, generating a wave with a penetration depth of two to three millimeters, intended for hair removal, but not for tattooing. Using this equipment to remove tattoos (especially dark ones) can lead to the formation of deep scars and hygopigmentation.

At its operating wavelength, the diode laser beam hitting the hair follicle is completely absorbed by melanin, which leads to complete destruction of the hair. This is why diode lasers not recommended for use, for example, to remove tattoos in the eyebrow area (unless, of course, you want hair to no longer grow in this area!).

Tattoo removal

Consequences of laser tattoo removal

It is obvious that, regardless of the type of laser used to remove a tattoo, faster and better results await those whose design is located in the superficial layers of the skin and differs in smaller sizes. It must be said that lasers are used not only to remove tattoos, but also to correct them (softening shadows, brightening individual areas).

What are the real "fresh" consequences of a tattoo removal session?
Pigmentation of the area of skin from which the tattoo is removed, its redness, changes in skin texture and peeling are quite normal effects of laser work, which are usually temporary. Under no circumstances should the crusts that appear at the site of the tattoo be torn off, as they should soon fall off on their own.

Any specialist is obliged to provide the client with the necessary recommendations for skin care after tattoo removal, as well as educate on the subject possible consequences of deletion. It is not recommended to wet the area of skin after a drawing session for three days. You should also avoid exposing this area to direct sunlight.

It is usually recommended to treat the removal site with a thin layer of cream or ointment that contains panthenol. Treatment is carried out within a week, the ointment is applied on average three to four times a day. For a period of up to two weeks, you should avoid visiting the sauna, steam baths and taking hot baths. Since excessive sweating impedes healing, it makes sense to temporarily reduce the intensity of physical activity.

Benefits of laser tattoo removal:

1) Allows you to remove large and deep tattoos.
2) High efficiency of the method in terms of aesthetics.
3) Low traumatic and painful removal.
4) Low likelihood of deep scars.
5) Relatively short healing period.
6) Possibility of removing tattoos from delicate areas.

Disadvantages of laser tattoo removal:

1) The method does not always provide complete removal of tattoos, which necessitates several procedures with large intervals between them.
2) The method is expensive.

Contraindications to laser tattoo removal:

1) The presence of cancer, psoriasis, allergic skin diseases.
2) Some stages of diabetic disease, diseases of the blood, blood vessels and heart, a number of chronic conditions (it is worth consulting a doctor).
3) Epileptic and mental illnesses.
4) Periods of pregnancy and lactation.
5) Too tanned skin, presence of fresh skin defects.
6) Increased sensitivity of the skin to ultraviolet rays; taking medications that increase skin sensitivity.

Surgical tattoo removal

The surgical method of tattoo removal has become widespread, as, in fact, there is no alternative, even before the development modern methods of influencing tattoos within the framework of so-called aesthetic medicine. At the same time, surgical tattoo removal (surgical excision of a tattoo) is considered extremely effective for reducing small designs.

Today, experts consider this method of tattoo removal to be an extreme method, which is used in cases where other methods have failed to achieve the desired result, or when the use of other methods of tattoo reduction is considered unacceptable for some reason. For example, some patients experience the formation of keloid scars when removing a tattoo, although they managed to avoid this when getting tattooed.

Which tattoos are easiest to remove surgically?
The highest chances of a successful outcome of the surgical procedure are when removing narrow tattoos (about one centimeter wide), the length of which does not exceed seven centimeters. Wherein we are talking about linear images(inscriptions, linear patterns). The surgical method of removal is determined by a specialist during a consultation, depending on the size of the tattoo and the depth of the pigment.

One of the methods of surgical intervention to remove a tattoo or its fragment is, in fact, excision of a section of skin. The surgeon uses a special instrument (called a dermatome and intended for removing skin areas) cuts off all layers of the epidermis and then the subcutaneous connective tissue (dermis) in very thin layers.

This procedure is performed under the influence of local anesthetics. The skin damage resulting from excision heals naturally thanks to the so-called marginal epithelialization.

In other words, overgrowth of the dermis and epidermis occurs through, if you like, the growth of fresh epithelium (actually, tissue covering the surface of the body), “creeping” onto the damage from the edges of the wound.

Another method of removing the same narrow linear elements of a tattoo is also possible, which is considered acceptable if it is possible to gather the skin at the site of the design into a fold. Then the surgeon simply removes the area of skin with the pattern, and then applies delicate cosmetic stitches to the resulting wound. In this case, there is every chance of getting a barely noticeable scar.

Is it possible to remove a tattoo in one operation?
One operation is often not enough. Essentially, the procedure for surgically removing tattoos is identical to removing scar tissue. (surgical excision of scars). Often the operation is carried out in several stages. The intervals between stages can range from three months to six months, depending on the rate of tissue regeneration.

The process of tissue regeneration is an exclusively individual issue, although, if we talk about a healthy young body, it is usually the healing period takes place in the shortest possible time. It's a completely different matter when it comes to removing tattoos from large areas of the body. In this case, it may be necessary to cover the wound with a fragment of skin.

Several options are possible for carrying out such a procedure. One of them is to transfer a piece of skin from another part of the body (for example, from the thigh, back or buttock).

Essentially, we are talking about skin plastic surgery, the effectiveness of which is often determined by the survival rate of the transplanted area. Unfortunately, in 30 percent of cases, skin rejection occurs due to difficulties associated with the connection of blood vessels under the skin.

Another method involves cultivating a kind of skin reserve. To do this, surgeons implant one (sometimes two) special balloon (like a rubber bulb) into the areas adjacent to the tattoo. To do this, incisions are made next to the tattoo. Over a period of time (usually one and a half to three months), a certain amount of a special gel is pumped into the balloons, which causes the skin to stretch.

Then the balloons are removed, the tattoo is removed, and the wound is closed with a “grown” area of skin. The advantage of this method, called the expander dermotension method, is that most of the blood vessels are preserved, nourishing the stretched area of skin.

This operation is a long and labor-intensive process, which, however, reduces the risk of rejection by up to five percent.

The main disadvantage of this procedure is the need to use general anesthesia. There is, however, another way to “tighten” the skin tissue adjacent to the tattoo using the so-called plastics with local tissues.

In this case, several tissue-weakening incisions are made near the design, which allow you to cover the tattoo removal site. In this case, the number of cosmetic stitches increases.

From which areas of the body is it best to remove tattoos surgically?
Tattoos are best removed surgically from areas with a thick layer of subcutaneous fat. Usually, unless we are talking about a very thin person, these are the thighs, buttocks and stomach. Tattoos are removed well from the legs and shoulders. A little worse - from the forearms and lower back. It is much more difficult to perform surgical excision of tattoos in the face, back of the hands and feet, ankle area, and lower leg.

When removing a large tattoo surgically, even from an area with a good subcutaneous fat layer, the surgeon always faces the task of minimizing scar stretching. This is why doctors often choose step-by-step operation, at intervals of three months to six months, rather than allowing large areas of skin with excessive scarring to be removed.

How to remove a tattoo

Consequences of surgical tattoo removal

The main result by which the client and the surgeon evaluate the success of the operation is not only whether the tattoo was completely removed, but also how it happened postoperative scar formation.

Ideally, of course, I would like it to be completely invisible, but it is usually possible to evaluate the operation from this point of view no earlier than six months later.

Read also: Tattoo meanings: tattoos of mythical creatures, celestial bodies and popular figures

If we talk directly about the postoperative period, then a person who has undergone surgery to remove a tattoo is usually required to protect the place where the sutures are placed (it is usually sealed adhesive bandage) from excessive exposure to water. And if you can take a shower after 4-5 days, then to take a bath or visit the sauna you should wait until the stitches are removed.

In the first five days, you should avoid physical activity, which can lead to seam divergence. If the healing process occurs properly, the stitches will be removed within five to ten days. If your doctor has prescribed you to take medications that prevents the formation of rough scars, or applying ointments, you should strictly follow its instructions.

In some cases, additional regular wound dressings may be necessary. The main danger may be infection of postoperative sites or formation of keloid scars. Often, the patient may be recommended to wear special stickers that prevent the edges of the wound from diverging. This usually lasts two to three weeks after surgery.

Benefits of surgical tattoo removal:

1) The method ensures complete removal of tattoos.
2) When removing small tattoos, an indistinguishable cosmetic seam remains, which disappears over time.

Disadvantages of surgical tattoo removal:

1) Not suitable for removing very large tattoos.
2) Mandatory use of painkillers and sometimes general anesthesia.
3) The method is highly traumatic and difficult to tolerate by the body when removing large tattoos.
4) There is a possibility that the transplanted area of skin will not take root, which will require additional operations.
5) High cost of operations.
6) After removal of large and deep tattoos, there is a possibility of large visible scars.
7) The difficulty of applying the method to remove tattoos from intimate areas, hands, and face.
8) Long healing period.

Contraindications to surgical tattoo removal:

1) The presence of serious diseases of the cardiovascular system.
2) The presence of infectious diseases, allergic skin diseases.

Dermabrasion (mechanical peeling)

If the word “dermabrasion” may be uninformative for those people who are far from cosmetology, then the term “mechanical peeling” can say a lot even to laymen. Essentially, we are talking about scraping or sanding the skin using, for example, a diamond-coated cutter, which ensures the removal of tattoo pigment. It is clear that this procedure is indicated for people with exceptionally healthy skin.

Dermabrasion, being a common cosmetic procedure, is indicated for removing tattoos that were applied to the skin from shallow occurrence of the coloring matter. That is why this method is suitable for reducing superficial tattoos of relatively small sizes.

With such treatment of the skin, the protective layer, which is a natural barrier to various types of infections, is obviously damaged. This determines necessity wearing a bandage and periodic antiseptic treatment of the skin throughout the healing period. Moreover, the cost of this procedure is lower than the cost of surgical or laser tattoo removal.

The procedure for performing dermabrasion to remove tattoos

If no special preparatory measures are required for laser tattoo removal or to reduce tattoos using surgical excision (except for those eliminate the presence of contraindications for procedures), it is recommended to prepare for the dermabrasion procedure in a certain way.

How to properly prepare for dermabrasion for tattoo removal?
Experts recommend stopping taking contraceptives for a certain period before dermabrasion, since these drugs retain fluid in the body, which may lead to swelling and hyperpigmentation of the skin. You should also refrain from using acne treatment products, as they can sometimes lead to skin irritation and pigmentation.

Immediately before the tattoo peeling procedure, local anesthetics are used, although anesthesia may be necessary for large tattoo removals. After thoroughly cleansing the skin the above-mentioned cutter comes into play, although a rotating abrasive brush attachment or even hand sanding can also be used.

Treatment of the skin with an abrasive surface occurs until small drops of ichor or even very small drops of blood appear.

Usually the cutter is immersed in the skin to a depth of one and a half millimeters, sometimes covering up to five millimeters of skin on both sides of the pattern. This is done so that the scar that appears at the site of the removed tattoo does not repeat the reduced pattern.

When a cutter or brushes cannot cope with their task due to the inaccessibility of the place from which part of the tattoo should be removed, specialists can use so-called electrocautery– a special instrument, which is essentially a needle heated by an electric current that acts on the skin.

Some types of tattoos can be treated using so-called microdermabrasion. Essentially, we are talking about the same polishing of the skin, but in this case the role of an abrasive is played by tiny crystals of aluminum oxide, “bombarding” the patient’s skin from a tube at high speed. The method is practically painless, but is suitable for very small superficial tattoos.

How to remove a tattoo

Consequences of tattoo removal using dermabrasion

Due to the mechanical effect on the wide surface layers of the skin, after mechanical peeling there is extreme high risk of difficult-to-heal scars. Another side effect of this tattoo removal method is the uneven distribution of melanin pigment in the healing skin, which manifests itself in the so-called hyperpigmentation of the skin.

How long does it take for skin to recover after dermabrasion?
Skin restoration after dermabrasion takes from three months to six months. In this case, for the first one or two weeks it is necessary to apply a thin layer of antibacterial ointment to the wound, protecting the skin from drying out. The dressing should be new and sterile each time. Two weeks is usually enough for the epithelial layer to recover.

During the entire long healing period, you should wash the area where the tattoo was removed with antibacterial soap. Externally, this area may look very unsightly. with all his bruises and swelling, and the recovery process itself is accompanied by itching.

During the entire healing period, the affected area of skin should be protected from direct sunlight.

Benefits of dermabrasion for tattoo removal:

1) Low likelihood of complications after this procedure.
2) Provides permanent results - the tattoo is removed completely and irrevocably.
3) Allows you to remove tattoos regardless of the color of the pigment.
4) Low cost of this method.

Disadvantages of dermabrasion for tattoo removal:

1) The procedure does not allow the removal of deep tattoos and large body designs.
2) The method is painful.
3) Dermabrasion is not suitable for removing tattoos from areas with delicate skin (intimate areas, eyelids).
4) The procedure requires the use of anesthesia.
5) Long healing period; high risk of scarring and skin hyperpigmentation.
Contraindications to dermabrasion for tattoo removal:
1) Tendency to form keloid and hypertrophic scars when the skin is damaged.
2) Epileptic disease.
3) Skin diseases, including allergic ones; oncological diseases; tuberculosis.
4) Problems with blood clotting.

Chemical peeling for tattoos

Chemical tattoo peeling, like mechanical peeling, is a process of exfoliating microscopic particles of paint pigments that form the tattoo, carried out using special acids. This procedure cannot be called standard when it comes to tattoo removal, especially when compared with the above methods.

Moreover: if we talk about superficial peeling, often carried out with the help of fruit acids, or the so-called medium peeling, for which trichloroacetic acid is sometimes used, then they are completely meaningless for tattoos. The only type of chemical peeling that remains is deep peeling, which can really help remove small and shallow tattoos.

How is deep chemical peeling performed?
Those who believe that beauty really requires sacrifice are well familiar with the deep peeling procedure. This is a fairly aggressive and invasive operation, which is carried out using phenol, that is, carbolic acid (so-called phenol peeling). This type of peeling is the most complex and requires the participation of a specialist.

Using a deep chemical peel to remove a tattoo will not lead to immediate results, since the depth of action of carbolic acid limited to the epidermis layer, while the tattoo ink penetrates into the dermis. This procedure can be used in combination - for maximum lightening (flashing) of the tattoo and radical rejuvenation of the skin.

The latter largely depends on the place where the tattoo is filled, although, if we talk about rejuvenation procedures, it is obvious that we mean the facial skin. The procedure itself is often compared to a burn, however closing the wound with granulations– this is far from the most unpleasant result of deep chemical peeling. What are the consequences of this procedure?

Tattoo removal

Consequences of chemical tattoo peeling

This is not the most popular method of tattoo reduction also because of the consequences of the procedure. Within a week or ten days after surgery, the wound begins to become covered with so-called granulation tissue, which will gradually peel off, giving way to new pink skin. Only then will it be possible to very preliminary assess the degree of success of the tattoo removal.

Phenol is dangerous to the health of internal organs!
Redness of the skin can last for more than a month, so the skin during this period requires special care (moisturizing ointments, sunscreen, etc.). Immediately after deep peeling, it has it makes sense to take care of your well-being, since carbolic acid, being a toxic substance, is partially absorbed by the body, having a negative effect on internal organs.

That is why diseases of the kidneys, liver, and other organs are considered a contraindication to this procedure. Undoubtedly, given the complexity of this procedure, the patient should receive full consultation with a specialist. It should also be kept in mind that complete skin recovery may take three to six months.

Phenol peeling can be superficial (like fruit acid peeling - deep), but it is deep phenol peeling that can somehow affect your tattoo. As part of a chemical peel other substances can be used, which is what many people do when trying to remove tattoos at home. However, carbolic acid peeling is not a procedure that can be done independently at home.

Benefits of chemical tattoo peeling:

1) Low cost of the procedure.
2) Highly effective in removing small superficial tattoos.
3) Allows you to remove tattoos of any color.

Disadvantages of chemical tattoo peeling:

1) The need to repeat the procedure many times.
2) Uneven penetration of acids into the skin, causing uneven effects and results.
3) There is a risk of hyperpigmentation.
4) The procedure is very painful and requires anesthesia.
5) High probability of scar formation, long healing process.
6) Possibility of negative effects on the health of the entire body due to the toxicity of certain acids.
Contraindications to chemical tattoo peeling:
1) Inflammatory skin lesions, allergic skin diseases, cancer.
2) Diseases of the kidneys, liver, cardiovascular system, central nervous system.
3) Pregnancy, lactation period.
4) Heavy tan.

Tattoo removal using cryodestruction method

Cryodestruction, as a method of tattoo removal using liquid nitrogen, is being used less and less to remove tattoos, although it is too early to write it off. Many people who want to get a tattoo are attracted to this method speed of action on the skin, as well as the effectiveness of the method. However, cryodestruction has many disadvantages that cannot be ignored.

The essence of the method is simple - areas of the skin containing tattoo pigments are treated with liquid nitrogen (in fact, the so-called cryogenic burn of skin area). The result of exposure is manifested in the necrosis of the upper layers of the skin containing particles of coloring pigment. Subsequently, the dead tissue with the pattern falls off.

How effective is tattoo removal using cryodestruction?
Like many other methods of tattoo removal, the cryodestruction method does not guarantee complete removal of the tattoo. If it comes about a deep and rich tattoo, then removing ninety percent of the pattern (meaning its lightening, of course, and not the area) is considered a quite good result for this method.

Cryodestruction is a rather painful method. This is not surprising - after all, the patient’s skin is exposed to liquid nitrogen at a temperature of minus 196 degrees Celsius. Time of exposure to patient's skin depends on the depth of the pattern applied to it. This procedure sometimes has to be repeated several times, which somewhat reduces its effectiveness.

Consequences of tattoo removal using cryodestruction

Cryodestruction can indeed be considered almost one of the fastest ways to remove tattoos among relatively inexpensive methods. However, deep freezing of tissue, despite the rapidity of nitrogen exposure, leads to the appearance of blisters. Usually the next day after cryodestruction, the processed pattern is covered with bubbles.

In the modern world, bright large tattoos are not a novelty. Tattoos are often found on the bodies of older people and young girls. For some, drawings or ornaments are a way to express themselves, while others follow fashion and generously provide their skin to tattoo artists.

Many of those who “decorated” themselves in their youth begin to regret their actions at a more mature age. This raises the question among many: is it possible to completely get rid of the results of a rash decision and remove a tattoo at home?

Why tattoos are removed

There are many reasons why people want to get rid of an old tattoo:

the tattoo had an intimate meaning, which at this stage of life only causes pain or irritation;
tattoos are prohibited under the terms of the contract at work;
the drawing was not corrected for a long time: its contours were blurred, the paint faded;
a person decides to take a bold action under the influence of emotions or while intoxicated, and after a while he realizes that the tattoo does not suit him and only causes regret.

A tattoo is not a drawing with a felt-tip pen or gouache. Its removal without the participation of a specialist is fraught not only with an unsightly scar, but also with the introduction of infection into the blood. The biggest mistake is trying to “erase” a fresh tattoo. The paint is under the skin. The master “hammers” it under the skin using a special machine with a thin needle. Trying to “erase” a fresh drawing, you can leave a blurry bright spot in its place and introduce an infection into an unhealed wound.

"Home" methods

Do not believe reviews from people who claim that they were able to remove a tattoo at home. Theoretically, this is possible, but think about the consequences of such a barbaric procedure. When you try to remove a tattoo yourself, you risk leaving a disgusting scar on your body that will look much worse than the previous image. Let's talk about some of the recommended “home” methods.

List of the most popular means for “amateur tattoo removal” at home:

Potassium permanganate;
Liquid nitrogen or sulfuric acid;
Hydrogen peroxide;
Milk.

Before deciding on one of the described procedures, think about the possible consequences. An unattractive scar will remain in place of the previous drawing. And the introduction of foreign substances under the skin can lead to serious illness and death.

Potassium permangantsovka

The essence of the procedure is to “burn out” the paint with potassium permanganate. You need to moisten the area of the body with the hated pattern and sprinkle it with potassium permanganate crystals. You need to wrap your hand with cling film, then with a cloth and do not remove the bandage for 7 hours. A chemical reaction occurs: manganese corrodes the upper layer of the epidermis along with the subcutaneous dye. When you remove the bandage, you will find a deep ulcer that will take a long time to heal. A scar will certainly form in its place.

Result of unsuccessful tattoo removal

Nitrogen

Warts and papillomas are removed with liquid nitrogen. It freezes the tissue, causing the cells to die. Not everyone will decide to remove a tattoo in such a “hard” way. A cloth soaked in liquid nitrogen is applied to the design. After a while, a crust appears in this place. After it falls off, a deep ulcer will remain on the body, which will leave a noticeable scar. Some daredevils use sulfuric acid instead of liquid nitrogen.

Hydrogen peroxide

Many “would-be artists” advise removing tattoos with peroxide. Unlike the previous described procedures, peroxide is not applied externally, but is injected subcutaneously using a tattoo machine or syringe. Hydrogen peroxide can corrode the dye, but it should absolutely not be administered subcutaneously or intravenously. If someone decides to undertake such an experience, you can immediately call an ambulance.

Iodine

At first glance, tattoo removal with iodine does not seem to be a very cruel method, but its effectiveness is highly questionable. To remove a tattoo, you need to wipe the unwanted pattern with a swab soaked in a 5% iodine solution. The procedure is carried out three times a day for 1 month. The lubricated area of skin should not be covered with a bandage or plaster. The skin at the tattoo site begins to peel off and gradually peel off. To reduce pain, treat the affected area with Actovegin ointment or other wound-healing drug. Exposing your skin to iodine this often will cause burns but will not remove the dye deep under the skin.

Milk

“Advisers” suggest injecting a solution of boiled cow’s milk with streptocide tablets under the skin. The entire tattoo area is chipped. After some time, the process of suppuration begins. Streptocide tablets dissolved in milk protect against blood poisoning. Along with the leather, the paint also rots. After “removing” the tattoo with milk, a deep scar forms in its place.

Medical tattoo removal

Modern beauty salons and clinics offer a painless tattoo removal procedure. At the moment, this is the most effective way to cleanse your skin of boring images.

Laser tattoo removal has no disadvantages, except for the high price and duration of the procedure.

Advantages of laser removal:

The procedure does not cause pain and is performed without local anesthesia.
This is a non-invasive method (the integrity of the skin is not compromised).
This is the only option to remove a tattoo without scars and scarring.
The patient does not need a long recovery time.

Using a laser, a powerful light flux affects the paint pigment. Under the influence of high energy, the pigment “breaks”, and its remains come out of the skin in the form of liquid (lymph). Immediately after the procedure, the skin turns red, so the next session can be performed no earlier than a month later. The number of sessions required ranges from 4 to 10. This depends on the age of the tattoo, color and depth of pigment.

Laser removal result

After each drawing session, you should not sunbathe or visit a solarium. Visiting baths and swimming pools is prohibited. Swimming in a river or lake should be postponed for a couple of weeks. If inflammation appears on the skin, treatment with special ointments and creams is necessary. The doctor or cosmetologist performing the procedure will tell you which drug to use.

The laser tattoo removal procedure has a number of contraindications:

diabetes;
dysfunction of the immune system;
pregnancy and breastfeeding;
inflammatory processes in the body;
epilepsy;
acute infectious diseases;
tumors (benign and malignant);
visiting a solarium or sunbathing less than 14 days ago;
dermatological diseases;
tendency to scar formation.

Before you decide to decorate your body with a design or inscription, weigh the pros and cons. Such a decision must be deliberate. You can get a tattoo quickly, but removing it will take you much more time and money.