“Singer Ella Lee voiced her thoughts on tattoos in a social media post, where she revealed that she is currently undergoing treatments to have her tattoos removed. She advised her fans to be absolutely certain before getting a tattoo, as the removal process can be lengthy, challenging, and comes with potential side effects. It is important to remember that having regrets is a part of life, but fortunately, there are ways to rectify past decisions, like removing a tattoo. But before diving into tattoo removal, it’s essential to understand what a tattoo actually is. According to Dr. Vared Atar Shanir, a general dermatologist, a tattoo is a pigment that is inserted into the skin’s superficial layer, the epidermis, extending to the middle layer, the dermis. There are also tattoos, such as permanent makeup, that are only inserted into the skin’s superficial layer and thus fade over time.
What factors should be considered before removing a tattoo and what methods are available?
There are several factors to consider when deciding to remove a tattoo – the tattoo’s depth, size, color, and location on the body. Over the years, multiple technologies have been developed, but some old methods are still in use. One such method is Excision, a surgical procedure performed under local anesthesia where the tattoo is cut out of the skin. The smaller the tattoo, the simpler the procedure. However, this method often leaves a scar and may not be suitable for larger tattoos as there needs to be enough skin left to cover the area post-procedure.
Dermabrasion is another method, which involves using a drill equipped with sanding paper to remove layers of the skin. Unlike excision, dermabrasion treatments can be time-consuming and may leave the skin scarred. However, this method may be suitable for more superficial tattoos.
The most popular method of tattoo removal today, according to Dr. Atar Shanir, is Laser treatment. While costly, laser treatment typically yields successful results. The laser beam penetrates the skin and breaks down the pigment. As technology has advanced, lasers have become more adept at removing tattoos of various colors. However, laser treatments can also cause side effects such as swelling, blisters, scabs, and redness.
Laser treatments are performed under local anesthesia and can cause discomfort. The treatments are spaced 6-8 weeks apart to allow the skin to heal. It is also important to note that not all colors can be removed with equal efficiency, and there is no guarantee of complete removal.
The most crucial aspect before starting the process is to seek advice from a qualified dermatologist, who can tailor the treatment to your specific situation. According to Dr. Atar Shanir, the person performing the treatment must be well-trained and the laser device must meet all standards. Tattoo removal requires a high level of skill and the ability to adapt treatment according to skin color and tattoo.
