Laser Tattoo Removal & Healing
The Pew Research Center did a survey in 2006 on tattoos that showed that "36 percent of those ages 18 to 25 and 40 percent of those ages 26 to 40 have at least one tattoo." With their popularity comes and interest in tattoo removal. Does this Spark an idea?
-
Significance
-
Laser tattoo removal can be used on amateur, professional, cultural and cosmetic tattoos. Removing your tattoo can be a painful experience, depending on the colors that have been used in the tattoo. Different colors will react differently to the laser process, and darker inks and dyes sometimes need more treatments than other colors.
Considerations
-
Speak with your dermatologist if you're considering having a tattoo removed. He will either be able to perform the removal treatment on you or steer you in the direction of someone who can. Before you agree to the removal, make sure to meet with the person performing the removal and ask if you can see pictures of the work they have done in the past. Check that they always use sterile equipment and will be available after each treatment for follow-up care, should it be necessary.
-
Healing
-
Expect to have some swelling or blistering in the first few days after the initial procedure. Scabbing and crusting can occur in the first few days and will stop after two weeks. Typical wound care will help to prevent infection and assist in the healing process. Dressing changes and topical antibiotic treatments, like Neosporin, are recommended. Taking Acetaminophen, like Tylenol, is also suggested for pain. You should also avoid the sun so the skin pigment isn't affected by tanning.
Warnings
-
According to WebMD, even though the tattoo removal process can help to get rid of most of the pigment in your skin, in some cases the skin might not return to the same color, or all of the color might not come out. Removal of cosmetic tattoos like eyebrows, lip liner or eyeliner can result in pigmentation on the skin, leaving a dark line shading the area that had the tattoo. Allergic reactions can also occur during the removal process, since lasers basically break down the pigment in your skin. If an infection occurs, make sure to call your doctor right away.
Cost
-
Pricing for your laser tattoo removal treatment varies and can cost anywhere from $200 to $500 per session. Prices are based on many factors, such as the type of tattoo, its size and the skill of the specialist performing your procedure. Removing a tattoo can, sometimes, require multiple sessions, and in that case, the total cost could be as low as $800 or as expensive as $10,000, according to an article titled "Laser Tattoo Removal: Treatment, Cost and Other Information" on DocShop.com. Payment plans are an option with most cosmetic surgeons.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit tattoo woman image by ennavanduinen from Fotolia.com
