How to Remove Tattoos Inked on the Body

Provider: Imiseok Thema Dermatology Clinic

Difficult-to-remove tattoos, effective removal methods

In the younger generations in their 20s and 30s, tattoos have become part of the culture, and many people are getting 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.

During a tattoo procedure, pigment is injected into the dermis. Unlike the epidermis, pigment injected into the dermis does not shed away 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 it has been applied deeply in the dermis, multiple treatments 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 often damaged surrounding tissue along with the pigment particles, causing side effects such as hypertrophic scars, and often failed to remove the tattoo completely. However, with recent advances in medical technology, various laser devices have been developed that reduce damage to surrounding tissue and can effectively remove tattoos.

Tattoo removal laser procedure!

When pigment particles are broken down by laser, macrophages responsible for the immune response phagocytose the pigment particles, and the tattoo fades. 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 it can place strain on the skin, so it is better to consult a specialist and decide on the desired goal and schedule.

Things to consider for effective tattoo removal!

1. Choose a hospital with extensive tattoo removal experience!

Thanks to advances in modern medicine, various medical devices have been developed to effectively remove tattoos, but 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 methods. In particular, if you search online, you will often find non-medical practitioners offering cheap tattoo removal, but if you receive an unlicensed and illegal procedure, the tattoo may not be removed properly, or side effects such as scarring or skin infection may occur, so caution is needed.

2. What equipment is used?

Each clinic has a different range of laser equipment, and new medical devices continue to be introduced every year. Therefore, it is necessary to carefully check what medical equipment will be used to remove your tattoo. First, if you are considering tattoo removal, it is a good idea to call clinics, receive a consultation, 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, experienced medical staff must be involved.

3. Aftercare 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 good to have them removed together during tattoo removal treatment. In addition, various skin problems such as flaking and blisters may occur after tattoo removal, so the clinic must be able to provide treatment. The laser equipment used to remove tattoos is different from the methods used to calm and manage scars and skin problems, 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 picosecond laser launched by the U.S. company Cutera and is the world's first device that combines 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 treat pigment near the epidermis, while high output above 1000nm 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 1/10 trillion of a second, PS, to deliver high power in a short time. It causes almost no damage to normal skin and selectively removes only pigment lesions. Energy can be adjusted according to the patient's tattoo condition, allowing customized treatment based on the color and size of the lesion.

Q-switched Nd:YAG: The Q-switched Nd:YAG laser selectively destroys melanin pigment, so it causes no damage to normal skin. 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, and eyebrow tattoo removal.

RevLite: This is a laser device widely used for tattoo removal because it can deliver effective results through high-output energy while causing few side effects. It is effective for treating pigment disorders deep in the dermis, so it is often used for tattoo removal. It has the advantage of short treatment time and allowing daily life to continue. In addition to tattoo removal, it can also be used for melasma, blemishes, fine wrinkles, and hair removal.

Various laser devices at Imiseok Thema Dermatology Clinic!

The laser equipment available at Imiseok Dermatology Clinic totals around 60 types, making it possible to effectively care for skin damage and problems that may arise during tattoo removal. In addition, the tattoo removal medical team provides individualized treatment for each patient, tailoring the procedure to each person's skin environment and tattoo condition.

Imiseok Dermatology Clinic has all four of the laser devices mentioned above that are effective for tattoo removal, so they can be applied according to the patient's condition. 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.