Science Horizons

Tattoo have definitely made their way into mainstream society. While there’s definitely a surviving stereotype that lumps tattoos as part of a dirty lifestyle, most people just see them as not much different than ear piercings. Finally, it’s just not a big deal. The irony to this situation is with tattoos becoming so common, the removal of tattoo is becoming more common than ever, too!

If this describes you, let’s take a look at one of the most confusing subjects related to tattoo removal: creams. Tattoo removal creams – also sometimes called lotions – are sold usually in a “kit” consisting of multiple creams which are applied to the skin and aim to fade or altogether remove a unwanted tattoo. But how do they work? More to the point, do they work?

All of the tattoo removal creams on the market work the same way, despite claims to the contrary by the manufacturers. The user is instructed to apply the creams to the skin above the tattoo. The cream will then seep into the skin and break up the ink.

As treatments continue, the ink of the unwanted tattoo is pushed out. New layers of skin will form, and with each layer, there is less and less tattoo ink. Some of the creams out there bond with the ink and will obviously move it towards the surface of the skin. The body will expel it, seeing it as a foreign substance to get rid of. After the first two creams are applied, usually a third cream is placed on the skin to soothe and rejuvenate.

By default, any tattoo removal cream is going to be expected to remove a tattoo. However, you might notice the word “fade” thrown in every now in then in place of the word remove. Which is it? Does this mean not all tattoos can be removed? Are some easier removed than others?

There are tattoos which are going to see better success than others when it comes to using these types of products. At the top of the list is older, badly done tattoos, which ties with amateur tattoos done using amateur or low quality inks and inking methods. This doesn’t mean that a professional or new tattoo cannot be removed with creams; it does mean though that it may take many more treatments, and financially you’d do better to just spend that money on another technique, such as laser removal.

Trippidi Brown Health Art, body art, body modification, Health, piercings, society, tattoo removal, tattoo removal creams, tattoo removal methods, tattoos

Getting body art has become a commonplace in the American culture. As appealing and expressive as body art can be, it can become a source of frustration or embarrassment for some people, depending on their individual situations. The most common reasons for regret are “too young when I got the tattoo,” “it’s permanent and I’m marked for life,” and I just “don’t like it.” Many people get their tattoos in their late teens or early twenties. Later, when their life changes they often feel embarrassment – for example, on a new job, during significant life event (wedding, divorce, baby), or in other social situations.

While it is possible to remove tattoos, fully or partially, the cost and pain of removing tattoos are typically greater than the cost and pain of getting them.

So, how to remove a tattoo and what are the available tattoo removal options?

Tattoo removal has been performed with various tools during the history of tattooing. Today, common methods include dermabrasion (removing the surface of the skin by abrasion), chemical peels (a chemical solution and sometimes acid is used to scrape away the outer skin layers until the dermal layer with tattoo pigmentation is reached), tattoo removal creams (for those who want a do-it-yourself option, effectiveness of this method is debatable, though), cryosurgery (application of extreme cold to tattooed area of the skin), and excision (surgical removal).

While these methods are popular, the most common procedure for removing tattoos is using laser technology.

Laser surgery is one of the most effective tattoo removal options and causes least damage to the skin. The laser beam reacts with the ink in the tattoo and breaks down tattoo pigmentation without damaging the surrounding skin. The broken-down ink is then expelled by the body, mimicking the natural fading that time or sun exposure would create.

Depending on the area of the body treated and skin color, up to 8-12 laser removal sessions may be necessary to remove the tattoo. At $200-$500 per session, this makes the laser treatment very costly. The procedure is not covered by insurance, so a tattoo that may have cost a couple hundred dollars to get, may cost a lot more to remove. Keep in mind that laser removal may be expensive, but it is the most effective tattoo removal method available right now. Some other methods may be cheaper but they may not offer the desired results.

Regardless of which type of tattoo removal method you choose, you should ultimately consult your doctor before making the final decision. Ask for a free consultation – you’ll surely have questions, and the doctor removing your tattoo should also see your tattoo to make sure you are a good candidate for the procedure. After looking at all of the options, some people simply decide to keep the body art, or even add to it, in order to change whatever they didn’t like about it in the first place.

Jona Verdans Health Health, laser tattoo removal, plastic surgery, skin care, tattoo removal cost, tattoo removal methods