Finding the Most Affordable Tattoo Removal Procedure Options

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December 30, 2009

With an explosion in the popularity of tattoos, the cosmetic surgery world has also seen an explosion of interest in a particular procedure — tattoo removal. Whatever the reason is that people got their tattoos, be it youthful exuberance, a commitment to an “everlasting” love or an expression of their undying support for their favorite musical group, many people are finding that their sentiments aren’t usually as permanent as their tattoos. In fact, studies have shown that about 10 percent of Americans have a tattoo, but 50 percent of those with tattoos would like them to be removed. That’s over 15 million people in the U.S. alone!

Since so many people are interested in tattoo removal procedures, these procedures have become more advanced and more affordable. Finding the most affordable tattoo removal procedure for you will depend on a few factors. One of the most important is the size and type of tattoo that needs to be removed. Certain procedures are better for certain types of tattoos. The costs of tattoo removal also vary depending on the size of the tattoo that is being removed. Larger tattoos generally require more treatments, which can increase the cost.

The First Steps to Finding the Most Affordable Tattoo Removal Procedure Options

As with any medical procedure, the patient’s first stop should be a consultation with a doctor. In the case of tattoo removal, either a physician or a dermatologist will be able to help you decide how to move forward. During the first consultation with the doctor, he or she will view the tattoo, discuss removal options and then create a plan for removal. The plan is needed because many treatments require multiple applications, so the doctor will decide which procedure will work best for you and try to estimate the number of treatments needed.

At this point, it is important to go over with your doctor all of the risks and costs associated with tattoo removal treatments. There five main options for tattoo removal: laser tattoo removal, intense pulsed-light therapy, chemical creams, excision and dermabrasion.

Laser Tattoo Removal Procedure

One of the most widely used methods for tattoo removal, laser tattoo removal, involves blasting the tattoo away by breaking up the pigments of the tattoo with a high-intensity laser beam. The doctor can control the width and wavelength of the beam, targeting specific tattoo colors with different combinations. Since the physician can focus the treatment so precisely, the tattoo can be removed without damaging the surrounding skin.

Most patients describe the laser treatment as virtually painless. After each treatment, the treated area may feel like a sunburn, but the tattoo should fade as the area heals. Depending on the size of the tattoo, between two and six treatments are generally needed to complete the process.

Tattoo Removal through Intense Pulsed Light Therapy

Intense pulsed light therapy (IPL) directs an intense beam of light onto the tattoo area, which essentially burns off the top layer of skin. As the skin heals, the tattoo is less noticeable. The cost for intense pulsed light therapy is based on the number of pulses needed, so the size of the tattoo will determine the cost of removal. Generally, it takes 10-12 months for the full results of intense pulsed light therapy to show.

Removing Tattoos with the Use of Chemical Creams

A variety of chemical creams can be used to fade or eliminate tattoos. The creams are generally more affordable than the laser removal and pulsed light therapy, but often have mixed results.

Excision — Surgically Removing the Tattoo from the Skin

For people who have very small tattoos, excision might be an option. Tattoo removal by excision involves a doctor actually cutting off the portion of the skin that contains the tattoo ink. Sometimes, this method can be used on larger tattoos by removing the tattoo and then applying a skin graft to the area to encourage re-growth.

Tattoo Removal through Dermabrasion

This process can be likened to sanding away the tattoo by removing the top layers of skin. Usually, a local anesthetic is used along with dermabrasion. Results usually show in three to four weeks, but this might not be the best procedure for patients who are prone to scarring since it involves physical removal of the tattoo surface.

Discussing the Most Affordable Tattoo Removal Procedures with a Doctor

By: Kyle Spector