For a number of people in Philadelphia, tattoo removal is an important cosmetic procedure. A man's new girlfriend doesn't like his old girlfriend's name on his bicep. A woman who got a spider tattoo on her cheek as a teenager has realized she's not presenting the most professional demeanor during a job interview. Or maybe the ink simply doesn't represent who you are anymore. Either way, safe and effective laser removal options are available.
Beware Home Remedies
Several companies offer tattoo removal creams you can use in your own home. Consumers are attracted to these options because they cost less than going to a doctor, but like most things you get what you pay for.
Many people report tattoo removal creams do nothing. Some people see fading of the tattoo, but only certain parts or certain colors. It is quite rare that people report complete elimination of the tattoo using home remedies. Some people are satisfied with the fading since it permits them to get a cover up tattoo.
However the other problem is that some of these creams can cause burning or other skin damage. Consumers should be wary of these products because they do not require FDA approval.
The Problems with Older Methods
It wasn't that long ago that the only tattoo removal methods available were dermabrasion or surgery. Dermabrasion involves sanding off the skin containing the ink and in some cases it is necessary to abrade quite a deeply. With surgery, the tattooed skin is cut out and stitched back together.
The main drawback to these methods is that they may leave a scar, even when performed by an experienced surgeon. The larger the tattoo the more likely there will be a scar. While this might be preferable to the tattoo, it's hardly an ideal solution.
The procedures themselves are done under some form of anesthesia so are not painful, but there is likely to be pain during recovery. There is also the risk of post-operative infection. Luckily there is an alternative to these old-fashioned methods.
Laser Tattoo Removal
Plastic surgeons can use low energy lasers to break apart the inks in the tattoo, allowing the body to safely absorb them. Over several treatments the tattoo fades until it is gone completely.
The procedure itself can be slightly painful, but certainly less so than having skin scraped or cut off and less so than getting the tattoo itself. Patients have the option of ice packs, numbing creams or other pain relief options if the procedure seems too intense, but most patients require no anesthesia.
Afterward, the site may feel like it has a mild sunburn but the discomfort fades in a few days. There is a significantly lower risk of infection or other complications. The significant advantages over other methods make this the tattoo removal option of choice for most patients.
![[Valid RSS feed]](http://www.massagebyben.com/articles/images/icon_Rss.png "XML Feed For RSS"){kind=icon}
Category Rss Feed
Print This Article
Add To Favorites 