When tattoos are created, they are considered to be permanent markings on the skin of an individual. Consequently, removing them is not a simple process. Below are some of the more well know ways to remove tattoos, and also some of the pros and cons fo each procedure.

- Dermabrasion – this is a very painful method and involves sanding away the skin that has been tattooed.

- Cryosurgery – where the tattooed skin is frozen and then removed.

- Excision – a procedure where the doctor removes the area of tattooed skin with a scalpel and then stitches together the skin that remains. This is not a good option on very large tattoos.

- Laser Tattoo Removal- A laser goes through the surface of the skin and breaks down the tattoo ink that is deeper in the skin. As the ink breaks down the coloring is removed by the patient’s own natural immune system that sees the tattoo dye as an impurity to rid itself of. Tattoos naturally fade over time because of this same process, the laser just greatly speeds up the process.

Laser tattoo removal is the most common and is less painful than all the other methods. It can also be done in an outpatient setting (unlike some of the other methods) which makes it more convenient.

Laser tattoo removal has far less detrimental side effects than other methods mainly because the laser method is less invasive than the other removal measures. Keep in mind though that it usually takes a multiple laser removal treatments to totally remove the tattoo from your skin. Generally, it takes 1-6 sessions for amateur tattoos, and 3-15 sessions for professional tattoos. Each one of these treatments should be spaced about 6-8 weeks apart to allow the body to absorb the ink. The number of treatments depends on a variety of factors: how effectively the body’s immune system scavenges the fragmented ink. The age, how deep the ink is in the skin, the type of ink used and how it was applied are all important factors. Since there are a multitude of inks used in tattooing, it is difficult to gauge an exact amount of treatments required to remove a tattoo. While possible, it is very rare for a tattoo to require more than 10 treatments. If someone is interested in lightening the tattoo to place a new tattoo, laser treatments are extremely effective.

Here are several things that a person can do to reduce the pain and speed up the healing process after a laser tattoo removal session:

- Take a mild pain reliever (like aspirin) before and after the procedure.

- For the first full day after the procedure, every so often ice the treated area and elevate it if possible. It is also recommended to limiting physical activities and avoid saunas, and swimming.

-After 24 hours use Aloe-Cort cream twice a day to moisturize the area.

- DO NOT pop blisters or pick scabs as this will make it more prone to scarring and infection.

- Do not spend an extended period of time exposed to the sun and avoid tanning beds while the area is healing.

- When taking a shower be careful not to scrub the affected area as it will increase the inflammation and slow the healing process.

Laser tattoo removal is considered the most effective tattoo removal procedure at this time. Because it works in conjuncture with a person’s immune system it may take more time than other methods. However, this also accounts for the fact it is more effective, less painful, and it doesn’t have side effects of the other procedures.