Tattoo Removal Techniques

Permanent tattoos are difficult to remove and any procedure to erase them is not completely successful and has its own side-effects.

Following are the treatments available for removal of tattoos, but a complete removal is impossible and scarring is always a risk along with other infections and pigmentation issues.

There are different ways in which permanent tattoos can be removed should you want to get rid of them. While some methods are downright expensive for you to afford, there are other less expensive treatments that may not really be so successful as the former treatments, but can work for the better and have surprising results.

[Read: Different Types of Tattoos]

Fade away Methods

Fade away methods are otherwise referred to as tattoo removal creams or rubs that are the latest development in the arena of tattoo removal. Surprisingly, this method makes available a series of creams that can be topically applied, which then seep into the skin and get absorbed smoothly. When the creams and rubs are used in combination, they break down the different components of the ink, making the tattoo become lighter with time and finally, making it fade away.

This is the least expensive and painful treatment method for those looking forward to getting their tattoos removed. Besides, this method does not carry the risk of scarring and takes some practice and dedication to show its results.

Surgical Methods of removing Tattoo

• Laser treatments can be sought as it helps the tattoo to fade away. This beams the laser to break down pigments or dye. It leaves the skin white in colour after the treatment on the affected area. Several sittings are required to remove the tattoo and this treatment is expensive. Sometimes, the tattoo might not get removed, instead only get faded. Other than scarring being a risk while the tattoo is being removed by way of this procedure, another risk is that of having an allergic reaction as the laser breaks down the tattoo pigment and spreads into the body.
• Chemical Peels: In this procedure, chemical solution is used to remove the tattoo. The solution is applied on the skin, which causes blisters on the top layer of the skin and finally peels off. This procedure is performed in the doctor’s clinic.  Make sure you do not spend a lot of money purchasing do-it-yourself TCA kits as they are not necessarily the real things and can cause problems to the skin. While the treatment is on, the patient may feel a burning sensation and later feel stinging or numbness in the area. After the procedure is complete, there may be some amount of swelling. This process is not usually recommended for people who smoke.
• Other surgical methods of removal of tattoos include the use of balloons to insert into the skin and inflate, resulting in tissue expansion. The tattooed skin is removed and chances of scarring are less because of the expansion of tissues.

Dermabrasion: this is a medical procedure that involves removal of the surface of the epidermis of the skin by way of abrasion or sanding. The result is a new layer of skin, but it might leave a scar.

Camouflaging tattoo: In this method, a tattoo itself becomes a solution for covering up the original tattoo. Pigments which mimic skin colour are injected into the tattoo to imitate natural skin but one can easily make out the difference as it lacks the skin’s natural shine.

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