Tattoo removal

With increasing number of tattoos among young people in recent years, plastic surgeons found an increasing number of patients seeking tattoo removal. Reasons desire tattoo removal varies from patient to patient: tattoos por be poorly executed or placed in areas that interfere with social or sexual life of the individual, place a tattoo can be established infections, or simply ask the person who went into the tattoo removal The next stage of life and does not want the stigma of a tattoo done in adolescence could alter existence.

For tattoo removal there is a wide range of methods. All methods can be performed at our clinic.

Because tattoos are placed deep under the skin, methods "antiquated" (Dermabrasion, chemical removal) leave scars aesthetically unacceptable (hypertrophic scars or keloids).

Surgical methods: excision followed by suture or skin grafting or tissue expansion (placing a silicone balloon that is inflated with saline in 2-3 months, creating excess skin that will be used in the second etepa surgery to cover defects resulting from excision tattoo) leave scars that are not always current aesthetic standards, in addition to tissue swelling is difficult to accept a young person with active social life (a swelling in the neighboring tattoo Peter 2-3 months ) is hard to accept.

Old generation lasers or IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) are less effective in removing tattoos.

Newest and most modern method is to use the latest laser Nd: YAG Q-switched using high energy laser by issuing instant wave to break and remove the pigment effectively pathologically modified cells by placing the tattoo ink.

Laser beam break very quickly (in only 6 ns) pigment, and then part of the pigment is removed by dezepidermizare, and another part is removed by phagocytosis (ingestion) by macrophages (cells that remove foreign substances from the body) through the lymphatic circulation . The pigment in affected tissues gradually fades until it disappears. Surrounding tissues are not affected because it does not absorb laser energy at that wavelength prefixed.

The two wavelengths: 1064 nm, 532 nm that allow to address a wide range of tattoo colors (black, blue, red or green, the latter being the most difficult to remove). Results depend on the substance used to make tattoos and individual response. They appreciate the session at the meeting (the tattoo fades gradually).
Media treatment sessions is 5-7 (usually requires a period of 7-12 months to completely get rid of the tattoo).

How to perform tattoo removal session?

Both patient and doctor are wearing goggles and sit comfortably.

Your tattoo and disinfect the surrounding area.
During the session the patient hears the noise issue sequential machine and feels light waves penetrate the tattooed area.

On average the process takes 10-20 minutes depending on the size of the tattoo.

The procedure is performed in the outpatient, hospitalization is not necessary.

Is the treatment painful?

Before treatment applies a numbing cream or injecting a local anesthetic in the treated area (depending on patient preference). The sensation is mild burning or stinging superficiala. By using anesthetics, it's completely painless.

What do we expect after a session?

Treated area can be flushed, that after a mild sunburn for several weeks. Tattoo bruising may occur if profound. The area is treated with an antibiotic ointment and a bandage may be applied.

Recovery takes several weeks (redness and tenderness may persist for several weeks, as local discoloration of the skin, which is gradually improving). Avoid sun exposure to the treated area.

Most patients are satisfied with the results obtained by laser tattoo removal in several sessions. It is important to note that your skin will not look like before making the tattoo, but the results are superior to other methods of treatment of tattoos.

Other useful information

Older tattoos are easier to remove than new ones.

Tattoos made by amateurs are easier to remove than those of professionals.

Some pigments are more easily removed,, and green fluorescent pigments are the hardest to remove.

The type of ink can influence the outcome of certain substances can create a paradoxical reaction, blackening the skin instead of discoloring.

Your doctor will inform you what you can expect after your laser treatment of tattoos.

Other methods of tattoo removal

• Surgical excision followed by suture
• Excision followed by skin graft
• Tissue Expansion
• Dermabrasion
• Removal by chemical peeling
• Intense Pulsed Light
• Other types of lasers