Health Tip: Removing Tattoos

(HealthDayNews) -- Dermatologic surgeons have developed several safe and effective techniques to remove unwanted tattoos, according to the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery.

Because each tattoo is unique, removal techniques must be tailored to suit each case. The most common techniques usually can be performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia. They include:

• Laser surgery -- The surgeon removes the tattoo by selectively treating the pigment colors with a high-intensity laser.
• Dermabrasion -- The surgeon "sands" the skin, removing the surface and middle layers of the tattoo.
• Surgical excision -- The surgeon removes the tattoo with a scalpel and closes the wound with stitches.

Side effects are generally minor, but may include skin discoloration at the treatment site, infection of the tattoo site, lack of complete pigment removal or some scarring. A raised or thickened scar may appear three to six months after the tattoo is removed.

-- Anne Thompson