Tattoo Gallery

The newest and most effective method of tattoo removal is laser tattoo removal. Using a particular spectrum of light lasers break up the tattoo ink into smaller particles so it can be naturally carried away by the bodies immune system. The benefit of laser tattoo removal compared to other methods is only the tattoo pigment is affected with minimal damage to the surrounding tissue.

Will Laser Tattoo Removal Completely Get Rid Of My Tattoo?

The top laser tattoo removal clinics claim that 95% of tattoos can be completely removed with the latest lasers and techniques. There is always a chance that scarring of the skin occurred at the time the tattoo was applied, in which case an obvious outline of the tattoo will be forever visible unless you get a skin graft.

Some Laser Tattoo Removal Facts

Black and dark blue ink responds best to laser tattoo removal, while green is one of the most difficult colors to remove. Although black and dark blue respond the best they also are the most painful colors to have removed.

Laser removal takes several sessions which can vary greatly depending on the complexity and experience of the artist who tattooed you. There are over 100 different FDA approved tattoo inks on the market so until the removal process has started there is no way to tell the quality of the ink which will determine its ease of removal.

Tattoo techniques, equipment, and inks have changed greatly within the last ten years. Newer tattoos are much harder to remove then tattoos applied longer then ten years ago. Professional tattoos are also much more difficult to remove then homemade tattoos.

Laser tattoo removal is expensive. If you paid a lot for your tattoo when you got it expect to pay substantially more to get it removed.

There are programs available throughout the country that offer free laser tattoo removal for former gang members. You can check your local state agencies for availability.

Alternatives To Laser Tattoo Removal

Dermabrasion – Basically scrubbing the skin with a coarse abrasive like sandpaper until you reach the layer of skin the ink rest in. This method can take weeks to heal and is prone to infection.

Salabrasion – The same thing as dermabrasion with the addition of salt to lighten any pigment not removed by the sanding process.

Cryosurgery – removal of a tattoo using extremely cold liquid (liquid nitrogen) to destroy tissue including the layer of skin the tattoo ink resides in. Cryosurgery, although effective, has a high rate of scarring which will be determined by your body’s natural healing properties.

Excision – physically cutting out the skin where the tattoo resides. This method of tattoo removal is often combined with skin grafts to minimize scarring and create a more natural look once healed.