Body art is something that has evolved from a symbol of cultural significance to a subject of controversy, and then a creative aspect of popular culture. So, it really comes as no surprise that more and more people are electing to get body art. However, with the increase in people using body art as a form of self expression, there are also those who want their body art removed.
People who fall into this latter category thus need to start thinking about which tattoo remover would be best for them. It is actually very fortunate for these people that they have options at all, because even just a few decades ago they would only have the options to either tattoo over the original one, or just try to cover it up.
In order to determine which tattoo remover would be the best one for their particular situation, it is important for a person to understand the anatomy of a tattoo. Too many people walk into a tattoo parlor thinking that all they want is to get a tattoo of such and such thing without actually understanding the effect that the tattoo has on the skin.
A tattoo is applied via an electric needle that simultaneously injects ink into the upper layers of the skin. The ink then bonds with the skin molecules that are present there, and that is what is supposed to make a tattoo permanent. Thus, the right tattoo remover needs to eradicate those molecules that have bonded to the ink.
There are two main options when it comes to selecting a tattoo remover. The first option is TCA, which is a clear liquid that looks like water. TCA is a chemical solution that should only be obtained by a dermatologist. The controversial thing about this method is that it has to be applied to the tattooed area by the person wanting to get rid of their tattoo. People generally choose this removal method because it is not very expensive.
The TCA works to slowly dissolve the upper skin layers, thus breaking apart the skin molecules that had bonded to the tattoo ink. It is very important that the person only apply a little of the TCA solution at a time, and using a q tip. Additionally, the TCA should only be applied once every few weeks in order to prevent scarring.
The second removal option is one that is considered the safest method, because it is done in an outpatient facility by a dermatologist. This particular procedure uses laser technology, in that the laser heat ruptures the ink clad skin molecules, while the laser light stimulates the growth of new skin tissue to replace the old, damaged one.
Specifically, the procedure consists of a topical anesthetic cream first being applied to the tattooed area, and then the dermatologist using a handheld device to distribute the laser pulsations. It has been said by those who have had the procedure done that the sensation is of a rubber band being repeatedly snapped against the skin. The laser procedure will also need to be done over several sessions in order to achieve optimal results.
