How to Remove a Tattoo Inked on the Body

Provided by: Imi-seok Theme Dermatology Clinic

Effective ways to remove difficult-to-erase tattoos

Among people in their 20s and 30s, tattoos have become a culture and many people get them. More and more people choose tattoos to express their individuality or to commemorate their beliefs or certain events, but many also visit hospitals to have them removed for various reasons.

When a tattoo is applied, pigment is injected into the dermis. Unlike the epidermis, 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 applied deeply into 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 precise removal of pigment particles of various sizes in the dermis.

In the past, laser tattoo removal 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 damage to surrounding tissue and can remove tattoos effectively.

Tattoo removal laser treatment!

When the laser breaks down pigment particles, macrophages responsible for the immune response engulf the pigment particles, which is the principle behind tattoo removal. In simple terms, it means destroying the skin layer where the tattoo is engraved 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, the treatment intensity can be increased to see results sooner, but side effects may occur and the skin may be strained, so it is best to set your desired goals and schedule through consultation with a specialist.

Considerations for effective tattoo removal!

1. Choose a tattoo removal clinic with extensive experience!

Thanks to advances in modern medicine, various medical devices have been developed to remove tattoos effectively, but if the clinic lacks experience, effective treatment is impossible. Therefore, you should find a dermatology clinic with extensive experience in tattoo removal, receive detailed explanations about the treatment period and method, and then proceed with the procedure. In particular, if you search online, you will often find non-medical practitioners offering tattoo removal at low prices, but if you receive an unlicensed, illegal procedure, the tattoo may not be removed properly, or side effects such as scars or skin infections may occur, so caution is needed.

2. What equipment is used?

Each hospital or clinic has a different inventory of laser equipment, and medical devices continue to be introduced every year. Therefore, it is necessary to carefully examine which medical device will be used for removing your tattoo. First, if you are considering tattoo removal, it is a good idea to call clinics, receive consultations, and check the equipment. Of course, no matter how good the equipment is, if the medical staff lack experience or the device is not suitable for your skin type, the treatment may not be effective. As mentioned earlier, skilled medical professionals must be involved.

3. Care after tattoo removal!

Whether you remove a tattoo or get one, scars may remain even if they are not easily visible. For that reason, it is best to have them addressed at the same time during tattoo removal treatment. In addition, various skin problems such as flaking and blisters may occur after tattoo removal, so the clinic should be able to provide treatment. The laser equipment used for tattoo removal and the methods used to calm and manage scars and skin troubles are different, so it is important to find a place that has a variety of medical devices and can provide individualized treatment for each patient.

Laser devices effective for tattoo removal!

Enlighten laser: Enlighten is a pico laser released by Syneron Candela in the United States and is the world's first device combining picosecond and nanosecond technology. Compared with conventional lasers, it has 100 times higher energy efficiency, allowing treatment by accurately targeting 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 treat pigment near the epidermis, while high output above 1000 nm can treat pigment deep in the skin, making it effective even for difficult-to-remove tattoos.

Lumenis Pico4: A laser device released by the global laser company Lumenis, it uses a unit of one-trillionth of a second, delivering high power in a short time with almost no damage to normal skin and selectively removing only pigment lesions. The energy can be adjusted according to the patient's tattoo condition, allowing customized treatment based on the lesion's color, size, and more.

Q-switched Nd:YAG: The Q-switched Nd:YAG laser selectively destroys melanin pigment, so it does not damage normal skin at all. Because it precisely destroys only the areas with tattoos and pigment lesions, it leaves 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 in tattoo removal because it delivers high-output energy for effective results with few side effects. It is effective for treating pigment disorders deep in the dermis, so it is often used for tattoo removal. It also has the advantage of a short procedure time and allowing a return to daily life. In addition to tattoo removal, it can also be used for melasma, blemishes, fine wrinkles, and hair removal.

Various laser devices at Imi-seok Theme Dermatology Clinic!

The laser devices available at Imi-seok Dermatology Clinic total around 60 types, making it possible to effectively care for skin damage and skin troubles that may occur during tattoo removal and after tattoo removal. In addition, the clinic's tattoo removal medical team provides personalized treatment for each patient, carrying out treatment according to each patient's skin environment and tattoo condition.

Imi-seok Dermatology Clinic has all four of the effective laser devices for tattoo removal mentioned above, so treatment can be applied according to the patient's condition, and based on about 20 years of extensive clinical experience, procedures can be performed according to tattoo type. If you would like to know more about our tattoo removal methods and treatment, please contact us.