Different Methods of Tattoo Removal

There are a few different methods of removing a tattoo. These methods include surgical excision, dermabrasion, saline injection, tattoo removal creams, chemical tattoo removal, and laser. If you are considering removing a tattoo, it can be overwhelming reading about all of these options available. With all these different methods of tattoo removal, they all boast to be the best, the most inexpensive, or the safest. But in a lot of these cases, if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.

Below, we will discuss some of the methods of tattoo removal, and the included risks. Our priority is for everyone to be fully informed so that they can make the best decision for themselves in order to reach their tattoo removal goals.

Surgical Excision Tattoo Removal
Surgical excision is exactly what it sounds like- it is the cutting of the tattoo out of the skin. While it sounds like it would be the fastest method of tattoo removal, depending on the location and size of the tattoo, as well as skin elasticity, sometimes it can take multiple surgeries where the surgeon can only cut out a small amount of the tattoo, wait for the area to heal, and then go back in later and do another small section. This method often leads to unsightly scarring, skin discoloration, and uneven skin texture due to the trauma inflicted during surgeries.

Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion is an invasive form of tattoo removal that involves the use of a medical grinding tool that removes the outer layers of skin in a controlled manner. The intent is to remove layers of skin containing ink particles, thereby removing the tattoo. This method can be very painful, and creates a deep and open wound that will need intense care once the procedure is done. Some ink is very deep in the skin and cannot be safely reached by this method.
There is also the home method of dermabrasion...Which we just don’t recommend. The risk of infection and scarring is high, and the ink is so much deeper than a lot of people realize, making it impossible to remove the tattoo, and results in a massive scar in the area.

Saline Injection Tattoo Removal
This method is when a saline solution is tattooed into the skin surrounding the ink. It is best used on smaller, older tattoos or cosmetic tattooing. It can be beneficial for fading for a coverup, but if you would like full removal, it is likely not going to be the most beneficial. For cosmetic tattooing, it can be effective, but it will likely take multiple sessions.

Tattoo Removal Creams
These always sound better than they are. Many of these creams that can just be purchased over-the-counter are full of acids and bleaching agents that are damaging to the skin. It many times leads to peeling, scarring, and pigmentation problems, which could potentially “mask” the ink in the skin, but these products typically only affect the outer layers of the skin and penetrate to the dermis layer where your ink is actually sitting.

Chemical Peel Tattoo Removal
Trichloroaceetic acid, or TCA for short, can be used to remove tattoos. It is applied to the skin in order to remove the outer layers of skin, thereby taking the ink with it. This again will create an open wound that needs cared for, and presents the problem for deeper sitting ink that may not be able to be treated. This method could be beneficial with permanent cosmetics, but a regular tattoo likely is much deeper in the skin than what can be reached with a TCA peel.

Tat2 Away
While this undisclosed formulation injected into the skin claims to effectively lift ink in a circular pattern, concerns have emerged about potential side effects, including the risk of scarring that mirrors the treated area. The formation of thick, raised scar tire that retains ink can result in unsatisfactory cosmetic outcomes. We highly suggest seeking genuine feedback from real people who have undergone Tat2Away treatments, as many negative experiences can serve as strong warnings against pursuing this method.

Laser Tattoo Removal
Laser removal is the most common method to get rid of a tattoo. The laser focuses on the ink pigment in the skin, and shatters the ink molecules small pieces that your immune system will metabolize naturally just like any other foreign particle that is not supposed to be there. While it is a process typically taking an average of 8-12 treatments for full removal, the tattoo will fade and lighten as time goes on. It is safe for all skin types, and our technicians here at Vanishing Point make sure that each and every one of our clients is fully aware of what to expect before, during, and post treatment. Our Discovery Pico laser system is highly customizable, resulting in each treatment being catered exactly to the needs of your tattoo.