Non Surgical Procedure
Tattoo Removal
What is the procedure for tattoo removal?
There are various options for tattoo removal. The type of procedure to be chosen for you depends on your choice and surgeon's preference.
A) Laser tattoo removal
It is the gold standard in tattoo removal today.
Lasers produce short pulses of light that pass through the surface of the skin to be absorbed by the tattoo's colors. The energy from the laser then causes the pigment to break up and eventually be reabsorbed by the body.
The type of laser used depends on the colors in the tattoo, as some colors respond better to certain colored lights in lasers. Because black pigment absorbs all laser wavelengths, it's the easiest to remove.
Advantages : Laser tattoo removal procedure is bloodless, painless, requires least recovery time. Since laser selects only the tattoo's specific color range, it does not affect the skin's color and thus completely safe
Pain: The pain is similar to that of the pain associated with getting tattooed.
Time required : Takes only minutes to perform, but may take several treatments to remove larger tattoos.
Recovery : You will receive antibacterial ointment and a bandage for the area after the treatment. Your skin will remain red for few days and feel tight and sunburned for up to five days.
Result : The area may scab, and after the healing process, the tattoo should be mostly invisible and will gradually fade more. Not all tattoos, however, can be removed completely and leave just a shadow.
B) Dermabrasion
It is a more aggressive treatment for tattoo removal.
The treatment involves using a hand held tool to scrape away the layers of tattooed skin.
Pain: High speed scuffing will be painful, and does cause some bleeding so you will likely be given a local anesthetic.
Time required : takes from 15 minutes to one hour depending area to be covered
Recovery: Once the tattoo has been sufficiently removed, the surgeon will apply a layer of antibacterial ointment and a bandage. Scarring is the foremost danger in the dermabrasion process, and you will be instructed to keep your skin out of the sun.
C) Surgical Excision
It entails removing the tattoo by cutting it directly out of the skin.
Advantage : Ideal procedure for small tattoos as it completely removes the mark.
Pain: You will be given local anesthetic to manage any pain, and oral pain reliever for post-surgery discomfort.
For larger tattoo removal by excision, a skin graft from another area of the body may be used.
Time required : takes from half an hour minutes to two hour depending area to be covered.
Recovery: done on OPD basis, you would be able to go back the same day. The area will be bandages and you can resume your activities in a couple of days.
The type of procedure best suited for your tattoo can be determined by our expert surgeon having a look at you or the photograph.
Are the procedures for tattoo removal safe?
Yes. The procedures are completely safe. Lasers and advanced light systems have been used safely on millions of patients of all ages worldwide. These systems treat only the targeted area, leaving the surrounding tissue intact. There are many benefits to laser surgery including little if any pain, no needles for most patients, less bruising and swelling and once removed, the lesions rarely return. The risk of scarring or discoloration is minimal.
The other procedures excision and dermabrasion if done under qualified surgeon/ medical practitioner is completely safe.
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