Tattoo Removal & Skin Care
There are many reasons you may decide to remove a
tattoo. Perhaps it was done out of impulse and you regret getting
it. Or maybe you are dissatisfied with the way it turned out or are
experiencing an allergic reaction to the ink. Although expensive and
often painful, tattoo removal is possible. There are many procedures
that can help lighten or even completely remove the unwanted body
art.
Long-term effects of laser tattoo removal are something to consider
if you are considering going through the treatment to get rid of
your ink.
All forms of tattoo removal will affect your skin, but the severity
will depend upon your skin type, the tattoo itself and the removal
method you choose. Your dermatologist can help you make the best
choices for your skin during the tattoo removal process.
Types
Laser tattoo removal is the most costly option. Lasers are used to
break up the tattoo inks under the surface of the skin. While laser
tattoo removal can be expensive, time consuming and painful, it
works. Tattoo removal creams can rely upon chemical and mechanical
exfoliation, but only chemical peels have been shown to be
effective, according to the Healthy Skin Association.
Laser Removal
Laser tattoo removal is not an easy process. Your health care
provider may recommend that you take an over-the-counter pain
reliever before the procedure, suggest an anesthetic cream or even
use an injected local anesthetic. You will be given after care
instructions to care for your skin. The laser removal site will be
treated with an antibacterial ointment and bandaged. It may be
suggested that you elevate the area to reduce swelling. You can
expect sensations similar to a sunburn, reports
YourPlasticSurgeryGuide.com. Your skin will be very sun sensitive,
so proper precautions are essential.
TCA Peels
The only chemical option proven effective, the trichloroacetic acid
or TCA peel, causes significant skin irritation. A stinging
sensation is typical during the peel process. The skin is bandaged
and a scab forms. The skin should remain bandaged until the scab is
gone; however, if the scab remains wet or moist at the end of the
first week, betadine ointment should be applied and the area
redressed regularly until the scab is dry reports the
HealthySkinAssociation. Repeat treatments are necessary at
three-month intervals, with each peel requiring three to six weeks
to heal.
Tattoo Removal Creams
Tattoo removal creams use a variety of ingredients or methods. One
of the most popular and best reviewed of these, Wrecking Balm,
combines creams with a mechanical abrasion device. WreckingBalm.com
states that a mild burning or stinging sensation is normal. The
company recommends that you avoid using the product on cracked,
irritated or delicate skin.
Considerations
Good skin care can reduce the effects of tattoo removal. If you opt
for laser treatment, follow your care provider's instructions to
avoid additional irritation. Both TCA peels and abrasive systems
like Wrecking Balm may leave you with tender, new skin that requires
gentle treatment, sun protection and care. Keep in mind that you may
only need to fade a tattoo if you plan to cover the area with a new
tattoo and can therefore reduce skin damage by opting for fewer
treatments.
Some Tattoo Removal Creams That Might Help
Laser tattoo removal is costly and painful, but there are creams on
the market that claim to lighten or remove tattoos without difficult
and uncomfortable procedures. Before going this route, learn what
these tattoo removal creams can and cannot do to make an educated
choice about your removal options.
Nuviderm
Nuviderm is a liquid chemical peel that uses trichloroacetic acid or
TCA, which is also used in dermatologist offices for facial skin
peels. This chemical tattoo removal option may be used to pre-fade a
tattoo before laser treatment, or as a standalone product. Nuviderm
liquid is diluted and applied to the tattoo every three to six
weeks. Fading should be seen after a few treatments, according to
Nuviderm.com.
Tat B Gone
Tat B Gone has been selling its product online since 2003. There are
three components to the Tat B Gone system, however the company does
not make the ingredient list publicly available. This system does
not rely upon chemical or manual exfoliating agents, and claims to
be hypoallergenic.
There are several methods of partial and complete tattoo removal,
including laser removal, dermabrasion and tattoo removal creams.
Most tattoo removal creams contain similar main ingredients.
The main ingredients in tattoo removal creams are typically designed
to reduce the production of melanin, rather than to remove tattoo
inks. Some researchers question the effectiveness of these
ingredients.
Hydroquinone
Hydroquinone is a topical chemical that is available under several
brand names, including Aclaro and Alera. This chemical lightens the
skin by inhibiting the production of melanin, a pigment that gives
skin a brown color, according to Drugs.com. It is typically used to
reduce the appearance of age spots, freckles and other darkened skin
areas. Hydroquinone is also a common active ingredient in tattoo
removal creams. This chemical may worsen dry, chapped or windburned
skin, and should not be used by people with liver or kidney disease.
Kojic Acid
Kojic acid is a chemical that is used in a variety of skin
lightening creams as a de-pigmentation agent, according to the
Directorate-General for Health and Consumers. It is also considered
an emollient and an antioxidant. Kojic acid is also a main
ingredient in tattoo removal creams, and may help fade inks used in
tattoos. This ingredient has been shown to be toxic to laboratory
animals, although the potential toxicity to humans is unknown.
Alpha Arbutin
According to the Civant Skin Care website, alpha arbutin is a
water-soluble chemical that promotes skin lightening and an even
skin tone. It is commonly used to lighten age spots and reduce
tanning after exposure to ultraviolet rays. This chemical is
considered more stable and effective than other skin-lightening
ingredients. Alpha arbutin also appears in commonly available tattoo
removal creams. This chemical should be stored in a lightfast
container in a cool, dry place to avoid microbial contamination.
When stored and used correctly, alpha arbutin produces no known side
effects.
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