With an explosion in the popularity of tattoos, the cosmetic surgery world has also seen an explosion of interest in a particular procedure — tattoo removal. Whatever the reason is that people got their tattoos, be it youthful exuberance, a commitment to an “everlasting” love or an expression of their undying support for their favorite musical group, many people are finding that their sentiments aren’t usually as permanent as their tattoos. In fact, studies have shown that about 10 percent of Americans have a tattoo, but 50 percent of those with tattoos would like them to be removed. That’s over 15 million people in the U.S. alone!

Since so many people are interested in tattoo removal procedures, these procedures have become more advanced and more affordable. Finding the most affordable tattoo removal procedure for you will depend on a few factors. One of the most important is the size and type of tattoo that needs to be removed. Certain procedures are better for certain types of tattoos. The costs of tattoo removal also vary depending on the size of the tattoo that is being removed. Larger tattoos generally require more treatments, which can increase the cost.

The First Steps to Finding the Most Affordable Tattoo Removal Procedure Options

As with any medical procedure, the patient’s first stop should be a consultation with a doctor. In the case of tattoo removal, either a physician or a dermatologist will be able to help you decide how to move forward. During the first consultation with the doctor, he or she will view the tattoo, discuss removal options and then create a plan for removal. The plan is needed because many treatments require multiple applications, so the doctor will decide which procedure will work best for you and try to estimate the number of treatments needed.

At this point, it is important to go over with your doctor all of the risks and costs associated with tattoo removal treatments. There five main options for tattoo removal: laser tattoo removal, intense pulsed-light therapy, chemical creams, excision and dermabrasion.

Laser Tattoo Removal Procedure

One of the most widely used methods for tattoo removal, laser tattoo removal, involves blasting the tattoo away by breaking up the pigments of the tattoo with a high-intensity laser beam. The doctor can control the width and wavelength of the beam, targeting specific tattoo colors with different combinations. Since the physician can focus the treatment so precisely, the tattoo can be removed without damaging the surrounding skin.

Most patients describe the laser treatment as virtually painless. After each treatment, the treated area may feel like a sunburn, but the tattoo should fade as the area heals. Depending on the size of the tattoo, between two and six treatments are generally needed to complete the process.

Tattoo Removal through Intense Pulsed Light Therapy

Intense pulsed light therapy (IPL) directs an intense beam of light onto the tattoo area, which essentially burns off the top layer of skin. As the skin heals, the tattoo is less noticeable. The cost for intense pulsed light therapy is based on the number of pulses needed, so the size of the tattoo will determine the cost of removal. Generally, it takes 10-12 months for the full results of intense pulsed light therapy to show.

Removing Tattoos with the Use of Chemical Creams

A variety of chemical creams can be used to fade or eliminate tattoos. The creams are generally more affordable than the laser removal and pulsed light therapy, but often have mixed results.

Excision — Surgically Removing the Tattoo from the Skin

For people who have very small tattoos, excision might be an option. Tattoo removal by excision involves a doctor actually cutting off the portion of the skin that contains the tattoo ink. Sometimes, this method can be used on larger tattoos by removing the tattoo and then applying a skin graft to the area to encourage re-growth.

Tattoo Removal through Dermabrasion

This process can be likened to sanding away the tattoo by removing the top layers of skin. Usually, a local anesthetic is used along with dermabrasion. Results usually show in three to four weeks, but this might not be the best procedure for patients who are prone to scarring since it involves physical removal of the tattoo surface.

Discussing the Most Affordable Tattoo Removal Procedures with a Doctor

By: Kyle Spector

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Mysterii Grl asked:

I have been going to dermatologist for 6 months n still it has just taken my acnes n no real result, tho im visiting best dermatologist. I had been cruel to my skin, used things randomly b4 i started with d dermatologist. I used walnut scrub without a pack, used retin creams, used toothpaste,even used the harsh backcleaner .. As a result my pores are large n kind of scrapped,look like wrinkled skin. Skin is oily yet dull, laugh lines r quite elderly looking. Acne scars r there n my nose looks really bad with deep gone blackheads-i’ve tried all ways to remove them n even tried d saloon, but the lady after 2 months said that i need some chemical treatment. So guys tell me is micro dermabrasion a solution? Also suggest other home remedies n skin care n food tips. My sister is getting married after 1.5 month so i wanna look better. solution 4- 1.dull scapped skin. 2. deep gone blackheads 3. uneven shaped large pores. i got no glow even though im 19yr girl. I’ve lost confidence.thnx.help

 

So there are basically two types of microdermabrasion machines. Crystal, and Diamond. Within those categories, both machines have two sub-types the more common machine used by aestheticians, and the more aggressive machine used by medical doctors. For our purposes, we will be discussing the machines used most frequently by aestheticians. These microdermabrasion machine are the most common, less dangerous, and can be just as effective with only a few more treatments. The microdermabrasion machines known as crystal micro dermabrasion machines were the first on the scene.  The newer and improved microdermabrasion machine use diamond heads and have proven to be the better choice when comparing the two types of microdermabrasion machines. The Diamond Microdermabrasion machines achieve the same results without the potentially dangerous aluminum oxide crystals. The results for me were noticeable after the first treatment of using diamond microdermabrasion. After the first year of receiving diamond microdermabrasion treatments, I noticed a dramatic improvement in the health and vitality of my skin due to dermabrasion treatment. Ensuing treatments were painless and convenient, each time my skin got a little softer, smoother, and more  youthful. Now, as you can imagine, after 3-years plus of regular microdermabrasion appointments, I am completely ecstatic with the results. Finally I wanted to purchased my own microdermabrasion machine. Luckily, my aesthetician pointed me to the  Sylvan Company and now I perform the treatments at home with a friend. I will do her face and she will in turn do mine. This machine is the best value I found for microdermabrasion machines. I have compared all of the professional machines and noted all of the important parameters .

What is important when considering to purchase a microdermabrasion machine?

·         Abrasion force and suction force of the tiny blaster and minicompressor

·         Abrasion force 32N and suction force 68-70mmHG (for high quality aesthetician rated equipment)

·         Other functions provided by the machine

As you will find out the expensive diamond microderm abrasion machines in the $2,000- $3,000 will have the above parameters. The NV-07D microdermabrasion machine has the abrasive force of 32N and a suction force of 68-70mmHg. We purchased the NV-07D for $589 and it is also a multifunctional machine with ultrasound, hot/cold treatments, and skin scrubber. It is very nice to use the cold treatment after microderm abrasion treatments. So after three years of treatments:

·         No more age spots

·         No acne scars

·         Less wrinkles - fine wrinkles have disappeared - lines around mouth have disappeared

·         Reduced stretch marks

·         Younger and healthier skin

·         Frequent comments that I look much younger than I am (about 7-years younger)

I now have healthy, glowing, beautiful skin and that is something that I could never say before microdermabrasion. The research evidence shows microdermabrasion will increase the production of elastin and collagen fibers in the skin.

 

By: Saurabh Yadav

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Acne scar treatment is given only when the patient experiences no new outbreaks of acne. If the breaking out continues, the patient should first look to stop it via treatment. Then comes the treatment of acne scars to which six main approaches are described in this article.

Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion has been in use for acne scar treatment for tens of years. As the name indicates, dermabrasion is essentially the removal (abrasion) of the skin (derm) that has been affected by acne. Initially, the technique employed sandpaper to remove the diseased skin and letting fresh skin grow from beneath. Now, with modern machines, rotating diamond-edged wheels, are used for the same purpose. It takes up to an hour to complete the procedure. This technique is recommended well for patients with light or dark skin color but not much for those with wheatish complexion.

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels for acne scar treatment use certain kind of acids that are applied to the acne-affected skin. Their effect is to remove the top layer of the skin and allow a smoother layer from beneath to appear at the surface. This procedure is faster and takes only 15 minutes. The main disadvantage of this method is that it is not very effective in severe cases of acne scars. The acids used also affect the skin by causing some redness and swelling. In addition, the skin may turn dry and develop flakes.

Subcision

Subcision refers to the process of detaching the scar from the skin tissues that lie deeper. This causes the formation of a pool of blood under the scar. This blood clot allows connective tissue to build up under the scar. The scar is thus leveled with the skin surface. Subcision is often applied in combination with dermabrasion or laser therapy.

Laser Resurfacing

This method of acne scar treatment uses laser for removing the acne-affected skin and allowing new skin to grow and replace it. Laser resurfacing is a rather new approach and studies are underway to establish it as an effective treatment method for acne scars. The results of this method are so far promising. Redness and swelling have been reported after undergoing this treatment method.

Punch Techniques

There are three types of punch techniques used as acne scar treatment: punch replacement, punch excision, and punch elevation. Punch replacement removes the pitted scar by using a punch of the hair-transplant type. For deep scars, this method is highly successful. Punch excision removes the pitted scar by tiny incision, which is then closed and let heal on its own. In punch elevation, the scar is cut loose at the root but is not discarded. Rather it is allowed emerge to the skin’s level.

Augmentation

Augmentation is a unique method of acne scar treatment. Material (mostly collagen) is injected under the scar, which causes the scar to float up to the surface of the skin. Sometimes, one’s own fat is used as the injecting material. The method does not cause any such swelling that might require time to recover. Augmentation is expected to become a more permanent acne scar treatment in the future.

By: Alien

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Acne is a terrible affliction which plagues millions of teenagers and sometimes even adults. Not only is this terrible unsightly, it also creates deep impact upon the psyche of the person affected. The people who suffer from acne for a long time will gradually develop an inferiority complex.

How To Treat Acne?

There are many ways to treat acne today. You will need to find out from the many ways that are available, which one suits you the best. The treatment usually involves cleansing of the skin, then steaming it thoroughly to remove the acne as much as possible. The best way to treat acne is to cleanse the skin well, preferably with vinegar, after which you could add a bit moisturizer to the face to prevent it from drying too much.

One of the most tested and tried methods to treat acne are the method using benzoyl peroxide. This solution should be applied to the face in proportion of 5:1 (water : b.p.) daily if possible. If not twice or even once a week would be helpful to treat acne. This solution kills all the bacteria, reduced oil production of the skin and opens the pores making it easier to remove the grime thus accumulated.

Of course, you ought to be very patient with the methods to treat acne, because it is slow in showing their results. Basically speaking, if you have oily skin, you will definitely find the process extremely painful since acne is drawn to it like flies to honey. However, as per the testimony of so many people, the benzyl peroxide solution has clicked with the majority of people and hence there is no reason why you should not adopt the same method for yourself.

There are of course, other ways – Dermabrasion, chemical peels, and laser treatment and so on. In Dermabrasion the upper most layer of the skin would be removed and then new skin would be formed again. This is done with the help of blasting of tin crystals through a vacuum pipe. The same result is obtained with the help of chemical peeling. Here the peeling is created with the help of chemical reactions.

The latest of all the treatments available today is the Laser treatment. This treatment has the same procedure as Dermabrasion; only this time there is no blood and many times very little pain. With the laser the patient is exposed to a great risk of infection – especially bacterial and/or viral. Choose wisely what and when you want to do.

By: Alien

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Create Zen asked:

I have just conquered acne and large pores, but my skin still looks bumpy and uneven from acne scarring.

How can I improve my skin’s texture?

Does the at home micro-dermabrasion kits work?

This article answers the following questions. What is microdermabrasion? Why use a home microdermabrasion system? Will home microdermabrasion increase my skin’s sensitivity to the sun? Will home microdermabrasion cause redness? What if my skin seems to “flake” after microdermabrasion? Can I use home microdermabrasion on other areas of the body? How do I use a home microdermabrasion system? What results can I expect? Can I still use Retin-A®, Renova® and alpha hydroxy acids? How much pressure should I use? My skin is burning or tingling - is this OK?

Q: What is microdermabrasion?

A: Sometimes called a “Parisian Peel” or “Lunchtime Peel,” microdermabrasion is the latest, most effective non-surgical comprehensive approach to skin care in the treatment of fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, superficial pigmentation and sun-damaged skin. It is considered safe on all skin types and colors. However, it is usually done at spas and doctor’s offices, where it can be very costly, requiring 10-12 sessions for maximum results at prices ranging from $90 to $150 per session. First developed in Italy, it has been used successfully for the past eight years around the world for thousands of women. There is now a home microdermabrasion system with the same aluminum oxide crystals used by expensive systems.

Q: Why use a home microdermabrasion system?

A: It’s easy, convenient and provides visible results for a fraction of the cost of a professional treatment at a doctor’s office or spa. Home microdermabrasion uses the same aluminum oxide crystals used in expensive treatments, but you can do it at home during your leisure time - no time-consuming travel or expensive appointments are necessary. And unlike skin-polishing machines and creams that don’t really work, you’ll see visible results with home microdermabrasion treatments the very first time, comparable with the results from professional treatments!

Q: Will home microdermabrasion increase my skin’s sensitivity to the sun?

A: Immediately after exfoliation, your new skin will be slightly sensitive. Your skin may feel a little hot and appear a little pink for the first day. You should be perfectly fine that night. If you use a little too much pressure, treatments may leave you pink and sensitive a bit longer, but there’s nothing to worry about - you can never actually hurt yourself using home microdermabrasion. If that happens, just use less pressure and time for your next treatment. I highly recommend using a sunscreen for several days after any real microdermabrasion treatment. This sensitivity is temporary. There are no harsh or harmful chemicals in home microdermabrasion to cause other kinds of sensitivity. In fact, it is hypoallergenic!

Q: Will home microdermabrasion cause redness?

A: After use, your skin will take on a fresh new “glow” and there will be some redness present (similar to a slight sunburn). However, this will dissipate in a few hours. Makeup can be applied afterwards and there is no downtime. It’s advisable to use additional products to soothe, hydrate and protect your skin after home microdermabrasion treatments.

Q: What if my skin seems to “flake” after microdermabrasion?

A: This is normal after a real microdermabrasion treatment, at a doctor or at home. The “flaking” is actually superficial peeling of the old skin. Your skin is now rejuvenating, with new, younger-looking skin growing and replacing the dead skin. The “flaking” will dissipate within a day or so.

Q: Can I use home microdermabrasion on other areas of the body?

A: Definitely! Home microdermabrasion works great on rough elbows, feet and even discoloration and age spots on the hands! In addition, home microdermabrasion may be used on stretch marks to help reduce their appearance.

Q: How do I use a home microdermabrasion system?

A: Give yourself a home microdermabrasion treatment about once every two weeks to gently buff the skin. Use the sponge with light to moderate pressure for one to three minutes — do not over use! It’s that simple! Thereafter, a monthly maintenance regime is recommended to maintain soft, fresh looking skin. You will love how young your skin appears.

Q: What results can I expect?

A: You will notice a visible improvement in your skin’s appearance even after the first treatment, though the best results come after a series of six treatments. Acne scars and large pores will look greatly reduced. Age spots, discoloration, and fine lines will be less noticeable. Of course, deeply pitted or scarred areas and darker pigmented areas may require several treatments, and microdermabrasion is not a “miracle cure” for severely damaged skin. Microdermabrasion can not be expected to remove tattoos. Q: Can I still use Retin-A®, Renova® and alpha hydroxy acids?

A: Yes. However, home microdermabrasion eliminates the need for these products — why use harsh chemicals on you skin when you can use safe, effective home microdermabrasion instead!

Q: How much pressure should I use?

A: Never use heavy pressure. Use gentle, circular motions over the entire face. If you have sensitive skin, test home microdermabrasion on the underside of your forearm for a minute first. If you have excessive redness and irritation, use lighter pressure. As your skin adjusts you may be able to gradually increase the pressure and time, up to three minutes, or five minutes for tougher skin.

Q: My skin is burning or tingling - is this OK?

A: Yes. As with any true microdermabrasion treatment, you may experience redness, tingling or burning sensations similar to a mild sunburn. This means your microdermabrasion treatment is working! This will go away in a few hours. Apply a soothing gel as often as necessary. With more sensitive skin, it can take a little longer. If your skin is extremely sensitive, you can use a hydrating serum before your home microdermabrasion treatment to reduce irritation.

By: Kathleen Williams

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Millions of people suffer from acne at one point in their lives. Luckily most of you only have a few breakouts here and there that can be managed with a proper skin care routine. Unfortunately there are some folks who have to deal with severe breakouts, painful swelling, and itchy skin for a lot longer than just a few days. For those with more severe cases of acne or pimples treating the aftermath of acne and the scars left behind is part of the ordeal of living with acne.

There is a wide array of treatment options for reducing the visible signs of acne after the breakout is gone. One of the easiest ways to treat acne scarring is by using the products you have at home to make a cost effective cream or ointment. Several different variations of home treatments for scarring can be found online. These treatments are not for everyone and may actually cause additional breakouts if you aren’t careful in how you use them. Be sure to test the product in an area that is not visible just incase you suffer from some weird side-effect or reaction to the treatment. There’s no point in using an acne treatment that’s going to make your skin look worse and leave you feeling worse right?

Depending on the individual situation an at home remedy may not be strong enough to take away deep scarring left behind by acne. Chemical peels are one of the most commonly used products to reduce scars. Chemical peels will only work at reducing the signs of scarring if the damage to the skin is not very deep.

Deeper scars require more intensive treatments that may include dermabrasion, or laser treatments. Dermabrasion and laser treatments are much more expensive than other forms of treating scars and should only be used in severe cases of scarring. These methods go deep into the skin and are not suitable for all situations. Your dermatologist can provide you with more information on whether or not dermabrasion and laser treatments are right for you in the longterm.

When trying to reduce acne scarring it’s important to let your face heal in between treatments. More invasive procedures may require several visits to get the results you are looking for. In the end you may still have a small amount of scarring however in most patients their complexion evens out and scarring is reduced to a minimal amount as the treatments progress over time.

Of course, the easiest way to avoid having to deal with scars is to take care of your skin and treat acne before it becomes a problem. Avoid picking at breakouts as this only makes what might have started as a small problem a much bigger one. Kinda making a mountain out of a molehill type situation. Wash your hands frequently and always use products designed with your skin type in mind.

Why even suffer from acne scars in the first place? Check out the resource section of this article for more info.

By: Piers Valkind

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Are you looking in the mirror and seeing a few more laugh lines than you like? Medical spas have some of the best interventions available and can restore that luminous, youthful radiance that is so desirable. You can enjoy one of their regular skin treatments such as an invigorating and refreshing deep facial or discuss a customized skin care plan that is tailored to give you the results that you have been dreaming about.

Not only do medical spas offer a tantalizing array of high end skin and beauty options, all of the services are performed under the guidance and auspices of a board certified physician, dermatologist or plastic surgeon. This means that you will receive the best care for your face and body and it will be done by the most experienced and well-trained personnel.

Resurfacing Skin with Chemical Peels

These treatments for skin are among the most commonly requested procedures. The application of the chemical agent only takes a few minutes and the skin begins to shed the top layers of dull, dry skin almost immediately. Over the next few days, you will see the baby smooth, radiant new skin as these old cells are sloughed away. Even tiny fine lines can be improved and greatly diminished with the use of many of these formulas.

You can discuss with your clinician which type of treatment will work for your skin type and address your skin care issues properly. Superficial and medium peels will handle many basic facial concerns for clients. If you have intense acne scarring or deeply weathered skin or blemishes, a deeper peel may be your best choice.

Inject New Life into Your Skin

Today there are several different injectable products that are used by medical spa clinicians to soften and plump the facial lines and hollows that appear over time. Botox is one of the most well known of these agents and it can eliminate, or diminish those frown lines between the eyebrows, wrinkles on the forehead and other worrisome creases on the face. The Botox solution does this by freezing the tiny facial muscles that have contracted to form the lines. There are also some products, such as Juvederm and Restylane, that can plump the area under the eyes or around the lips and mouth. This restores the dewy fresh softness and younger look to the skin that is so attractive.

Choose Facials or Medical Spa Microdermabrasions

Both Facials and Microdermabrasions are skin and beauty alternatives that are available at medical spas. These are less intensive treatments and the results are less dramatic at the outset but will increase if you have them repeated over several weeks. These skin-pampering sessions can definitely improve the appearance of the face by smoothing small blemishes, restoring hydration, and sloughing off dull top layers of skin cells.

Facials are a treat as well as a treatment for clients at medical spas. You also enjoy the invigorating and rejuvenating effects of the lusciously rich botanical formulas that are used which may include kelp, honey, rosewater, and citrus.

If you choose to have a Microdermabrasion procedure, it will be a little more involved than a mere facial. Staffs at medical spas are trained extensively to buff the faces of their clients with a rotating wand and some slightly abrasive material that helps them slough away the topmost skin layers. This allows the healthy new cells to be brought to the surface for a glowing, radiant appearance.

Medical Spas Do Perform Laser Skin Treatments

Clients who choose medical spas even enjoy having laser treatments performed on their skin. These procedures can be used successfully to remove excess facial and chin hair, and erase lines, scars, or discolorations. It may involve several treatments to see the exact results that you desire, but the clinicians work with you to tailor a plan that will suit your skin type and needs. Laser skin treatments are quickly becoming a favorite choice of many medical spa customers.

Aromatherapy, organic body wraps, hot stone massage, and many other skin and body treatments await you at today’s ultra-modern and high tech medical spas. This is the place to go for the highest quality skin care in pleasant, pleasing surroundings. The total pampering and luxury of a medical spa will have you walking out with a newly invigorated and relaxed mind, body, and spirit.

By: Bhupesh Patel

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