Many people regret tattoos that once seemed cool, leading to an increasing number of individuals seeking tattoo removal. However, attempting self-removal at home or in non-medical facilities is not advisable. There are numerous cases of people inquiring at hospitals due to side effects from such attempts. Today, we would like to explain why tattoo removal should always be performed at a dermatology clinic.
Why should tattoo removal be performed at a medical institution?
With a little searching, you can find shops that offer tattoo removal. However, tattoo removal performed in such places is illegal under current law. If you choose an unlicensed shop over a medical institution, considering only the low cost, various problems can arise.
What are the risks of tattoo removal at an unlicensed shop?
Procedures at unlicensed shops can carry the following risks:
- Lack of professionalism: Since the practitioner is not a medical professional, they lack specialized knowledge and skills, making it difficult to respond appropriately if problems occur.
- Inappropriate equipment and materials: The equipment or materials used may not be suitable, potentially causing excessive skin damage or side effects such as pigmentation during the tattoo removal process. If chemical substances are used, there is also a risk of causing allergies or toxic reactions.
- Poor hygiene: Inadequate hygiene measures increase the risk of infection.
In one actual case, a woman suffered deep second-degree burns after receiving tattoo removal at a semi-permanent makeup shop. Although she subsequently received disinfection, burn treatment, and scar removal laser procedures at a dermatology clinic, she was unable to receive appropriate punishment or compensation for damages because she knowingly chose to visit and receive treatment at a non-medical facility. Ultimately, she had to pay for both tattoo removal and scar removal treatments at the hospital, resulting in the unfortunate situation of the total cost more than doubling.
Procedures performed in unverified places can lead to unexpected side effects and additional treatment costs. Therefore, it is crucial to receive tattoo removal from a dermatologist at a verified medical institution.
Is self-tattoo removal at home really safe?
Nowadays, if you search on shopping mall websites, you can find tattoo removal devices, sometimes called PicoWay Laser. They are sold at very low prices and are easily accessible, leading some people to attempt self-removal at home using these devices.
The difference between shopping mall 'PicoWay Lasers' and actual medical PicoWay Lasers
The PicoWay Laser equipment used in our medical facility is very expensive, costing around 100 to 200 million won per unit. Can these inexpensive PicoWay Lasers sold on shopping mall websites offer the same selectivity, safety, and output as the lasers used in dermatology clinics? The conclusion, to put it simply, is absolutely not.
The principle of tattoo removal involves the laser destroying and fragmenting pigment particles injected into the dermis, which are then engulfed by macrophages and expelled from the body. The fragmented particles are discharged through the lymphatic vessels, and through repeated treatments, the pigments remaining in the skin gradually disappear. To effectively break down the particles without damaging the surrounding tissue, equipment with strong destructive power and selectivity must be used.
PicoWay Laser, known as an effective laser for tattoo removal, irradiates with high energy instantaneously, over 1,000 times faster than conventional lasers, causing less damage to surrounding tissue and precisely and selectively fragmenting only ink particles. However, it is unclear whether the machines sold in shopping malls genuinely react only to pigment and produce effective results. Often, they merely create wounds in the tattooed area to make it appear faded, causing severe damage to the surrounding tissue.
Choosing safe and effective tattoo removal
You should absolutely avoid attempting self-tattoo removal using unverified devices. To maintain healthy skin, it is essential to remember that tattoo removal should be performed at a dermatology clinic by experienced medical staff using equipment verified for safety and quality.
More than just erasing a tattoo, tattoo removal is a significant procedure directly related to skin health. It is advisable to consult with a dermatologist for detailed guidance on any questions you may have.