How to Remove a Tattoo Drawn on the Body

Effective ways to remove hard-to-erase tattoos

Among young people in their 20s and 30s, tattoos have become part of the culture, and many people get them. More and more people get tattoos to highlight their individuality or to commemorate their beliefs or certain events, but many also visit hospitals to remove tattoos for various reasons.

When getting a tattoo, pigment is injected into the dermis. Unlike the epidermis, the pigment injected into the dermis does not shed and disappear, so it remains almost permanently. Tattoo removal is a procedure that removes the pigment present in the dermis. The treatment period for tattoo removal varies depending on the size, depth, and color of the tattoo, and if the pigment has been placed deeply in the dermis, multiple sessions are required. On the other hand, the lighter the tattoo pigment and the more superficially it is located in the skin, the easier it is to remove. In addition, tattoo removal is a highly difficult procedure because it requires the precise removal of pigment particles of various sizes in the dermis.

In the past, laser tattoo removal procedures did not destroy only the pigment particles but also damaged the surrounding tissue, often causing side effects such as hypertrophic scars and failing to remove the tattoo cleanly. However, with recent advances in medical technology, various laser devices have been developed that reduce surrounding damage and can remove tattoos effectively.

Laser treatment for tattoo removal!

When a laser breaks down pigment particles, macrophages responsible for immunity phagocytize the pigment particles, which is the principle by which the tattoo is removed. Put simply, it means destroying the skin layer where the tattoo was placed so that new tissue cells can form. It would be ideal to remove a tattoo quickly and cleanly, but in reality, it is difficult to achieve both effects in a short period of time. Of course, treatment intensity can be increased to see results sooner, but side effects may occur and the skin may be stressed, so it is better to consult a specialist and set the desired goal and schedule.

Things to consider for effective tattoo removal!

1. Choose a clinic with extensive tattoo removal experience!

Thanks to advances in modern medicine, various medical devices have been developed that make it possible to remove tattoos effectively. However, if the clinic lacks experience, effective treatment is not possible. Therefore, you should find a dermatology clinic with extensive tattoo removal experience and receive treatment only after hearing a detailed explanation of the treatment period and method. In particular, if you search online, you will find many non-medical practitioners offering cheap tattoo removal. If you receive an unlicensed illegal procedure, the tattoo may not be removed properly, and side effects such as scarring or skin infection may occur, so caution is needed.

2. What equipment is used?

The laser equipment available varies from clinic to clinic, and medical devices are constantly being introduced every year. Therefore, it is necessary to carefully check what medical equipment will be used to remove your tattoo. If you are considering tattoo removal, it is a good idea to call clinics, receive consultations, and check their equipment. Of course, even the best equipment may not produce effective results if the medical staff lacks experience or if the equipment is not suitable for your skin type. As mentioned above, it must be accompanied by experienced medical staff.

3. Aftercare following tattoo removal!

When removing a tattoo or getting a tattoo, scars may remain even if they are not clearly visible. Therefore, it is good to have them removed together during tattoo removal. In addition, various skin issues such as flaking and blisters may occur after tattoo removal, so you should be able to receive treatment at the same clinic. The laser equipment used for tattoo removal and the methods used to calm and manage scars and skin issues are different, so it is important to find a place that has various medical devices and can provide individualized treatment for each patient.

Laser devices effective for tattoo removal!

Enlighten laser: Enlighten is a picosecond laser released by the U.S. company Cutera and is the world’s first device combining picosecond and nanosecond technology. Compared with conventional lasers, it has 100 times higher energy efficiency, allowing precise irradiation of pigment lesions in a very short time with almost no damage to surrounding tissue. Because the output energy can be selectively adjusted, low output can be used to treat pigment near the epidermis, and high output above 1000nm can treat pigment deep in the skin, making it effective even for tattoos that are difficult to erase.

Lumenis Pico4: A laser device released by the global laser company Lumenis, it uses a unit of 1 trillionth of a second (PS) to deliver high power over a short time. Damage to normal skin is minimal, and only pigment lesions are selectively removed. Energy can be adjusted according to the patient’s tattoo condition, allowing customized treatment based on the color, size, and other characteristics of the lesion.

Q-switched Nd:YAG: The Q-switched Nd:YAG laser selectively destroys melanin pigment, so it does not damage normal skin at all. It precisely destroys only the areas with tattoos and pigment lesions, leaving almost no scars, and is effectively used for Ota nevus, freckles, lentigines, café-au-lait spots, tattoos, eyebrow tattoo removal, and more.

Revlite: This laser device is widely used for tattoo removal because it delivers effective results through high-output energy while causing fewer side effects. It is effective for treating pigment disorders deep in the dermis, so it is often used for tattoo removal. The procedure time is short, and one of its advantages is that patients can continue daily life afterward. In addition to tattoo removal, it can also be used for melasma, blemishes, fine wrinkles, hair removal, and more.

Various laser devices at Limiseok Theme Dermatology Clinic!

The clinic has a total of about 60 types of laser devices, making it possible to effectively care for skin damage and issues that may arise during tattoo removal and after tattoo removal. In addition, the tattoo removal medical team provides customized treatment for each patient, carrying out treatment according to each patient’s different skin environment and tattoo condition.

Limiseok Theme Dermatology Clinic has all four of the tattoo-removal-effective laser devices mentioned above, and they are applied according to the patient’s condition. Based on about 20 years of extensive clinical experience, treatment is possible according to tattoo type. If you would like to know more about the clinic’s tattoo removal methods and treatment, please contact us.