Cryosurgery (also known as cryotherapy) is the application of extreme cold to destroy abnormal or diseased tissue. This method of tattoo removal surgery uses the application of liquid nitrogen to the area in question to freeze it. Then, this freezing causes a peeling action which in turn makes it possible for the top layer of skin to peel easily and deeper than usual. The name 'cryosurgery' suggests a rather invasive procedure. This is...

Tattoo removal is most commonly performed using lasers that react with the ink in the tattoo, and break it down. The broken-down ink is then absorbed by the body, mimicking the natural fading that time or sun exposure would create. This technique often requires many repeated visits to remove even a small tattoo, and may result in permanent scarring . The newer Q-switched lasers are said by the National Institute of Health to result in scarring...

Dermabrasion is a cosmetic medical procedure in which the surface of the epidermis of the skin (the stratum corneum ) is removed by abrasion (sanding). Dermabrasion for tattoo removal is less-used today, as other methods are considered safer, and less likely to leave scars. Dermabrasion is also used to remove sun-damaged skin and to remove or lessen scars and dark spots on the skin. The procedure is very painful and usually requires...

Overview While tattoos are considered permanent, it is possible to remove them. Complete removal, however, may not be possible (although many doctors and laser practitioners make the claim that upwards of 95% removal is possible with the newest lasers, especially with black and darker colored inks), and the expense and pain of removing them typically will be greater than the expense and pain of applying them. Some jurisdictions will pay for...

Cover up tattoos are designed to mask old tattoos by applying a new image over the old one. Most tattoo artists have performed, or been asked to perform a cover up tattoo on one or more of their customers, but it's not always as simple as just inking out the new design. The success of a cover-up tattoo depends largely on the type of image it's meant to replace and the skill of the artist. A light coloured tattoo is going to be easier to cover...

Tattoo Aftercare Tattoo artists, and people with tattoos, vary widely in their preferred methods of caring for new tattoos. Some artists recommend keeping a new tattoo wrapped for the first twenty-four hours, while others suggest removing temporary bandaging after two hours or less. Many tattooists advise against allowing too much contact with hot tub or pool water, or soaking in a tub for the first two weeks. This is to prevent the Tattoo...