Learn about tattoo removal procedures

Are you thinking about removing a tattoo, but still have questions about the procedure? Stay calm! We talked to a dermatologist who specializes in tattoo removal to answer all your questions. Continue reading to find out which methods are most used, whether it hurts or not and what care is needed. Follow:

tattoo removal methods

We talked to dermatologist Mônica Maris (CRM 7475) about the methods used for tattoo removal. According to her, the choice of available techniques depends on the type of pigment used and how the tattoo was made. See below for more information about each method:

laser tattoo removal

Laser tattoo removal is the most used technique today. This is because the use of Q-switched or picosecond lasers provides high light power and few seconds in contact with the skin. The pigment absorbs light and breaks down into small particles. With this, the body’s defense cells can phagocytose these particles and take them to the lymph nodes to be eliminated.

• Sessions needed: Monica explains that the number of sessions to remove the tattoo depends on the size and type of pigment used. Generally, carbon black based pigments are easier to remove. Iron oxide pigments are heat resistant and therefore more difficult to remove.
• Complete Removal: It is possible to completely remove the tattoo. However, as the pigment comes out, there is less target available for the laser, thus leaving a shadow on the skin.
• Color tattoo: Color tattoos are more difficult to remove because of the composition of the ink.
• Pain: laser tattoo removal is a painful process, but it is possible to use a topical or injectable anesthetic.
• Values: Values ​​vary according to the size of the job and depend on the professional. It is usually charged per session.

According to the dermatologist, “laser light is pure light, called monochromatic, and it has a single wavelength”. This is important, as the laser only targets the pigment, without significantly damaging the skin, so it is essential to choose a trained professional.

Tattoo removal with surgery

Removing the tattoo with surgery is an older and less used technique today, being also called dermabrasion. Check out the features of this procedure below:

• Invasive technique: the surgical procedure consists of sanding the skin to remove the tattoo.
• Difficult to remove: Usually, the tattoo pigment is in the second layer of the skin (the dermis) and at different heights, which makes it difficult to remove by dermabrasion.
• Care after surgery: as it is a surgical procedure, postoperative care should be the same as for any other surgery.

Currently, the market offers other techniques that are less invasive and more effective for tattoo removal.

Tattoo removal with chemical and electrical depigmentation

Despite being different techniques, chemical and electrical depigmentation have similar pros and cons. Follow up!

• Micropigmentation removal: in these cases, the pigment is in a more superficial layer, facilitating removal by chemical or electrical depigmentation.
• Scar formation: scars can form when the pigment is in deeper regions.

Below are the characteristics of each of these procedures:

chemical depigmentation

This technique uses acids to remove the tattoo. Removal is done with the application of acids on the tattoo, which are spread with a dermograph.

electrical depigmentation

Electrical depigmentation uses plasma jets to “burn” the tattoo and eliminate the pigment. Both techniques can be very effective, but medical evaluation is necessary to indicate the best procedure.

There is no doubt about the techniques, is there? Nothing better than knowing how the procedures work to be more relaxed about your choice. Read on to learn more about what to do after each session!

Cautions and Contraindications of Tattoo Removal

In our conversation, Mônica explained that the care after the session is as important as the choice of technique used. In addition, it is essential to understand what the contraindications are. See below for more information on these topics:

Care after tattoo removal

Below, learn about the care needed after the procedure:

• Sun exposure: avoid exposing yourself to the sun to avoid staining the skin.
• Healing: use healing and regenerating ointments to assist in the healing process of the skin.
• Use of medication: the doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatories in cases where the area forms blisters or remains swollen.
• Redness: The tattoo area may be red and crusty during the first few days, so the professional may recommend the use of ointments.

These are some of the care that the dermatologist recommends to her patients. Be sure to ask any other possible questions with your doctor!

Contraindications

The main contraindications for tattoo removal are for pregnant women and people with keloids, but there are other aspects that should be observed. See below:

• Patients with autoimmune disease: autoimmune diseases, such as lupus, cannot perform the procedure during the active phase of the disease and should pay attention to the wavelength of the laser.
• Use of Light Sensitive Cosmetics: Cosmetics based on retinoic acid and hydroquinone are sensitive to light and may interfere with removal.
• Use of certain medications: Some medications can interfere with the skin’s healing process.

In addition to these contraindications, Mônica says that local infections can happen, so it is important to have a medical evaluation before performing the tattoo removal.

Experiences with tattoo removal

For you to see in practice how tattoo removals are done and what the reactions are on different skin types, we selected experiences of women who have already undergone the procedure. Follow up!

How Tattoo Removal Is Done

YouTuber Isa Mantini shares her experience removing her tattoos. In the video, she explains how her sessions were, if it hurt a lot and what care is needed after the procedure. Check out!

Result after depigmentation

In this video, Mirela Pizani shows how the skin looks for a few days right after the tattoo removal procedure. See how care during the healing process is just as important as removal.

Questions about tattoo removal

Still having questions about the procedure? Youtuber Carla Estéfane answers the main questions on the subject. Follow, in the video, what depigmentation is like in black skin, the values ​​of the sessions and the healing process.

Are you more relaxed about tattoo removal? Always remember to look for good professionals to carry out the procedure. Enjoy and see how Bepantol can be a great ally in the healing process!