The methods for removing tattoos have come a long way.  There was a time, not too long ago when getting rid of a tattoo meant surgery or processes that involved sanding or even acid. Ouch!  Well technology has advanced and the two most popular methods today involve using fade creams and lasers.

While the fade creams are popular, their effectiveness remains a big question.  That leaves laser technology– which is considered the safest method and produces the best results for most people. But laser tattoo removal does not come without its drawbacks.  It can be expensive, very uncomfortable and still comes with the risk of possible scarring.

How painful is laser removal?  That is different for each person, because every person has a higher threshold for pain.  It also depends on the parts of the body where the tattoo being removed is located. Areas like the toes and feet can be much more painful than other parts of the body.   The feeling having a tattoo removed by lasers is said to feel like a rubber band snapping over and over again in a very concentrated area.  To minimize the pain, some people prefer to have a topical numbing cream applied over the tattoo prior to the treatment.   The laser procedure actually goes pretty fast-just takes a few minutes for each visit.

The cost of having a tattoo removed with lasers will vary depending on the size, the type and color of ink that was used, how deep it has penetrated the skin, age of the tattoo and skin type.  More than one application is normally needed.   After each treatment you will need to give several weeks for the wound to heal before returning for follow up visits.  For complete removal it can take anywhere from just a few visits to more than a dozen.   This is only meant to be an estimate, but a 3 inch square tattoo, requiring 9 visits, can cost between $800 and $1,000.

Scarring associated with laser tattoo removal used to be more prevalent than it is today.  This procedure does not come without its risk for scarring, and you should always consult a dermatologist or medical professional first, but with the newer lasers the risk for scarring is much less common today.  The one factor that comes into play with scarring is the skin type of each individual.

Laser technology is the latest advancement in tattoo removal treatment. Though traditional methods are still used, laser tattoo removal has produced better and more satisfying results for patients without a significant increase in cost.

Laser Tattoo Removal Treatment
Laser tattoo removal is an advanced treatment designed to completely eliminate tattoos, without leaving scars or unpigmented areas of skin behind.

During a laser tattoo removal treatment, the laser’s high energy light breaks up the tattoo ink into tiny particles, which are gradually absorbed by the skin. Laser tattoo removal may cause slight discomfort, though a local anesthetic can be used to eliminate the pain.

Following a laser tattoo removal treatment, minor side effects such as red and tender skin may occur; however, these tend to diminish within three to seven days.
How Many Tattoo Removal Sessions Are Needed?
Each tattoo has different characteristics that influence the number of removal sessions necessary. These include:

• Size
• Color
• Type of ink used
• Whether the tattoo is old or new

The number of sessions needed for laser tattoo removal treatment is primarily determined by the color of the tattoo. Most tattoos are comprised of different color families and a different laser is needed for each. Some tattoos can require between 15 and 20 treatments before they are completely removed. Turquoise tattoos are some of the most difficult to eliminate because there isn’t a laser that targets the color effectively.

In most cases, laser tattoo removal takes between six and twelve treatments and can be spread over several months or a few years.
Alternative Tattoo Removal Treatments
In addition to laser tattoo removal, there are several other treatment options, including:

• Intense Pulsed Light: IPL™ emits pulses of light onto the skin, removing the tattoo much like a laser treatment. This method is said to be more effective and less painful than laser tattoo removal treatment; however, it is also more expensive, with an average cost of $10 per pulse.
• Surgical Excision: During this procedure, the tattoo is cut off and the skin is sewn back together. This procedure will leave a scar behind.
• Dermabrasion: In this treatment, the skin is sanded away, leaving a scar or pale area.
• Take-home treatments: These include cream and lotions designed to make a tattoo less visible. Take-home treatments do not completely eliminate a tattoo, but can help to fade it.

Usually, these traditional methods are used when laser tattoo removal treatment is not an option.
Laser Tattoo Removal Cost
The average laser tattoo removal cost ranges from $200 to $500 per treatment session. The price is dependent on several factors, including the type and extent of the tattoo, and the expertise and training of the surgeon.

Since laser tattoo removal can take several treatments to complete, the total cost could be as little as $1,000 or as high as $10,000.

Though these prices may be intimidating, several cosmetic surgeons offer payment plans and other financing options to help patients cover the laser tattoo removal cost. Connect with a Tattoo Removal Specialist through DocShop’s Online Directory
To learn more about laser tattoo removal, including treatment options and cost, use DocShop’s directory to find a plastic surgeon or cosmetic dermatologist in your state.

Article Source: http://www.docshop.com/education/dermatology/body/tattoo-removal/

Typical costs:

Tattoos can be removed using several different methods: laser removal, excision or dermabrasion, and the cost varies for each technique. Laser tattoo removal, which is the most common method, and usually the best, ranges from $200 to $500 per session, according to InfoPlasticSurgery.com. Since it can take from five to twenty sessions to remove a tattoo, the total cost could reach $10,000.

What should be included:

In laser tattoo removal, the surgeon uses a high-intensity laser beam to blast the pigment, breaking it into tiny particles that dissipate into the body. Different types of lasers target different colors, so the bigger and more colorful a tattoo, the more treatments it will likely require. In dermabrasion, the doctor uses a rotating brush to sand the skin, taking the pigment with it.

With excision, usually used for very small tattoos, the surgeon cuts away the tattoo, then stitches up the wound. The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery provides an overview of each method.

Additional costs:

Some patients find laser tattoo removal painful - it has been compared to being splattered with hot grease - so some elect to have a local anesthetic. This might costs extra - about $50 or more per shot. The surgeon might also prescribe an anesthetic cream to be applied after the treatment.

Shopping for tattoo removal:

Tip: Beware of companies that sell creams and lotions that promise to remove tattoos - experts agree these do not work. Instead, find a dermatologic surgeon who is experienced in tattoo removal and has been certified by the American Board of Dermatology. The American Society of Dermatologic Surgery offers a free physician finder service. Just type in your state and choose “tattoo removal” under procedure.

Tip: Keep in mind that if you opt for laser tattoo removal, the number of sessions needed will depend on several factors, including the size of the tattoo, the number of colors used, which colors were used, and whether you have previously tried to mask your tattoo by getting another tattoo on top of it. Some colors, such as turquoise and yellow, are particularly difficult to remove; and in some cases, the tattoo can only be faded, but not fully removed. And, rarely, some ink colors react badly to the laser, turning dark instead of disappearing; this is irreversible. Other possible side effects include scarring and bleaching of the skin. The Tattoo Removal Laser Clinic offers some before-and-after photos of successful tattoo removals.

Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.

Article Source: http://www.costhelper.com/cost/health/tattoo-removal.html