Tattoo removal can be as big a decision as getting the tattoo n the first place. Whether you've had a past lovers name tattooed across your heart, or your new job frowns upon the tattoo that creeps past the end of your sleeve, sometimes tattoo removal is the best option for you. As you try to sort through this major decision, you will find that there is more than one method for removing a tattoo. Get together with your doctor and decide which one is right for you.

Laser tattoo removal is quickly becoming the most popular method for removing tattoos. Using a laser to break up the pigments that make up the skin design beneath the skins surface, the doctor is allowing the body to act as its own eraser. Once these pigments are broken up, the body's natural defense mechanisms begin to expel the waste through the bloodstream. This process usually takes several weeks. This removal approach usually takes several visits to the doctor.

Dermabrasion is a popular method of tattoo removal because it generally gets rid of all the ink the first time. While other treatments and methods require multiple trips to a doctor, dermabrasion removes all of the pigments at once. The biggest drawback, aside from the pain, is that this method brings with it the potential for scarring. Since the out layer of skin is ground away with a tool, the body is forced to produce scar tissue to repair the wound.

Excision works well in situations where the skin design is small. The process involves an outpatient surgical procedure in which the doctor actually cuts out the body art. Carefully placed stitches close the wound for minimum scarring. When this method is used on larger tattoos, it usually takes several times to complete the job. The doctor will start in the middle of the large body art and work his way to the edges. In extreme cases, a skin graft is used to help heal the resulting wound.

Salabrasion is the oldest method of tattoo removal. Similar to dermabrasion, this method uses an abrasive technique to scrape away the outer layer of skin that houses the skin design pigment. Since this method has been around quite a bit longer than the more technically advanced versions of tattoo removal, it is a little more rudimentary and doesn't use any complicated equipment or tools. The tattooed area is numbed with ice or a local anesthetic. The tattoo is actually removed by rubbing the area vigorously with a rough block or a block wrapped in rough textured gauze. This type of removal approach usually requires repeated treatments.

The first step to take if you have decided to go ahead with tattoo removal is to meet with your doctor. Together you can explore these options and decide which is best for you. Each method has it positive points, but also its own set of drawbacks. Keep in mind that several of these methods can be rather painful. You may want to schedule your tattoo removal for a Friday so that you have the weekend to recover.

Just enter your name and email to get your FREE Tatoos gift immediately ! Name:                  Email Address: Your name and email address will not be sold, shared or disclosed to anyone. We promise to respect your privacy.

Technorati Tags: Tattoos, Options for Tattoo Removal