When it was a mistake - tattoo removal
Once reserved for rock stars and biker chicks, tattoos have entered mainstream America. And as the number of people who get tattoos rises, so does the number of people who regret their decision.
"Lasers have become the standard method of tattoo removal because the risks are low, and they are highly effective," according to board-certified dermatologist,
Koulin Chou, MD. Lasers remove tattoos by vaporizing the pigment colors with a high-energy light beam. The tiny ink particles are then removed though the body's lymphatic system. Precise focusing of the laser beam avoids damaging the surrounding skin.
Tattoo removal takes time and can be expensive. Treatments are scheduled two months apart to allow the body to recover from the irritation. Depending on the color and size of the tattoo, several visits can be necessary. Dr. Chou notes, "While the side effects are usually minimal, they can include infection, incomplete pigment removal, discomfort and scarring."
A word of advice: Think long and hard before getting a tattoo — unless it's a fake one.