Dermabrasion Tattoo Removal

This is less commonly performed nowadays. It involves sanding away the top layers of skin which contain the tattoo to reveal new, unblemished skin underneath.

The dermabrasion tattoo removal procedure

A week before the procedure you will be asked to avoid taking aspirin or other similar medication to minimise the risk of bleeding after the treatment.

You will be given a local anaesthetic to help numb the area. The surgeon will then use a special sanding device called a dermatome which he/she will apply to the tattoo. This scrapes away layers of skin, from the epidermis, down to the dermisif necessary which will remove the tattoo. This results in a new layer of skin. Most tattoos are deeply seated underneath the skin which can result in permanent scarring. The treated area of skin will be red, swollen and sore and normally takes a few weeks to heal. A bandage will be applied to deal with any bleeding following this procedure.

How long does it take to heal?

It usually takes around a couple of weeks for the skin to heal but the treated area can retain a reddened appearance for up to three months. You may find that six months following this procedure that your skin is red, itchy and swollen and of a lighter colour than the rest of your skin. This new skin will also be sensitive to the sun so will probably not tan in the same way that the rest of your skin does. After these six months the effects should have cleared and you are left with a tattoo free skin albeit with some scarring.

Who would not be suitable for dermabrasion tattoo removal?

This procedure is not recommended if you are prone to scarring or keloids,hyper-pigmentationor hypo-pigmentation.

Alternatives to this include laser tattoo removal, intense pulsed lighttherapy, cover-ups, tattoo removal cream, tattoo eraseand surgical removal.