The tattoo is then sanded with a rotary abrasive instrument, causing the skin to peel along with the tattoo. Salabrasion a centuries old method is still sometimes used today to remove tattoos. As with the other methods, a local anesthetic is used on and around the tattooed area after which a solution of ordinary tap water and table salt is applied. An abrading apparatus, similar to the one used with dermabrasion or even a wooden block wrapped in gauze is used to abrade the area. When the area becomes deep red in color, a dressing is applied.
Most physicians consider laser surgery to be one of the best methods of tattoo removal.
Pulses of light from the laser are directed onto the tattoo, which breaks up the tattoo pigment and over the next several weeks, the body's scavenger cells remove the treated pigmented areas. More then one treatment is usually necessary to remove the entire tattoo. So it seems clear that unless you re willing to commit to a life-long decoration on your body, you d better be prepared for some pain come time for the removal. But, as the Book says, those of us who have acted in haste must repent in leisure. Given the topic of this week's digest, check out one or both of these sites on excision and laser surgery or video clips of tattoo removal.