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By Mayo Clinic staffIf you're considering tattoo removal, consult your dermatologist. He or she can explain the options for tattoo removal and help you choose the method that's most likely to be effective for your tattoo. For example, some tattoo inks are more responsive to laser treatment than are others. Likewise, some small tattoos might be good candidates for surgical removal, while others are simply too large to remove with a scalpel.
References
- Schmidt RM, et al. Tattooing in adolescents and young adults. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Dec. 2, 2011.
- Burris K, et al. Tattoo removal. Clinics in Dermatology. 2007;25:388.
- Yim GH, et al. The perils of do it yourself chemical tattoo removal. Eplasty. 2010;10:1.
- Wenzel S, et al. Recurring mistakes in tattoo removal: A case series. Dermatology. 2009;218:164.
- Tattoo removal information. American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. http://www.asds.net/TattooRemovalInformation.aspx. Accessed Dec. 2, 2011.
- Tanzi EL, et al. Skin resurfacing: Ablative lasers, chemical peels, and dermabrasion. In: Wolff K, et al. Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine. 7th ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=3007421. Accessed Dec. 2, 2011.
- Adatto MA, et al. Tattoo removal. Current Problems in Dermatology. 2011;42:97.
- Kent KM, et al. Laser tattoo removal: A review. Dermatologic Surgery. In press. Accessed Dec. 2, 2011.
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