How To Remove Tattoos

The permanence of a tattoo is usually a person’s last concern when having it inked on their skin. Years later, many people regret their decision and consider having them removed. In fact, according to a 2004 survey by the American Academy of Dermatology, 17% of those who have tattoos want to get rid of them. There are several ways in which to approach their removal and some methods are more effective than others.

First, a quick overview regarding how tattoos work. When performed by a professional, the ink is distributed on the skin evenly, making removal easier. When performed by a novice, the distribution is more sporadic with different concentrations of ink throughout. Also, as tattoos age, the ink spreads and seeps more deeply into the skin. That makes their removal more difficult. Today, I’ll briefly explain the different approaches to getting rid of tattoos and what you can expect from each of them.

Dermabrasions And Chemical Peels

Dermabrasions can be effective for getting rid of most of the ink as long as the tattoo has been professionally-placed and is relatively new. Once the ink has seeped into the fat under the skin, it’s unlikely a dermabrasion will be able to remove it. Chemical peels are occasionally used, too. The drawback is that there is a risk of mild scarring. Plus, once the ink has migrated, a peel is ineffective.

Laser Removal Of Tattoos

Laser treatments are growing in popularity. A dermatologist or surgeon uses a laser to remove the pigment. The wavelength and width of the laser applied depends upon the color of the tattoo. Black ink is easier to remove than green ink, and both require different wavelengths.

While laser treatments are usually effective, there are a few drawbacks. First, they’re comparatively expensive. It’s not uncommon for the complete removal of one tattoo to cost a few thousand dollars. Second, most tattoos require at least a few treatments and large tattoos can require up to six. Third, the treatments can be mildly painful. Anesthesia is often applied to the affected area, but the discomfort can last a few days.

Why Surgery Is Often Necessary

Even with laser treatments, tattoos can be difficult to remove. If the ink has migrated deep beneath the skin, surgical excision may be necessary to completely get rid of it. For smaller tattoos, the procedure involves the surgeon removing the part of the skin that contains the ink. Then, the area is stitched closed. Larger tattoos require a more complex procedure, involving skin grafts to cover the affected area.

There are a number of creams that are advertised as “tattoo removers.” While they may be able to mildly reduce their visibility, there are no clinical studies which prove they can eliminate them. Given how tattoos work and the process by which ink migrates over time, it’s unlikely these creams can match the effectiveness of laser treatments and surgical excision.