1. Tattoo Removal –What are the options?
Tattoo removal has become big business in the last few years. Tattoos have
become an increasingly popular body adornment for both males and females
around the world. However, according to research around 17%of those who get a
tattoo subsequently regret it. This has lead to an increased demand for tattoo
removal services. Recently there have been some real advances in the
development of tattoo removal methods and those wanting this service have
several options.
Laser Tattoo Removal
is possibly the most favored option but it does come with some drawbacks. The
cost of having a tattoo removed by laser is considerably greater than the original
cost of the tattoo. It can also be a painful process and there are cases were the
treatment has left some. Scaring although this is less likely with the current range
of laser tattoo removal. A course of laser tattoo removal will involve a number of
sessions and in the case of larger designs take several months.
Intense Pulsed Light Therapy or IPL.
This works in a similar way to the laser treatment but uses a high intensity light as
opposed to a laser. The treatment involves having a gel applied to the tattooed
area and using an electric wand to direct the pulse of light onto the skin. Again
one of the big drawbacks to this treatment is the price although it is claimed to be
less painful than laser treatment.

2. Before the advent of laser and IPL dermabrasion techniques were used to try and
remove tattoos. This effectively worked by taking off the top layer of skin with a
similar technique to sand papering a piece of wood This type of treatment as well
as being considerably painful also tended to leave severe scaring and was not
always successful.
In recent years there has been a growth in chemical products designed for tattoo
removal. These come mainly in the form of creams which you apply to the
tattooed area. Some of these creams seem to offer good results but others seem
less effective.
Often the reason someone wants a tattoo removed is because it contains the
name of a former partner or expresses sentiments the wearer no longer holds. In
this case there is always the option of having the offending tattoo covered up
with another design. This can often be a cheaper option than going or laser or IPL
treatment.