The success of removal is dependent upon several factors. Location (permanent eyeliner removal is risky if not impossible), scarring, the color (black is easiest), and the skill of the technician, and the appropriate method for removal. The age of a tattoo, since old tattoos may already be faded, is also a factor in success.
Tattoo Removal Creams
Topical removers have been aggressively marketed as a do it yourself procedure. Consistent use causes the materials to break down and the body slowly reabsorbs the inks.
Relatively inexpensive, the method takes months to somewhat fade the area. It won’t disappear . The skin may become irritated or swollen from the cream. Many of the fade or removal creams contain a low percentage of over the counter acids such as glycolic. Some contain hydroquinone.
- Tattoo Off
- Tat B Gone
- Fade
- Nuviderm
- Wrecking balm tat removal
- E-raze
Applying Acids to the Tattoo
Acids can cause scarring. Trichlorocetic acid (TCA), glycolic, or phenol, acid will remove the outer skin sometimes leaving the design image. They work best on the pale skin of a Fitzpatrick 1. Otherwise a change in pigmentation is inevitable.
Injection removal for Permanent Cosmetics or Tattoo
More recent tattoos can sometimes be injected by the technician with salt or similar products to lift the unwanted pigment. This can be successful in small areas such as a droopy line or misplaced dye deposit.
Cryogen sprays, used off-label, remove small amounts of pigment . CryoProbe can be effective but color may disappear and the design remains. It is not for lip tissue
Laser Removal of Unwanted Tattoos
This popular technique depends on the right laser and the skill of use. Many spas with a laser to remove hair or other “anti-aging” needs will claim their laser also removes tattoos. Few do. Specific laser lengths and pulses target a specific color. .
Argon and carbon dioxide lasers are the older ones used. The skin may burn and there can be scarring. Black and dark colors are easiest to target. The Q-switched ruby laser has found success with multiple treatments and dye appropriate fluence and pulsation. The Nd:YAG laser works very well on black micro pigmentation but doesn’t touch yellow.
The Q-switched alexandrite laser can hit blacks, blues, and greens, but not reds. There can be delayed onset hypopigmentaion lasting up to 12 months. Candela has a pigment lesion dye laser for skin treatment of melanocytes which will target red effectively.
Assuming the correct laser is used for the correct color and depth of the tattoo, lasers can remove tattoos almost completely but not perfectly.
- It is expensive.
- There is a risk of scarring.
- It is painful. There can be blisters and brusing.
- Allergic reactions can occur to the laser and the pigment process.
- A wound is created with risks inherent to healing.
- It is time consuming with several treatments spaced weeks apart over time.
Camouflaging the Tattoo by Working Over the Design
Cover-up tattoos can work well. Camouflaging is a technique that works best on older faded tattoos. Changing colors of bright tattoos is impossible but names can be re-designed into other names or objects and eyebrows can be reshaped. Never put what appears to be a flesh tone or white over another color to camouflage it. The changes in pigment over time will give a muddy result or worse, look cancerous.
The varying pigment color layers and mixes will respond poorly to a laser now, resist change, or turn dark. Many pigments, especially lip colors have some white in them that will turn black from a laser.
Surgical Tattoo Removal
Usually complete removal of the tattoo leaves a scar in its wake. There is a period of healing since a wound is created.
Microdermabrasion is sloughing off of the uppermost skin layer. This rarely removes an embedded pigment but can soften the area for further type of treatment. Deep dermabrasion is a rough bloody affair which mutilates the skin and isn’t 100% effective.
There are no fool-proof guarantees to removal. Realistic expectations, acceptance of possible scarring or discoloration, and the appropriate method by the appropriate licensed provider increases the odds of satisfaction. Additional tattoo information can be gotten at tattoo conventions but caution is advised against impulse tattooing.
Amy Andersen - Amy Andersen, MSN, ARNP, family & pediatrics certified, practices yoga and explores the inter-relationships of mind body fitness and ...
Join the Conversation