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Tattoo Removal

BayesianBayesian Registered User regular
edited February 2011 in Help / Advice Forum
I've done some preliminary research, but I'd like your insight on tattoo removal. From what I understand, laser removal seems to the dominant method. What are the major risks? What should I be looking for in terms of a clinic? Should I speak to a dermatologist first? What's the expected cost? If you have any personal experiences with tattoo removal, I'd appreciate your advice.

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Posts

  • MushroomStickMushroomStick Registered User regular
    edited February 2011
    From what I've seen/heard, the places that laser off the tattoo gradually over the course of a few months leave less of a scar than the ones that do it in one shot.

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  • Chases Street DemonsChases Street Demons Registered User regular
    edited February 2011
    I'm in the process of removal now. There's some basic stuff.

    1. Older tattoos are easier to remove. Older inks are less resilient.

    2. Colors are harder to remove than solic black. From what I understand red is damn near permanent. I have no experience with this as mine is solid black.

    3. I am using a laser procedure. It feels a lot like having a rubber band snapped against your skin. Fast. It's worse than the tattoo itself but not crippling.

    4. The laser treatment cycle is 12 weeks. You go for a treatment, you keep the site bandaged for a few dyas (it blisters), and then over the next 3 months the ink starts to break up.

    5. Some tattoos go away after one sitting, some need several. I've gone twice and my tattoo is about 1/3 faded. My treatments run about 250$ per. I go to a spa/skin care place and not a dermatologist - but the guy I go to is very highly recommended, he does all kinds of high profile stuff in the NYC area. YMMV.

    I suggest doing it gradually if at all possible. Scarring is a real possibility and if you take it off in one shot you're likely to have a scar that's just sort of shaped like your tattoo. If that doesn't matter to you I believe that surgery is also an option, but that's more expensive.

    I've heard mixed reviews about some kind of atomic skin balm for tattoos. I have not used it but some peopel swear it worked.

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  • Modern ManModern Man Registered User regular
    edited February 2011
    As I understand it, all removal options are somewhat expensive and most involve pain.

    Why are you getting your tats removed? Is it really worth the effort and expense? Sometimes doing nothing is the best choice.

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  • EggyToastEggyToast Jersey CityRegistered User regular
    edited February 2011
    If it's not big, many places will suggest doing a cover-up tattoo as well that's more to your liking.

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  • EshEsh Tending bar. FFXIV. Motorcycles. Portland, ORRegistered User regular
    edited February 2011
    EggyToast wrote: »
    If it's not big, many places will suggest doing a cover-up tattoo as well that's more to your liking.

    This is how I ended up with two full sleeves. :wink:

    Esh on
  • FantasmaFantasma Registered User regular
    edited February 2011
    Talking to a Dermatologist with a specialty in Surgery would be the safest route. The problem with laser is the high cost. Another popular procedure is Abrasion, but if done incorrectly there is a risk of infection and scar.

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  • Rubix42Rubix42 Registered User regular
    edited February 2011
    Laser is the way to go. Find someone in your area who is highly recommended and uses the latest equipment.

    I'm currently in the middle of lightening a really horrible half sleeve I received for free from a guy who creates solid art but sucks at translating to skin. The best place to find someone to go to in your area would be a high end tattoo studio in your area. One of my best friends in the world tattoo's and they have a guy they recommend people to for laser treatment.

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