How Does Laser Tattoo Removal Work
The science behind is nothing short of magic.
Laser tattoo removal works by targeting pigment colors in the skins dermis, the layer of skin between the epidermis and subcutaneous tissues. Light beams radiated by the laser are absorbed by tattoo pigments, which then fragment. The body then absorbs and eliminates the pigment fragments.
The Q-switch is the most common type of laser used in tattoo removal. It produces pulses of light boasting an extremely high peak power. Several types of Q-switch lasers exist, and each one targets a different color spectrum at different wavelengths. Because Q-switch lasers are so precise and intense, tattoo pigments fragment instantly, resulting in minimal damage to the surrounding tissue.
Tattoo Removal Cream Ingredients
Tattoo removal creams contain all kinds of chemicals like topical acids that could eat away your skins epidermis. The FDA has sent warning letters to companies involved with products that burn the skin with acids.
It is impossible for any tattoo removal creams to penetrate through all the layers of the skin and actually remove a tattoo, but that doesnt stop people from buying these products in a misguided attempt to remove their tattoos. We break down some of the ingredients most commonly found in creams to remove tattoos.
Ingredients from a Common Tattoo Removal Cream:
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Butyrospermum Parkii, Ceteareth-20, Cetearyl Alcohol, Citrus Medica Limonum Peel Oil, Dihydroxyacetone, Dimethicone, DMDM Hydantoin, Epilobium Angustifolium Extract, Eugenica Caryophyllus Flower Oil, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Glycine Soja Oil, Iron Oxides, Isopropyl Myristate, Juglans Regia Shell Powder, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Methylparaben, Mineral Oil, Petrolatum, Phyllanthus Emblica Fruit Extract, Polysorbate20, Propylene Glycol, Propylparaben Rosemarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil, Salicylic Acid, SD Alcohol 40-B, Silica, Talc, Theobroma Cacao Seed Butter, Titanium Dioxide, Tocopheryl Acetate, Water
Other Dangerous Tattoo Removal Options To Avoid
Youre probably thinking, surely there are other tattoo removal methods? You would be right. There are multiple removal methods such as dermabrasion, salabrasion, surgical excision, and trichloroacetic acids. But are they actually effective? We broke down the dangers of these methods in the following section.
Dermabrasion Tattoo Removal
Dermabrasion is typically performed by a doctor and uses a circle-shaped medical grinding tool that resembles a rotary sander. The tool is an abrasive brush that is used to scrape or sand off tattooed skin.
This procedure usually uses ice to numb the area or local anesthetic. The cost depends on the size of a tattoo and this method can often lead to scarring. With sanding the skin down to remove a tattoo, a lot of scar tissue can develop, hypopigmentation can occur, and in some cases, the treated area could become infected.
Tattoo ink is placed within the dermis and this tool should only remove the epidermis or it risks going too deep which is ineffective in removing the ink. Its neither the safest nor most effective method of removal and on average costs around $1,700 according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Salabrasion Tattoo Removal
Salabrasion is an at-home remedy that works by rubbing salt and water into your skin to remove the epidermis. Its basically the salt and ice challenge X 1000. The process continues until the skin is raw and the healing occurs over several weeks.
Surgical Excision Tattoo Removal
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Whats The Most Painful Spot To Get A Tattoo
If you are among those with a low tolerance for pain, you may want to choose your tattoo location wisely. Getting a tattoo on certain areas of the body is much more painful than on others.
Any really fleshy parts of your body with no musculature, like your inner thigh, inner arm, breast , or stomach or any area that is directly above a bone, like knuckles, ankles, elbows, or knee caps, are much more painful areas to get a tattoo.
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“Honestly, they’re a gimmick from what I’ve gathered and completely ineffective. I believe they’re meant to fade that tattoo over time, maybe by bleaching the skin or causing some form of microdermabrasion. Tattoos fade over time naturally anyway, though, with sun exposure, tanning, burns, cuts, etc.,” tattoo artist Dillon Forte said. “These creams have been around for at least 10 years and haven’t gained popularity from tattooers.”
For a tattoo removal cream to truly penetrate the epidermis, it would need to be formulated with a whole crop of potentially dangerous chemicals, and that may not be safe.
“I would be suspect in wondering about the effects of absorbing these chemicals into the skin and additionally how the original tattoo scar looks in comparison to the surrounding skin ,”tattoo expert Lisa Barretta said.
Since they’re so potent, tattoo removal creams could also irritate skin.
“Using the cream at home is risky. Some side effects could include burning, itching, irritation and even skin discoloration. You might also experience an allergic reaction to the cream. Plus, they are not FDA-approved,” said Dr. Debra Jaliman, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City and author of the book “Skin Rules: Trade Secrets From a Top New York Dermatologist.“
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Side Effects Of Using Tattoo Removal Creams
As a result of plant allergens, some serious side effects such as burning and permanent scarring may occur in the treated area. Some side effects from using questionable creams could potentially lead to life-threatening symptoms.
Below is a list of side effects that may occur from using removal creams.
- Anaphylaxis
- Hypopigmentation
There is a high risk of hypopigmentation for those who have more melanin in their skin. The bleaching chemical trichloroacetic acid could result in permanent scarring and skin lightening for those who have skin types four through six on the Fitzpatrick scale.
Why Dont Tattoo Artists Use Numbing Creams
Most tattoo artists do not use numbing cream. There are those that have some on hand, but will only provide it if the client specifically asks.
There are also others who refuse to use it.
If you are thinking about getting a tattoo and want to use a tattoo numbing product, make sure you discuss it with your tattoo artist first. They may have a particular brand they prefer you to use, or they may be among the artists that refuse to do a tattoo with a numbing agent.
You will want to find out BEFORE you show up on tattoo day!
So what do tattoo artists have against numbing cream? Laser hair removal people use them, epilating people use them, as do waxing technicians. Tattoos hurt as much as those, or more!
There are a few reasons that tattoo artists may choose not to use numbing cream, but the two most common are:
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Types Of Tattoo Removal Creams
Tattoo removal creams are topical options that typically have one of these two active ingredients:
- Hydroquinone: Dermatologists usually use creams with hydroquinone to treat patients who have irregular skin pigmentation. This ingredient is too superficial to produce any significant or lasting results for tattoo pigment since its so deeply embedded in your skin.
- Trichloroacetic acid: This ingredient induces a chemical burn on your skin that peels the outer layers. Its your worst possible option when selecting a tattoo cream, as its efficiency is low and scarring or infection is probable.
Unfortunately, while these creams are significantly less expensive and more convenient than a safe and effective laser tattoo removal, their efficacy is extremely low and their side effects can be quite serious and painful.
Also, please note that production of these creams is not closely regulated or FDA-approved.
Laser Tattoo Removal Vs Tattoo Removal Creams Whats The Verdict
Thanks to advances in laser and light-based technology, the techniques used in laser tattoo removal today are much safer, less intrusive, more effective, and have fewer complications – if any.
Using a tattoo removal cream is mainly ineffective from a scientific perspective because it cant penetrate the skins deeper layers.
If you can get your hands on a cream strong enough to penetrate beyond the epidermis layer of the skin, you could end up permanently damaging your skin.
Also, if it can penetrate deep enough, you may also risk spreading the ink particles rather than removing it. This can often seem as if the tattoo is fading.
On the other hand, laser tattoo removal technology can safely remove even the most stubborn tattoos.
Laser tattoo removal works by targeting pigment colours in the skins dermis, the layer of skin between the epidermis and subcutaneous tissues.
Light beams radiated by the laser are absorbed by tattoo pigments, which then fragment. The body then absorbs and eliminates these pigment fragments through its immune system.
After a series of successful laser treatments, most tattoos are pretty much gone.
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Effective Alternatives For Tattoo Removal
Although more painful, effective methods of removing tattoos are laser surgery and surgical excision performed by medical professionals, according to Heathline.
Using concentrated light waves, laser surgery breaks up ink into smaller pieces, making it easier for the immune system to remove them. The length and cost of laser surgery for tattoo removal will vary depending on the size and location of the tattoo being removed. The larger and more detailed your tattoo is, the more laser sessions you will need, and the higher the total cost. Six to eight sessions may be necessary for most people to remove their tattoos completely .
A treatment that only takes one session is surgical excision. According to Connect by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, surgical excision involves carving out your tattoo with a scalpel while the skin around it is numb from anesthesia. However, this procedure may result in a visible scar and pain once the anesthetic wears off, and thus is more suitable for smaller tattoos.
There’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all treatment when it comes to tattoo removal. The size, details, and the type of ink are all factors that play into the success of the treatment. If you are interested in tattoo removal, speak with your doctor to find out which treatment will be most effective for you.
How Do I Know Which Method Is Right For Me
Not all tattoo removal techniques may work well for you. The size, color, or type of tattoo ink used can all affect how successful each treatment will be.
Your doctor may not recommend laser removal if you have sensitive skin or if your skin doesnt react well to other treatments. Laser removal might also be more expensive or time-consuming than youd prefer, especially because larger tattoos may require many treatments for complete removal.
Surgical excision can leave a noticeable scar or be too painful for larger tattoos. This technique is most effective on small tattoos.
Dermabrasion may be a good alternative if laser or excision techniques dont work for you or are too expensive. It may also be cheaper and faster for smaller tattoos. But dermabrasion is also much less effective than laser or surgical treatment.
Before getting a tattoo removed, ask your healthcare professional the following questions:
- Which procedures are safest for my skin?
- Which treatment would you recommend for me?
- How much will the removal cost?
- How long will the treatment take? Will I need to have multiple treatments?
- Are there any risks I face with tattoo removal?
- Will the treatment hurt? What kinds of anesthesia or numbing are safe to use?
- Will the removal treatments cause any discomfort in my daily activities?
- How do I make sure Im ready for the treatment?
- How effective will the treatment be?
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What Is A Safe Medical Procedure To Remove Tattoos
For removing tattoos, as well as treating acne scars and uneven skin pigmentation, our patients find that the PicoWay laser procedure produced the most satisfactory effect. We provide this kind of treatment using the FDA-approved PicoWay device marketed by Candela.
PicoWay is a current laser tattoo removal procedure intended to be performed by licensed professionals. It comes in three wavelengths , which determine the depth of penetration that the laser has on the dermis the pigments that the laser can treat and and the skin type that the laser can work on.
In tattoo removal, the objective is to break down the tattoo ink pigment into the smallest possible particles. PicoWay is known to have the fastest operating laser at 300ps on the 785nm wavelength. The speed of the laser is what generates a photoacoustic shockwave. This photoacoustic energy is what shatters the pigments into very tiny fragments. The more minuscule the particle, the easier it is to remove and the faster it is for the body to pass out naturally.
The laser is delivered onto the skin at a trillionth of a second or whats called a picosecond. At the rapid speed at which light is beamed onto the area, theres not enough time for the skin to absorb the heat and damage to the surrounding tissue is avoided.
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Best Tattoo Removal Creams
Tattoo removal is possible by using the best tattoo removal creams. Getting rid of an old or unwanted tattoo is not a big thing. Also, you may want a new tattoo design on that skin area. Tattoo removal on a specific skin area can be a requirement in any profession.
However, there are many over-the-counter tattoo removal creams available in the market. But these creams can cause damage to your skin instead of tattoo removal. Therefore, we have tested out more than 50 popular best tattoo fading creams. But we have got only the five cheap and best tattoo removal creams that actually work without reactions. Moreover, our tattoo artists team gave their tattoo removal cream reviews. Further, we have the Buying Guide and FAQs section for you.
Now, check out our top picks and best tattoo removal cream reviews:
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Risks And Side Effects
In terms of risks and side effects, it all varies with the product. However, laser tattoo removal in Winter Park, Fl, exhibits fewer side effects because a professional monitor your progress with every session.
With creams, the side effects vary from cream to cream. Some creams can permanently bleach your skin, especially if you are darker-toned, causing scarring and burns.
The side effects can also get dangerous because you do not have a professional guiding you on whats normal and whats not. Laser tattoo removal in Orlando can be risky only if done by an unlicensed technician or on a pregnant woman.
How Does It Function
As a whole, you’ll delicately wash your tattoo 3 times a day for the first week. After cleaning it with odorless mild soap and also pat-drying with paper towels or fabric towel, do not allow water rest on top of your skin because this will promote infection from germs in faucet water.
Does Tattoo Removal Cream Work
Laser tattoo removal is a successful application of the theory of selective photothermolysis . Nevertheless, unlike therapies for blood vessels or hair the mechanism called for to smash tattoo particles makes use of the photomechanical impact. In this situation the energy is soaked up by the ink fragments in a really brief time, typically split seconds. The surface temperature of the ink bits can increase to hundreds of degrees however this power account quickly falls down right into a shock wave. This shock wave after that circulates throughout the neighborhood cells causing breakable structures to piece. Thus tissues are mostly untouched given that they just vibrate as the shock wave passes. For laser tattoo removal the careful damage of tattoo pigments depends on four aspects: Does Tattoo Removal Cream Work
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The Cost Of Tattoo Removal
A beautiful, well-executed tattoo is a piece of tasty eye candy. But sometimes, a thin line separates a great tattoo from an awful one. I have seen plenty of awful ones in my time, ranging from a name on a stranger’s face to a pitchfork on my girlfriend’s pelvis.
What can you do about a crappy tattoo? Since you are reading this, you probably know that a laser tattoo removal is a long and costly process. This is why many choose to use ink as a cover-up instead. But covering up isn’t always an option. One laser treatment can cost as much as $2,000 US, depending on the size and location of the tattoo and the type of laser used. And it takes multiple, long sessions to achieve the desired result.
This huge price tag, combined with multiple, lengthy sessions, leave people seeking cheaper and more convenient alternatives, such as tattoo removal creams. But do they work?
We all make mistakes sometimes, but a tattoo mistake can be hard to forget.
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What Are Some Safe Tattoo Removal Methods
Just because tattoo removal creams are ineffective and unsafe doesnt mean you have to give up the hope of having your tattoo removed. Instead, you can consider one of the following options that are safer and more effective.
- Surgical Removal
- Dermabrasion
Another option you can consider is having your tattoo changed by getting another tattoo over it. For instance, if you got your exs initials on your arm, you can have it covered by another design. However, this only works if the design is the issue, not the tattoo itself.
When it comes to tattoo removal, it is essential to consult a professional. Trying to use DIY methods or over-the-counter products can leave long-term scars.
So dont try any at-home methods that you may come across on the internet and consult a good dermatologist who is experienced in removing tattoos.
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