Tattoo Removal can be performed with a variety of techniques to remove the permanent particles of pigments placed into the skin by tattooing

The treatments include dermabrasion, cryosurgery, excision, laser therapy, intense pulsed light and fading with saline.

• Dermabrasion — This technique is more commonly used for skin rejuvenation but can also be useful in the removal of tattoos. The skin is sanded to remove the top and middle layers of skin.
• Cryosurgery — An application of extreme cold is used to destroy tattooed tissue.
• Excision — A doctor surgically removes the tattoo with a scalpel and closes the wound with stitches. If a large tattoo is removed, a graft from another part of the body may be needed.
• Laser Removal — Laser removal is the most popular technique used to remove tattoos. The laser beam breaks the ink into small fragments, and the tattoo fades with multiple treatments.
• Intense Pulsed Light Therapy — Instead of a laser beam, this technique uses high intensity light. A gel is applied to the skin, and then a wand is used to emit pulses of light onto the tattoo.l
• Fading with Saline - Saline is tattooed in the area of the previous ink tattoo to wash the ink out. This procedure works differently for each person and is most effective with older tattoos.

With almost every procedure, several sessions are required to remove the tattoo completely. Sometimes the tattoo may still be visible. Excision requires only one treatment, but for every other treatment, several sessions are required.

Tattoo Removal can be complicated and difficult, but it is safe. There is the possibility that the tattoo will not fully be removed or that infection, swelling or scarring may occur.

• Dermabrasion — With Dermabrasion, you may experience some tingling, burning or aching. There is also redness and swelling after treatment. The redness fades to pink until the skin is completely healed, and the natural pigment returns.
• Cryosurgery — Side effects from cryosurgery may include bleeding at the freeze site, blistering, edema and pain. In rare cases, permanent atrophy, hair loss or hypopigmentation may occur.
• Excision — As with any surgical procedure there is a chance of infection.
• Laser Removal — In laser removal, the side effects may include redness, swelling, scabbing and some blistering on rare occasions.
• Intense Pulsed Light Therapy — There is the possibility of a sunburned sensation, redness, skin tone discoloration, hair loss and bruising.
• Fading with saline — This treatment possesses no potential harm to the client.

In most cases, the results are either a lightened or faded tattoo. In some cases, the tattoo completely vanishes.

Treatments produce different sensations, and pain is subjective. It is best to discuss these aspects with your health care provider.