Tattoo Removal Methods

There are several reasons why one may want their tattoo removed. One of the best reasons why people may want their tattoos removed is that they no longer feel the burden of having to wear a tattoo they do not like. If you feel that a tattoo is holding you back from getting a job, then it might be worth the scarring and the pain to remove it. Here are some top tattoo removal methods

Do it yourself removal creams

There are a few tattoo removal creams available in the market. Some creams can help you remove the tattoo without any scarring or pain. You would need to wait for a long time to get the tattoo removed especially if it is a really old one.

Excision 

The tattoo artist would help you to remove the tattoo by means of a scalpel and then closes the wounds by stitching them up. For this tattoo removal method, the tattoo artist would cut out a small portion of the skin at a time. You may or may not require to be given local anesthesia when this tattoo removal method is used. A skin graft may be required in case the tattoo is very large in size. A scar would be left behind when this procedure is carried out. Only people who have elastic skin would be able to benefit from this method of tattoo removal.

Intense pulsed light therapy 

This technique of removing tattoos is almost like laser surgery. The only difference is that they use high intensity light in place of laser. This method would help break down the ink into small fragments. Not only is this method less painful as compared to laser therapy, but it is also way more effective than that. This technique makes use of light beams that are passed through a prism that is pointed at the tattoo. The prism is then placed on the skin so that the different colours of the tattoos are created and each of these colours targets the corresponding colour of the tattoo. The light then breaks up the inks and then, the colours are absorbed by the body of the person, who wants his or her tattoo removed.

TCA peels 

The trichloroacetic acid is the only method, which is chemically proven effective in order to remove your tattoos. During the peel process, you might experience some pain and a stinging sensation. The skin is then bandaged and a scab is formed. You should retain the bandage until the scab vanishes completely. However, if the scab still remains moist till the end of the week, you should apply betadine ointment and bandage the scab freshly till the scab becomes completely dry.

Hydroquinone 

You should apply this topical chemical if you want your tattoo removed. The chemical makes the skin colour lighter by inhibiting the melanin production. This method is actually used to reduce the appearance of freckles, age spots, and the other darkened skin areas. You should, however, not be used by those who are suffering from kidney or liver disease.

Kojic acid 

This acid is used in several skin lightening creams as an agent that helps with de-pigmentation. It is also considered an antioxidant and an emollient. It is also used in creams that help you with the removal of tattoos.

Alpha arbutin 

It is a chemical that is not only water soluble, but is also helpful in the removal of tattoos. It is actually used to lighten the skin. It is generally used to reduce tanning after exposure to the ultraviolet rays of the sun and to lighten age spots.

Cover up 

This is done when a person does not mind a new tattoo in place of the old tattoo. Instead of removing the tattoo using the laser method, a new tattoo is created. Artists, who are skilled in tattoo cover-ups, can help you with this. The artists would need to use their creativity in order to effectively cover up the old tattoo.

Vitamin E oil mix 

Prepare a mixture from one part Aloe Vera gel, Vitamin E oil, and one part apricot scrub. Apply this mixture to your skin in a circular motion. Leave the mixture on the skin for about ten minutes and then, rinse it off using some cold water. Repeat this procedure at least twice or thrice a day.

Aloe vera gel mix 

Mix one part Aloe Vera gel and one part sanding powder. Apply this mixture to your tattoo. Make use of a pumice stone to do so. Rub the area of the skin, where the tattoo has been drawn for several minutes. Repeat this procedure for at least three to four times every day. 

Other home remedies 

If you do not wish to pay a heavy price for surgery and the other methods of tattoo removal, you would need to follow some simple home remedies. You should soak a piece of cloth in extremely saline water and scrub the tattoo vigorously for half an hour or so. You should then bandage the affected area. You should repeat this every few days. This will help you in the gradual removal of your tattoo.

Which method is the best? 

Getting a tattoo is a popular trend in many parts of the world. It is not considered an exception any longer, but a norm. Many youngsters look forward to getting a tattoo. However, at times, people may regret having gotten a tattoo done for various reasons. They may consider tattoo removal, for which there are many methods.

So, which method is the best? It actually depends on which method a tattoo artist would prefer to use on you. Also, what is considered best by one person may not be the best for the other people. You should, therefore, research the different methods before finally deciding which one is the best for you. You should make an informed decision rather than taking decisions based on impulse before getting your tattoo removed for good. This will help you make the right decision.