Tattoo Removal Methods by Tattoo Type, as Explained by Imiseok Thema Dermatology Clinic

Tattoo Removal Methods by Tattoo Type

For young people in their 20s and 30s, tattoos have become a fashion trend. However, tattoos require careful consideration both when getting them and when removing them. Although tattooing is recognized as a form of individual expression and even as an art form, as more people get tattoos, more people are also seeking tattoo removal.

People who want tattoo removal visit clinics for various reasons. They may want to remove a tattoo because they are dissatisfied with the design, have grown tired of it, or are getting married, but since removing a tattoo is more difficult than getting one, it is important to carefully consider the method of removal.

Types of tattoos

Tribal: Tattoos that use only black ink

Lettering: Tattoos made up of text

Photo portrait: Tattoos that reproduce a photograph

Color tattoo: Tattoos that use various pigments

Mini tattoo: A small tattoo about the size of a coin

People who want tattoo removal can have many different types of tattoos, but removal is possible through appropriate treatment. However, the treatment period and cost may vary depending on the tattoo’s form and location. In particular, large tattoos and color tattoos are more difficult to remove than ordinary tattoos, so it is best to seek treatment from medical staff with extensive tattoo removal experience.

People who visit a clinic to request tattoo removal usually want it done quickly, but forcing removal can cause problems such as burns, and there is also the possibility that the tattoo may not be removed cleanly.

How is tattoo removal done?

In general, tattooing is performed by injecting pigment into the dermis layer. Unlike the epidermis, pigment injected into the dermis does not shed and disappear; it remains permanently. Tattoo removal refers to removing the pigment remaining in the dermis.

The method currently used for tattoo removal is laser treatment. This method uses laser energy to break down the pigment embedded in the body into small particles and remove it. With advances in laser technology, the treatment period has been shortened and removal can be performed cleanly. It is difficult to see dramatic results with just one session, and complete removal typically requires repeated treatments about 3 to 5 times at average intervals of 2 to 5 weeks. The treatment period may vary depending on the size, depth, and color of the tattoo, and the lighter the pigment and the more superficially it is located in the skin, the faster it can be removed.

<Treatment process>

1. Detailed diagnosis of the tattoo type

2. Laser irradiation targeted only at the tattoo without damaging surrounding tissue

3. Removal of pigment remaining in the dermis and tattoo removal

4. Care after the procedure to prevent side effects and skin problems

Treatment methods at Imiseok Thema Dermatology Clinic

1. Thorough 1:1 customized treatment

• Tattoo treatment requires customized care suited to the patient’s condition. Since tattoo size, shape, and location differ from patient to patient, and skin characteristics also vary, thorough customized treatment is essential.

2. Possession of more than 60 laser devices

• In line with the importance of 1:1 customized treatment, the clinic has more than 60 types of laser equipment, making patient-specific laser treatment possible. Having many laser devices means that the clinic can use the most appropriate laser equipment for each patient’s condition. The lasers used for tattoo removal allow the number of treatment sessions to be predicted according to the type and size of the tattoo, and premium laser equipment is used to remove pigment without damaging or irritating the surrounding skin tissue. The premium laser devices used for tattoo removal at our clinic include the "Lumenis Pico4 Laser," "Revlite S1 Toning Laser," "Q-switched Nd:YAG Laser," and "Enlighten Pico Laser."

3. All medical staff are dermatology specialists

• Imiseok Thema Dermatology Clinic is now in its 25th year since opening, and its medical staff are all dermatology specialists, allowing safe treatment with a high level of satisfaction. As mentioned earlier, since tattoo removal involves many variables, you should seek treatment from an experienced dermatologist to expect good results.

4. From skin aesthetics to disease treatment in one place

• At our clinic, customized treatment is provided in each department, including the laser skin clinic for tattoo removal, wrinkle and elasticity improvement, melasma, pigmentation, and acne; a specialty clinic where procedures such as Botox, fillers, lifting, and skin whitening are available; and even a hair transplant center for hair loss treatment. Therefore, you can receive systematic skin care after tattoo procedures as well, and other procedures you want can also be combined.

Precautions for tattoo treatment

If tattoo treatment is received at a place with insufficient experience, side effects such as scarring or incomplete removal of the tattoo may occur, so rather than focusing on cost, you should carefully assess the medical staff’s skill. Also, proper daily care by the patient is very important during tattoo treatment.

1. A simple shower is possible after the procedure, but baths and saunas should be avoided.

2. It is best to avoid tanning before and after the procedure, and to avoid exposure to ultraviolet rays after the procedure.

3. Starting several weeks before the procedure, you should not pluck hair from the treatment area; shaving is recommended. If hair is plucked, the hair growth cycle may change, which can reduce the effectiveness of the procedure.

4. After the procedure, swelling or redness may occur differently from patient to patient, but this is a temporary reaction and there is no need to worry.

5. If redness persists for a long time after treatment or pigmentation remains for an extended period, you should visit the clinic for care.

We have talked about tattoo removal methods by tattoo type. If you are wondering which tattoo removal method is right for you, feel free to contact us anytime.

If you are curious about laser procedure methods and laser types, please visit the website or check the link below to learn about effective laser tattoo removal methods~