According to recent studies, nearly
20% of Americans have a tattoo. And about half of them experience regret. As we
age, our bodies and our attitudes change. A tattoo that you thought was cool in
your twenties, may seem tacky in your thirties or forties. Tattoos can also
limit your ability to get a job or advance in your career. Many people are
driven to get rid of unwanted ink designs. In general, most of us are familiar
with two options: creams and laser tattoo removal.
Although lasers are recommended as a
reliable method, cost is perhaps the biggest concerns. Each session ranges from
about $100-$250. According to Real Self, the average amount that a patient will
spend for the entire treatment series is $750. However 80% of the patients who
reviewed their procedure said that the cost was worth it.
Although pain and scarring are other
reasons, there are ways that doctors can mitigate these issues. Therefore, cost
is probably the main reason people will first consider creams over laser tattoo
removal.
Creams For Getting Rid of Tattoos
Products that claim to get rid of
tattoos often post before and after pictures and other forms of convincing
messaging. Lazer Cream, which is produced by a company in Scotland even
mentions studies (which remain unpublished). Their site asserts that the
product breaks up tattoo ink pigment, almost like laser tattoo removal. However
when questioned by the Advertising Standards Authority of the United Kingdom,
they were not able to provide sufficient details on their research to validate
their claims.
According to the Mayo
Clinic, tattoo removal creams will fade a tattoo at best. The main ingredients
are skin bleaching compounds.They will cause a reduction in the amount of
melanin produced, rather than clearing the tattoo ink. Here are some examples:
Hydroquinone
Hydroquinone lightens the skin by
slowing the normal production of melanin. It is used for pigmentation issues
like freckles and age spots. This chemical has been banned in many countries
due to its toxicity.
Kojic Acid
Kojic acid works as a
de-pigmentation agent. It has proven to be toxic to lab animals. It's toxicity
in humans remains uncertain.
Alpha Arbuten
Alpha Arbuten is another chemical
that also works to lighten the skin and pigmentation spots (e.g. age spots)
Tattoo ink pigment exists as large molecules in the dermis layer below the
surface. It is difficult to control the action of chemicals at deeper layers in
the skin.
No one should expect that chemicals
can actually make tattoo particles small enough for removal.
Also every tattoo removal case is different.
Creams cannot account for all the variables that apply to different
people.Therefore creams are unreliable and unpredictable
Laser Tattoo Removal
With laser tattoo removal, intense
energy is directed very precisely at the ink pigment in the dermis. There are
different wavelengths that are used to get rid of different colors. The ink
color will absorb this energy and shatter.
Scarring is quite possible in
patients with darker skin tones. However, qualified physicians will use
appropriate wavelengths that will resist absorption from the skin's melanin.
They will also schedule a greater number of sessions to minimize the risk of
scarring.
Laser tattoo removal is by far a
more reliable way of getting rid of permanent ink compared to creams. Doctors
can control factors such as:
1) how deep the energy can penetrate
the skin
2) appropriate amount of energy to
apply
And under the care of a physician,
there is a much higher level of safety
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