David Maillie asked:


Today, tattoos have become more popular than ever with the advent of popular reality shows like Miami Ink and others. Many people that would have never before considered a tattoo are flocking in droves to get them done. Some do not put a lot of thought or think in the long term before having a tattoo done.

They put names of girlfriends, boyfriends, their mom, gang affiliation, crimes, etc. on their body and then after they break up with their girlfriend or similar a few weeks or months later they regret the tattoo. Worse, some even get tattooed on areas like the face and hands that can make a regular career or advancement in a professional setting impossible. This is where tattoo removal and tattoo reduction come in.

Excision

Excision is using a scalpel or similar to remove the affected area and then suturing and pulling together the skin to minimize scarring. If the tattoo is large or covers a big area than skin grafts may be necessary as the skin can only be pulled so taught before it will look worse, not heal right and possibly even pull apart.

Skin grafts are usually taken from areas inside the thighs and underarms where scarring will be minimal and largely unseen. Excision is surgery and does usually require a sedative or even anesthesia in cases with large tattoos. Due to the advent of lasers and TCA skin peels for tattoo removal, excision is rarely used anymore.

TCA skin peel

Chemical peels have been around in various forms for over half a century. They were first used for treating tough calluses and corns on the feet. About 20 years ago doctors started experimenting on different areas of the skin like the face with varying strengths and mixtures. It was found that a 25 to 50 % TCA skin peel was the most effective and easiest to apply. It was also found that this peel could affect deeper skin problems like acne scarring, wrinkles and then unwanted tattoos.

The TCA skin peel causes a controlled burn which results in several layers being peeled off and fresh, new skin being revealed. Many doctors now use the TCA skin peel as a very effective tattoo removal and reduction treatment. It can be either used alone or incorporated with the laser treatments described below which actually hastens healing and further reduces the chances of scarring. The TCA skin peel is so easy to use that it is now available for in home use for tattoo removal (something you will never see with laser treatment and excision).



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Dave Donovan asked:


Cosmetic surgery can improve someone’s life exponentially. When someone is truly unhappy with their appearance, it can affect every part of their everyday life. From how they act in public to how others perceive them. However, through the miracle of cosmetic surgery, patients can have their body sculpted to their exact specifications, providing themselves with the confidence they never imagined. Results have proven that when you feel good about yourself, you will undoubtedly live a happier and healthier life.

Let’s be frank, the change doesn’t happen overnight. There is a healing time when someone undergoes cosmetic surgery because it is, after all, a surgery. Depending on the type of surgery performed, there may be small, temporary scars or mild swelling and bruising. The stiffness and tenderness will fade quickly, but in a short amount of time, you will be looking and feeling like a new person. When preparing for cosmetic surgery, it’s important to discuss with your doctor your cosmetic surgery and the results you can reasonably expect.

Reasonable Expectations for Cosmetic Breast Surgery

Cosmetic breast surgery is a term that covers a number of procedures, including breast augmentation, breast implants, breast reductions and reconstruction. Post-surgery, you will be expected to listen to and follow your surgeon’s directions for post-operative care because this will greatly enhance your results and provide for the quickest healing time. Depending on the procedure, your surgery may result in breasts that look larger and fuller, more symmetrical and healthier.

Finding the right surgeon to perform your cosmetic surgery is the most important step. Having someone you can place your trust in will not only help you feel more comfortable, but it can actually improve your results. The right surgeon will help you realize reasonable expectations for your results and provide you with all the information you need to know in regards to what you should expect before, during and after your cosmetic breast surgery.

Reasonable Expectations for Cosmetic Laser Surgery

Cosmetic laser surgery can be performed to remove wrinkles, scars, tattoos and a wide number of other procedures. Laser hair removal is another popular procedure. Patients who undergo cosmetic laser surgery can expect to have some swelling and tenderness for about 24 hours after the procedure, but they should have no problem getting on with their daily routine. By following the advice of your surgeon, you can greatly minimize any complications and promote faster healing. Usually, the application of some aloe gel or anti-inflammatory creams will help reduce the “feeling of mild sunburn” most patients experience.

In the case of laser hair removal, you should expect a series of sessions that will ultimately result in permanent hair removal from the area. Consulting with the right surgeon is important for you to feel comfortable with the procedure and its results.

Reasonable Expectations for Cosmetic Surgery Financing

The term “cosmetic surgery” covers a wide spectrum of procedures and, as expected, the costs for them are quite varied. While the price for a procedure can be different from state to state, or even surgeon to surgeon, the best price should never be the only criteria used for choosing a surgeon. For the best success with your cosmetic surgery results, you should choose the doctor that you feel most comfortable with. If that surgeon’s prices are slightly higher than another’s, then you can easily get cosmetic surgery financing to help manage the cost.

There are a number of ways you can get cosmetic surgery financing. From Capital One’s Healthcare Finance to Care Credit to the individual surgeon’s payment plan, you can easily find the best payment method to incorporate into your budget.



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Kelvin Eng asked:


Keep bandage on for 3 hours, and after that remove the bandage and THOROUGHLY clean off all traces of blood, plasma and excess ink. Then gently wash with a unscented soap and warm water. Please take note that if you get a reaction with the soap you are using, you are to discontinue its use immediately. After washing, rinse thoroughly to ensure that you remove all traces of soap or detergent. Then gently use a dry tissue and blot dry. DO NOT RE-BANDAGE & REMEMBER TO KEEP IT CLEAN AT ALL TIMES. DO NOT TOUCH THE TATTOO WITH YOUR HANDS (unless you have washed your hands with an anti-bacterial soap).

Wait about 30 minutes to allow excess water in the tattoo to evaporate, then gently and evenly apply moisturizing cream over the tattoo. Gently rub in for best effect. Do not leave a thick layer of cream on the skin, just use enough to ensure that the whole tattoo is slightly moisturized (it will look slightly shiny, but not wet). Take note that you have to gently wash and clean the tattoo daily (once or twice a day) to ensure its cleanliness, wait about 30 minutes to dry, and then apply the cream provided over the tattoo. You must apply the cream about 3 - 4 times a day for the next 7 days (in order to prevent or minimize scabbing), after which you have to switch to an unscented body lotion for the following 3 weeks. After 1 month it is still advisable to rub in some body lotion (once daily) to give your tattoo that extra shine.

In about 5 - 7 days time, the tattoo will start to peel. This will be accompanied by a very bad itch.DO NOT PICK AND DO NOT SCRATCH THE TATTOO OR ITS SURROUNDING AREA as this will cause a loss of color. If the itch is unbearable, you can use your hand to slap the tattoo, or simply wet a piece of clean tissue and gently wipe/wash the tattoo, taking care not to cause any peeling skin to fall off.

Please ensure the following:

1) You must not re-bandage the tattoo.

2) You must not swim (pool or sea) or go to the sauna for 2 weeks.

3) You must not expose your tattoo to the sun – keep covered with your clothing. After full healing, always use a sun-block lotion (at least SPF 50) if you have to expose your tattoo to the sun. Whenever possible, just avoid the direct rays of the sun.

4) Do not touch the tattoo with your hands, unless you have thoroughly washed your hands with an anti-bacterial soap

5) Wear clean clothes, but avoid close fitting or off-the-rack clothes.

6) Avoid chlorine, soaking in a bath tub, scratching, salt water and oral contact.

7) Do not apply any other stuff that are not recommended by your artist, or you may risk ruining your tattoo.

Be aware that how your tattoo will heal depends on how you take care of it during its healing cycle. You must ensure proper hygiene in order to avoid any bacteria infection. Please note that a single bacterium in ideal conditions will multiply and become millions in just a matter of hours.



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kent harper asked:


Plenty of consumers are seeking tattoos removal assistance, as laser skin treatments, clear skin, professional appearances and so on are growing concerns. There exist lots of methods to proceed in finding a good tattoo removal professional. You’re likely looking for affordability as well. It is possible to reduce costs and also get high quality. There exist more sources than ever to find a great deal on tattoo removing assistance and also receive quality.

Many people are seeking a great tattoos removing experts, but how will you proceed in finding tattoos removal assistance? Getting referrals from people you personally know and so too trust is a ideal way to begin. The individual to speak to in your city area will include good friends and family who will guide you to a tattoo removal professional. This is a good method to find tattoo removing help because its directly from a person you actually know and also trust. They will actually know you and will tell if it’s a great match. But, it is definitely possible that the referrer may have different, conflicting needs than your own. Remember this when taking recommendations on tattoos removal assistance from anyone.

There exist still other places to look for a tattoo removal experts in your city. Many people meet with good success in looking through area dermatology ads, health circulars, wellness magazines and others. These are great because they are filled with local information. Your local newsletters and circulars may also have deals on tattoo removing assistance in ads and classifieds. This isn’t as ideal as getting a recommendation perhaps, but it could be a good place to start.

The Internet is an obvious but also underused method to find a tattoo removal professional. You may search the Internet as many good area and city directories will have links to tattoos removing experts websites.  Researching the Internet for “tattoo removal professional” or “tattoos removal assistance” will likely provide you with several options. Because laser skin treatments, clear skin, professional appearances are in demand, the Internet is a great place to also read experiences directly from individuals who have received great meetings with tattoo removing assistance in your city. With the Internet, make sure to explore various search methods, since they also usually give varying results.

And, tattoos removal aid has a number of professional organizations associated along with it. Look at professional organizations like The American Academy of Dermatology, Canadian Dermatology Association, British Association of Cosmetic Doctors. Quality organizations like these have good standards and may be seen as a seal of approval. This is truly one of the best methods to find tattoo removing assistance if you don’t get a direct referral.

Another great area of recommendations are other related professionals. Examples include dermatologists, physicians, laser hair removal experts, nurses and others. They might know of good tattoos removal assistance options in the area. These people also have great professional thoughts that are valid and of help, due to their background. Because their professionalism is involved, their recommendations are made typically with much care.

With laser skin treatments, clear skin, professional appearances being so demanded, tattoo removing assistance is in large demand. And, saving money on tattoos removal assistance is straight forward if you realize where to search. A tattoos removing experts will likely provide good discounts and special deals. Again, low prices may be listed in dermatology ads, health circulars, wellness magazines and the like. Looking through the paper again could of help. Also, the Internet. And, since the large supply of tattoo removing assistance, costs are actually moving down in many areas.

Keep in mind: although saving money is a necessity, don’t do so at the expense of a good experience. This is another cause to get a great referral, in addition to saving money. Because of the growth of tattoos removal assistance, you will find specials in any location. It is now possible to find a great deal on tattoo removing assistance while additionally getting excellent quality.



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David Maillie asked:


A chemical skin peel is a popular procedure used to treat various skin problems and conditions from acne, age spots, wrinkles and even some cancerous and precancerous growths. A caustic acid or substance is applied to the skin to burn and usually slough off or remove the outer layers of the skin (epidermis) and allow new skin to grow. Some chemical peels may go deeper into the dermis (next layer of skin). The purpose of this chemical peeling is to remove damaged, blemished, sun-damaged, freckled skin and replace it with younger, healthier skin. After healing the skin will be tighter, thicker (due to increased collagen production - an added benefit of the stronger peels). Upon healing the skin may appear fuller, smoother with smaller pores and with less wrinkles and fine lines. Basically ones skin will look rejuvenated and more youthful following a chemical peel.

There are many types and varieties of these chemical peels. They are usually grouped and defined by their relative strength and depth of the peel that is achieved. There are basically four groups, the light peels (AHA), light oil-based peels (BHA), medium peels (TCA), and deep peels (Phenol). AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) - These are the mildest of the peels. They are usually sugar derived hence their names, glycolic, malic, lactic and other fruit acids. These peels are usually performed by a dermatologist or esthetician and have minimal healing or downtime. Downtime is referred to as the time when the skin is healing and may be uncomfortable to be viewed in public due to peeling and possibly discolored dead skin that is usually associated with a deeper peel. These lighter peels are usually done on an outpatient basis and are commonly referred to as a ‘lunch time’ peel. An occlusive dressing similar to plastic wrap or layering (more than one application at one time) may be used to drive the acid in further and result in a deeper peel. They are effective for light skin pigmentation problems, reduction of oil produced by overactive sebaceous glands, sun spots, light sun damage and other minor skin problems. Usually multiple treatments are required to have the desired effect as it is not a deep peel. AHA’s are easily dissolved in water and are prepared either as a liquid or a cream. Glycolic acid is the most popular and extensively used of these peels.

BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acids) - The main difference between these acids and alpha hydroxyl acids (AHA) is that BHA’s are only oil soluble. There is basically only one BHA, salicylic acid. This unique feature of being oil soluble makes this acid very effective in cleaning and removing bacteria, dead skin cells and sebum oil from deep inside the pores. Because of this solubility difference, salicylic acid is better suited for use on oily, irritated skin with postules, blackheads and whiteheads. It is available in numerous forms, cream, gel, lotions, shampoo and topical solutions. The latter two forms are primarily for treating the scalp as salicylic acid has also been found effective in the treatment of dandruff, psoriasis, and dermatitis of the skin and scalp. Same as with AHA peels, occlusive dressings and/or layering may be used to drive the acid in farther.

TCA (Trichloroacetic Acid) - TCA or trichloroacetic acid peels are deeper medium depth peels. TCA is a more effective and longer lasting peel than the sugar and citric peels as it goes deeper into the dermis and can therefore treat more skin ailments, conditions and problems. A TCA peel does not require layering or occlusive dressings (methods used to drive AHA and BHA peels deeper). TCA, being a deeper peel, is effective on more skin conditions and problems. Basically a TCA peel has the benefits of both AHA and BHA peels along with deeper penetration and longer lasting effects. Healing or downtime tends to be longer as much as several weeks or more depending on the depth achieved. Peeling is more severe and the results more dramatic. TCA peels are routinely used by dermatologist and plastic surgeons in office as recommended treatments for all stages of acne including acne vulgaris. Numerous clinical studies have found to be every bit as effective as Accutane without any of the side effects (Accutane has been in the news lately for some rather severe potential side effects). TCA peels have also been proven to remove and treat freckles, years of sun damage, bad pigmentation, scars, loose skin and wrinkles and fine lines. TCA has recently even been used by doctors to treat, remove and lighten tattoos. Phenol Peels. Phenol peels are the deepest chemical skin peels. They commonly result in a permanent bleaching pigmentation effect as they reach deeply through the dermis.. Phenol is toxic when absorbed through the skin and can effect heart rate, function and cause arrythmias, so a phenol peel is always done in a doctors care and with anesthesia as it is the deepest and most painful of the peels. It is a last resort peel due to its harshness and bleaching properties. Phenol is rarely performed nowadays due to its toxicity and the advent of safer medium depth peels like the TCA peel. Phenol peels have a long healing process and can require extensive care.

There are various derivatives of each of these 4 groups, but basically these are the various chemical skin peelsl. Clinical studies published in the Annals of Plastic Surgery and elsewhere show the TCA peels are the most effective of the peels on the most skin conditions and problems. Regardless of the peel used, maximum sun protection must be used to protect the new skin from harmful UV rays that can cause cancer in unprotected skin. A high SPF (sun protection factor) sun block and protective attire (hats) are recommended.



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Nedra Hines asked:


Permanent makeup is where tattooing is used in place of traditional makeup to enhance the look of someone’s eyes, lips, eyebrows, and to disguise scars. The more common cosmetic uses that I’ve witnessed are eyelining and filling in the eyebrows (eyebrow shaping). Instead of lining the eyes, a dark pigment (black or brown) is tattooed onto the eyelids, which is convenient for someone who isn’t skilled enough to line their eyes to their satisfaction. The permanent eyeliner will remain in place for years to come, and that eliminates any frustration you’ve experienced during the makeup application process.

Permanent makeup used to create eyebrows is popular for those who have extremely thin eyebrows, or have lost their brow hairs due to alopecia. Instead of using makeup to draw or create eyebrows, the desired design is tattooed onto the face using natural pigment, and will last for a significantly long time. Another method used for the lips involve lip lining or coloring. During this process, color is permanently placed along the border of the lips to appear as natural as any lip liner, and in the color you choose. Colored pigment can also be placed on top of the lips to appear as a matte lipstick in whatever shade suits you best. Also, if you suffer from facial scarring, then this approach will work well for you. It will disguise the scar to give you a more natural appearance.

Side effects of getting permanent makeup can include swelling of the skin, keloids, or some type of infection, although those cases are rare. It is possible that color will fade overtime, so it is necessary for you to know that touchups may be required at least three years later. It is also important for you to consider the complexity of the removal process. Because it is a tattoo, the typical removal methods are Intense Pulsed Light Therapy, laser removal, and dermabrasion. These methods can be quite painful, and you will have to attend at least a few sessions in order to remove the pigment completely. Another option, which is least effective, is a tattoo removal cream. It has received mixed reviews, so it’s possible that it may not completely remove a tattoo.

It is extremely important for you to get referrals before engaging in this process, and view the service provider’s portfolio and history. I would even go the extra mile and call a few of their past clients. The reason I feel this is important is because your appearance will become permanently altered, and you have to live with the results, whether they are good or bad. I’ve seen results that were flawless, and I’ve also met women who were not satisfied with the work they received and became upset as a result.

I myself considered this idea years ago, until another makeup artist persuaded me not to. He pointed out the fact that makeup techniques (and looks) are constantly evolving, and that it would not be in my best interest to get “stuck” with a look that may go out of style in the next few years. I like to create different looks, and I usually stay on top of the current trends. His honest reasoning meant a lot to me, but your situation may be different. However, it is something to consider. If you are highly concerned with the convenience of not having to reapply makeup, and have a more laid-back approach to the makeup application process, then permanent cosmetics will work well for you.



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