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In the past, getting a tattoo meant having that tattoo forever. Recent progress in tattoo removal techniques makes it possible for a person to successfully remove an unwanted tattoo. There are several methods available, in a variety of price ranges, and success rates.

Tattoo Removal Creams

There are several companies who market tattoo removal creams. In general, the intent behind these creams is to fade the ink from the tattoo over time. Most require daily application, and may take many months to see any results. Several brands include an exfoliating product, to encourage the skin to renew during the fading process. This process is the least intrusive. It is generally the least expensive, although the results may vary, depending on the placement of the tattoo, and the types of inks used in the tattoo.

Surgical Excision

This type of removal is best performed on small tattoos. It involves the surgical removal of the tattoo, followed by stitches to close the incision. If the tattoo is larger, this process involves the surgical removal of the tattoo, followed by a skin graft to cover the area where the tattoo has been removed. This method is likely to leave at least some scarring, but is very effect in many instances.

Laser Removal

The laser removal process involves a highly concentrated laser beam directed at the tattoo in short blasts. The laser blasts literally break up the ink particles, which eventually are absorbed by the body, or shed with normal dead skin cells. This does not work on every tattoo, in some instances, leaves an outline or shadow of the old tattoo. With multiple treatments, many patients, however, see great results. This type of removal works especially well on patients with fair skin.

Chemical Peel

Chemical peels can be done at home, but it is recommended that this process be done by a trained professional. A popular type of chemical peel is called a TCA Chemical peel. It involves applying trichloroacetic acid, which causes the skin to peel. It causes peeling to a medium depth of the skin, so may require multiple treatments to be deep enough to effectively remove the tattoo. As with any chemical process, it can cause some scarring.

When the decision is made to remove a tattoo, it is best to talk to a professional for advice. Success rates vary, depending on a person’s skin tone, the type of inks used in the tattoo, as well as other factors. Doing the proper research is more likely to result in a successful removal.

With so many people getting tattoos now a days, there are more and more people needing tattoos removed as well. However, there are many choices to have a tattoo removed.

Laser Removal

Lasers are used to create a high amount of heat to break down the ink in the tattoo. The ink is then removed through the bodies own functions. Laser tattoo removal may cause blistering of the skin, because of the high temperature. The skin is numbed, but laser removal can still be uncomfortable. Multiple laser treatments may be necessary to remove the tattoo depending on the size and color of the tattoo.

Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion entails taking a sanding disk or wire brush and removing the top layers of the skin. Dermabrasion has been around for years and the process can be very painful and does usually scar. The area is numbed and the skin is brushed and sanded away until all the ink is gone.

Intense Pulsed Light Therapy

Intense Pulsed Light Therapy, also called IPL, is another laser version of tattoo removal. The source of light is different and it is less painful than standard laser treatment. Fewer treatments are needed to remove the tattoo, however it is mush more expensive to have done.

Surgical Removal

The tattoo is surgically cut away. Once the area has been removed, the skin that surrounded the tattoo is sewn together to cover the opening. However, this only works on small tattoos. Larger tattoos can result in a skin graph to cover the removed skin. This procedure is very painful and is usually used as last resort.

Scarification Peels

A chemical peel is when an acid solution is used on the tattoo area, which results in the skin peeling away. Trichloroacetic acid is used when doing a chemical peel. The acid damages the skin, which results in the peeling. This does require a few treatments and as the top layer of skin peels away, the layers below with the ink began to peel away as well. However, it is not always very effective and many times the tattoo can still be seen and is only faded.

Removal Creams

Tattoo removal creams have Hydroquinone in them and can be risky if used for a long time. Hydroquinone can result in the darkening of the skin. These creams can take a year or more to remove the tattoo and and does become costly.