Special Scars: Tattoo Removal

Tattoo removal is often difficult. Successful removal of the professionally applied tattoo depends on the number of inks involved and the technique used as well as the size and area of the body being treated.

Very small tattoos on "hidden" areas of the body often best treated by simple excision and closure. A scar will result, but the scar may be less objectionable than the tattoo itself. Lasers remove the skin to below the level of the tattoo ink. Carbon dioxide lasers are used to selectively vaporize of the entire tattoo. The problem is that such methods may leave objectionable scars.

Newer YAG laser have improved the procedure. With this laser, the color of the laser light is chosen dependent upon the color of the ink. Some colors, like fluorescent yellow, are difficult to remove. The goal is to, as selectively as possible, vaporize the pigment while producing minimal damage to the skin. This laser fires a very intense light into the tattoo in a very rapid burst which heats the pigment and triggers its eruption from the skin.

The procedure time varies about 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the tattoo size and the area. Topical anesthesia may be used depending on tattoo location and size. After treatment, the wound must be covered with a dressing for 24 hours and maintained in a moist environment for the next week. The risks of scarring with this laser treatment are low, but the tattoo may not be completely eradicated. Multiple treatments are usually required to obtain a further lightening of the tattoo.

Special Scars: Skin Rips of Gymnasts

Special Scars: Warts