Tattoos that have lost their color and clarity of their outlines over time can be corrected by adding new elements to the existing image, or removing them from the skin surface using a laser.
This method of cleaning the upper layers of the skin is considered the most effective, but at the same time expensive. Knowing other ways to get rid of the body pattern, a person can avoid having to spend a large amount of money by using the available means to remove the tattoo.
How to remove a tattoo safely, without a scar?
Removing tattoos with a laser is considered the only option to get rid of the body pattern forever without negatively affecting the integrity of the skin after the rehabilitation period.
For the first time, a laser for cleaning the skin from coloring pigment was used in 1960. At that time, cosmetology medicine was just beginning its development. The imperfection of the equipment used for the procedure led to the fact that a scar remained at the site of the removed tattoo, which was impossible to get rid of later.
Modern technological capabilities allow doctors practicing the laser tattoo removal method to rid their clients of body patterns without leaving a mark on the skin area involved in the work. Experienced cosmetologists warn their patients before a laser treatment session about the impossibility of guaranteeing a 100% result.
The tattoo can lighten, become more vague, less visible on the skin, but not completely disappear.
The effectiveness of the method under consideration is influenced by many external factors, including:
- the amount of time that has passed since the creation of a specific pattern on the body;
- the density and sensitivity of the patient's skin;
- the pigment used by the tattoo artist in his work;
- features of the technique of driving in the pigment (for example, how deeply the tattoo artist allowed the needle to penetrate).
Removal of tattoos with a laser. Pros and cons
Laser tattoo removal, like any other cosmetic procedure, has its advantages and disadvantages.
The strengths of this method include:
- low degree of trauma of the procedure;
- no need to follow special recommendations during the rehabilitation period;
- minimally invasive;
- the possibility of obtaining skin without scars at the site of the former tattoo;
- a small list of contraindications for laser tattoo removal;
- no negative impact on the structure of hair follicles located on the "working" area of the skin.
The disadvantages of laser tattoo removal are:
- the duration of the process (in order to remove a tattoo the size of a matchbox, it is necessary to carry out the procedure, on average, 3-5 times);
- swelling of the skin that lasts up to 3 days;
- soreness (depends on the sensitivity of the skin, as well as on the location of the tattoo that requires removal);
- risk of discoloration of the pigment instead of disappearing from the skin surface (for example, a color tattoo with a red tint present, may turn brown or green under the influence of a laser).
The essence of the procedure
Removing tattoos with a laser is a process of local exposure to a laser beam on the inner layers of the skin. A distinctive feature of this type of getting rid of pigment is the fact that there is no negative effect on skin cells.
Each pulse sent by the device used by the master removes the layer of paint closest to the laser, thereby freeing access to the deeper layers of the skin.
The laser destroys the coloring pigment, after which the paint is washed out by the body itself in a natural way within 2-3 weeks after the session. This physiological feature determines the advisability of repeating laser tattoo removal no earlier than a month after the previous procedure.
How many sessions are needed?
The number of sessions required to completely get rid of a tattoo is determined individually in each case.
The speed of skin cleansing depends on:
- the chemical composition of the pigment (which was used to create the tattoo);
- the size of the body pattern (the larger the area of the tattoo, the more time it takes to remove it);
- the location of the tattoo (determines the thickness of the skin on a specific area of the body);
- colors previously used to create a tattoo.
In the vast majority of cases, to completely eliminate a medium-sized tattoo, 5-7 laser procedures are required, which must be carried out at least once every 4 weeks.
Pain sensations
Considering that the laser penetrates into the deeper layers of the skin, the fact that painful sensations arise during the tattoo removal process is quite logical. In the vast majority of cases, the discomfort is tolerable and is easily tolerated by the vast majority of patients.
The degree of pain of the procedure depends on the location of the body pattern and the pain threshold of a particular person. If the skin is particularly sensitive, which requires tattoo removal, the master may suggest using a local anesthetic for external use, for example, Emla cream or pain relieving sprays with lidocaine in the composition.
They will dull the pain during the manipulation, but will not relieve the discomfort during the rehabilitation period after the laser procedure.
Healing time
Removal of tattoos with a laser does not imply long-term rehabilitation of the skin. The damaged layer of skin should heal 7-10 days after the session. With proper care, the body pattern will brighten after the first procedure, without requiring a person to take specific measures to promote the regeneration process.
The only thing that cosmetologists recommend to maintain the normal course of healing is to use locally moisturizing hypoallergenic products, for example, the Bepanten spray. They are able to relieve dryness, reduce tissue swelling and protect weakened skin from the negative effects of external factors.
Result after mixing a fresh, old, colored tattoo
The result after mixing a fresh, old and colored tattoo may differ due to the presence of the physiological characteristics of the patient's skin.
Tattoos over 5-10 years old, made with black pigment, are reduced in 10-15 sessions.
Old paint, subject to its poor-quality composition, can remain in the deep layer of its owner's skin, nevertheless becoming practically invisible to others.A fresh tattoo is removed in 3 - 7 procedures (in the vast majority of cases, cosmetologists manage to achieve absolute purity of the skin).
A color tattoo under the influence of a laser either disappears or changes its color. Partial removal of subcutaneous paint in bright shades is practically not found.
Where to go? Laser tattoo removal price
For tattoo removal using a laser, you should contact the centers of hardware cosmetology, carefully choosing a specialist. The professional must have experience, be attentive, accurate, and also take seriously the issue of sterilization and handling of work tools.
In order to avoid unforeseen consequences after completing the procedure in question, it is recommended that you refuse to visit unverified masters at home.
The cost of laser removal of a tattoo varies from 2,000 to 12,000 rubles. per cm2 (the price is indicated for 1 session and depends on the total amount of work, the qualifications of the master, the quality of the equipment used, as well as the popularity of the salon itself).
Is it possible to remove a tattoo at home?
It is impossible to completely remove a tattoo at home. Despite this well-known fact, folk methods are still quite common among those who want to get rid of the body pattern. The means at hand, provided they are used correctly, can make the tattoo less expressive by changing the shade of the pigment driven into the skin.
In order not to injure the skin, as well as to avoid the occurrence of allergic reactions and deterioration of the appearance of the tattoo, you should be careful when choosing a specific method of tattoo removal (alternatively, before applying the product to a large area of skin, test its effectiveness on a small area, checking how it will react on the human body).
Advantages and disadvantages of self-removal of a tattoo
Before making a final decision on the advisability of self-removal of a tattoo at home, it is necessary to evaluate all the advantages and disadvantages of the procedure in question.
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Ways to remove a tattoo at home
Laser tattoo removal is expensive, so the procedure is often replaced with home remedies for other purposes.
Potassium permanganate
With the help of potassium permanganate, you can burn out unwanted tattoo, following the following steps of the procedure:
- Prepare a concentrated solution of manganese by mixing the powder with water until it turns to a color close to black.
- Collect the maximum amount of composition on a cotton pad by dipping it into the solution for 1-2 seconds.
- Treat the contours of the tattoo with a cotton pad.
- Close the body pattern with a napkin, fixing it with a plaster (it is necessary to check that the bandage prevents air from entering the tattoo).
- Leave the bandage on for 2-3 hours, then treat the tattoo site with hydrogen peroxide.
- Apply a thin layer of antiseptic to the damaged area of the skin and apply a sterile bandage.
Milk
When removing a tattoo in this way, a certain frequency of milk injection under the skin must be observed.
Long pauses in the process can lead to uneven filling of the space where the pigment is located.
To remove a tattoo you need:
- Treat the area of skin with a tattoo with an antiseptic.
- Pour a small amount of boiled milk into a disposable syringe.
- Introducing the needle 1-2 mm into the skin, squeeze the recruited composition into the inner layers of the skin.
- Pull out the needle carefully and repeat p.2 - 3 the required number of times, until the entire area of the body pattern has been "worked through".
- Disinfect the skin with an alcohol wipe and apply a sterile bandage.
Iodine
It is necessary to process the tattoo with iodine at least 3 times a day until the pigment completely fades.
To remove you need:
- Mix 5% iodine solution and 3 g streptocide.
- Using a cotton swab or a plastic stick, apply the composition strictly to the tattoo, avoiding contact with clean areas of the skin. Otherwise, you can provoke the occurrence of a severe chemical burn, which may require the intervention of professional dermatologists and surgeons.
- Let it absorb. Do not cover the treated area with a bandage, thereby allowing free air access to the skin.
- Apply a light-textured moisturizer (such as gel or spray) to damaged skin in a thin layer before bed.
Hydrogen peroxide
There are 2 ways to use hydrogen peroxide in tattoo removal:
- applying the composition locally to pigmented areas of the skin using a kind of compresses (the safest, but ineffective method);
- the introduction of the drug under the skin using a disposable needle and a syringe for intravenous use (an effective, but most dangerous method for health due to the high probability of circulatory disorders throughout the human body).
Salt
The following manipulations should be carried out every day, once a day:
- Put in a deep bowl 2 tbsp. l. iodized baking soda.
- Add 2 tbsp. l. boiled water at room temperature.
- Stir the ingredients until the salt crystals are completely dissolved and the composition acquires a mushy consistency.
- Using a sponge, rub the "salt gruel" in a circular motion into the location of the tattoo and leave for 30 minutes.
- Remove residues of the product by rinsing the skin with cool running water.
Celandine
Laser-cut tattoos do not leave behind scars and scars, unlike body designs, which are removed with the help of celandine.
To remove a tattoo you should:
- Liberally moisten a cotton pad with alcohol-based celandine tincture.
- Treat the tattoo with cotton wool without going beyond it.
- Apply a sterile bandage and fix with a plaster.
- After the appearance of a burn at the site of the tattoo, it is necessary to treat the damaged skin with hydrogen peroxide and regularly apply an antiseptic. The frequency of manipulation is daily for 7-8 weeks. When suppuration forms at the site of a tattoo, it is necessary to stop the process of its removal and contact a dermatologist for the appointment of the correct treatment aimed at restoring the integrity of the skin.
Vinegar
Vinegar tattoo removal is recommended every day for 7-10 days. After a week, take a break of 2 weeks, then resume the procedures at home.
This requires:
- Wear medical gloves.
- Moisten a cotton pad liberally in a vinegar solution of maximum concentration.
- Apply the composition to the tattoo, avoiding contact with clean skin.
- Soak for 5-7 minutes, then rinse the skin abundantly with cool boiled water.
- Pour a large amount of hydrogen peroxide onto the treated skin (to avoid infection).
- Apply a sterile compress.
Ammonia
This method of tattoo removal should be used every day, once a day for 2-3 weeks:
- 5 tbsp. l. Pour 200 ml of cold water over dry calendula leaves and bring to a boil.
- Reducing the heat to the minimum, simmer the herbal broth under the lid for 5-10 minutes.
- Strain and let the tincture cool down to room temperature on its own.
- Mix calendula broth with ammonia in a 1: 1 ratio.
- Gently apply the chemical composition to the tattoo, avoiding touching "clean" areas of the body.
- Cover the treated body design with cling film, blocking the access of air to the skin.
- After 2-3 hours, rinse the treated skin area with running water at room temperature.
Henna
A temporary henna tattoo can be easily removed at home in 3-5 days.
This requires:
- scrub the body pattern daily at least 3 times a day;
- visit a pool or aqua aerobics, classes in which involve a long stay of a person in high concentration chlorinated water;
- apply regular antibacterial soap to the tattoo and leave for 10 minutes (the main components of the composition of this product penetrate deeply into the skin, washing out the pigment from the inner layers);
- use soap with a whitening effect (it is recommended to rub into the tattoo area with massage movements for 5-7 minutes every day).
Body pigment
The technique of getting rid of tattoos using body pigment is called camouflage. As part of this procedure, the beautician injects a paint into the deep subcutaneous layers that is as close as possible in its shade to the skin color of a particular person.
By distributing the pigment evenly under the skin, the specialist overlaps the existing tattoo, as if painting over an area of the skin with a wearable pattern. The procedure requires a special paint and a tattoo machine with a disposable needle, with which it is most convenient to inject the pigment under the skin.
Bath
It will take a long time to get rid of a tattoo with the help of a bath - at least 3-4 months. Complete cleaning of the skin by this method is impossible. It is designed to make the drawing on the body as less expressive and noticeable as possible.
This method does not injure the skin and does not leave marks at the place where the tattoo is washed out.
To reduce the brightness of an existing tattoo, you must:
- Steam the skin thoroughly in a bath. To achieve the best result, it is recommended to use special cosmetic products with abrasive particles in the composition. They help to cleanse the skin as much as possible and open access to the required layer of skin, into which the coloring pigment was previously driven.
- Without leaving a room with a high air temperature, rub the area of the body with the tattoo with a hard washcloth or a brush for dry massage for 10-15 minutes.
- Rinse the injured skin with cool water, then apply a local moisturizer of light consistency.
Cold
Cold tattoo removal is one of the most traumatic ways to cleanse your skin. It involves “burning out” the existing tattoo using a sports freezing equipment. Liquid nitrogen freezes the skin, as a result of which the tattoo becomes less expressive, and scars and scars form in the place of the body pattern.
Skin care after tattoo removal
Regardless of the chosen method of tattoo removal, the skin after exposure to it needs careful care.
For people who have gotten rid of tattoos, beauticians recommend:
- Apply a healing ointment, such as "Panthenol", 2 times a day in a thick layer on the injured area of the body;
- avoid contact with water during the first 3-4 days after the procedure;
- treat the removed drawing with antiseptics as often as possible;
- minimize the interaction of the skin with direct sunlight, high temperature vapors, alcohol-containing substances, as well as artificial UV rays.
Laser is the most effective and safest way to remove tattoos. However, before making a final decision on the advisability of carrying out this type of skin cleansing procedure, it is recommended to thoroughly study the existing contraindications and possible consequences of laser tattoo removal.
It is highly discouraged to use home methods for such purposes, as this may be not only ineffective, but also cause irreversible harm to the skin.
Video on how laser tattoo removal is performed
How to remove laser tattoos:
In our studio we use the MEDHITECH QS3000 D7 apparatus, which has a certificate of conformity to Russian quality standards as for a medical instrument.
Pain during the removal procedure depends on the site of the procedure and the density of the pigment in the skin. Multi-color tattoos are the most difficult to remove, as some colors, such as green and red, are removed very slowly. The same applies to tattoos made with gel pen ink or ballpoint pen ink.
After the procedure, hyperemia (slight redness and swelling) will be observed at the site of tattoo removal, which will disappear on its own after a few days. If bubbles form, never pierce or open them. It is necessary to cover the burn itself with a thin layer of ointment or a sterile gauze napkin, apply to the wound. Fix it with a gauze bandage or adhesive plaster. The bandage needs to be changed every day.
Dressings: Branolind, hydrocoll, hydrosorb, tendervet, waxopran, waxosorb, parapran
Ointments: EPLAN, bepanten, bepanten +, fastin, dibunol liniment, solcoseryl
Sprays: Panthenol, Alazol
If the body is prone to the formation of keloid scars, you can recommend the use of: egallochitis, contractubex, dermatics.
It is imperative to protect the skin from exposure to ultraviolet rays. It is not recommended to sunbathe for 2 weeks.
Many do not understand why the dye is not removed from the skin on its own.
The essence of a tattoo is the introduction of paints into the skin by micro trauma. Their granules (fragments of dyes) are too large, so they do not fit into the lumen of blood and lymph vessels, through which they could be removed.