Earlier tattoo removal techniques included methods such as dermabrasion; this is where the skin is sanded so that it removes both the surface layer and the middle layer of skin, the doctor then removes the tattoo with a scalpel and stitches the wound closed, this method usually results in excessive scarring to the skin.

With the increasing popularity of various cosmetic surgery procedures, including tattoo removal, it is imperative that the prospective patient research and understand different issues like what the procedure can and cannot treat inherent risks, costs, and other considerations. Keep in mind, cosmetic surgery is just that – a surgical procedure whose results cannot simply be erased.

Generally, experts emphasize that to date there is no form of tattoo removal that can guarantee your skin will look like it did before the tattoo. Experts point out that the process can leave some scarring or skin discoloration. Depending on the tattoo itself and the skin of the patient, results vary.

You might have seen a tattoo removal in which the skin was scarred in roughly the shape of the original tattoo. Pigment in the removal area might be slightly lighter or darker than surrounding skin. If a small tattoo is removed from an ankle, it isn’t very noticeable. However, a large tattoo removed from a bicep is quite noticeable. Though methods are always improving, possible scarring must be weighed against how much one wants to rid oneself of the tattoo.

Tattoo Removal Methods:

The basic types of tattoo removal are laser surgery, including Intense Pulsed Light therapy (IPL), excision, and dermabrasion. All effective tattoo removal methods involve some pain, and the most effective methods can be quite expensive.

Excision

Another popular method of tattoo removal especially when the dyed area is small is by excision. The advantage of this method is that the entire tattoo can be removed. With larger tattoos, however, it may be necessary to excise in stages, removing the center of it initially and the sides at a later date.

Dermabrasion

Another method of tattoo removal is called dermabrasion in which a small portion of the tattoo is sprayed with a solution that freezes the area. The tattoo is then "sanded" with a rotary abrasive instrument causing the skin to peel. Because some bleeding is likely to occur, a dressing is immediately applied to the area.

Laser

The surgeon can control the width of the laser beam as well as the wavelength (or color) of the light. Different wavelengths are used to destroy different colors of ink. Precise focusing makes it possible to eliminate the tattoo without damaging the surrounding skin.

Two to six treatments are usually needed, depending on the size of the tattoo. The treatment is relatively painless. Patients have described the sensation like a lightly stretched rubber band snapped against the skin. Afterwards, the treated area may feel somewhat like mild sunburn. The tattoo fades as the area heals, usually disappearing completely within a month or two. Not all tattoos, however, can be removed completely and leave just a shadow.

Another option to tattoo removal is to have the tattoo redone and improved by a professional tattoo artist. This can solve the problem if the tattoo is simply blurred or amateurish. There are also tattoo artists who specialize in tattooing over old tattoos with a new, completely different design. This solution is also less expensive than tattoo removal.