BEAUTY HEALTH & WELLNESS

 Effective Ways to Remove Permanent Tattoos

There are many ways to get rid of unwanted tattoos.

While tattoos are a form of self-expression, removing them can be difficult. Even though they may have been a memorable experience, some tattoos may later become a source of regret. If you’re wondering how to remove permanent tattoos, you’ve come to the right place. Some tattoos may have been impulsive decisions that require reversal. Fortunately, you can now safely and easily remove any embarrassing tattoos you have on your skin thanks to scientific advancements.

Keep reading to learn more!

Here are some things you need to keep in mind before going in for tattoo removal:

  • Colour: Hi there! Did you know that dark colours like black and grey are the easiest to remove, followed by red?
  • On the other hand, light colours such as yellow, green, purple, blue, turquoise, pink, and fluorescent colours are the hardest to remove.
  • Location: It’s interesting to note that areas with better blood flow, such as the back, face, neck, chest, stomach, arms, and legs, are easiest to remove tattoos from, whereas areas with lower blood circulation, like hands, fingers, feet, and torso, are harder to remove tattoos from.
  • Aftercare: To keep your skin safe, remember to apply sunscreen or wear protective clothing when you’re out in the sun.
  • For best results, wash the treated area twice a day with a gentle cleanser and water, then apply petroleum jelly.

Are you thinking about getting a tattoo removed?

Here are some things you might want to consider before taking the plunge:

  •  If you’re thinking about getting a tattoo removed, it’s important to keep in mind that complete removal can’t be guaranteed. Hope this helps!
  • You have a couple of options – you can either opt for a full cover-up or a partial removal. Just keep in mind that even with partial removal, there’s a chance that you might be left with a ghost image or a raised scar.
  • Multiple treatments are required to achieve the desired results. On average, sessions should be spaced 4-6 weeks apart to allow for proper skin recovery. The frequency of sessions may vary depending on the individual, so we’ll make sure to personalize the treatment plan to your specific needs. However, don’t worry if your schedule doesn’t allow for that, we can always work something out that suits you best.
  • There are a few factors that can affect the success rate of the process, such as the location and size of the tattoo, possible allergies, your age, and whether it was done by a professional or an amateur. Interestingly, tattoos done by amateurs are often easier to remove because they are done with an uneven hand, resulting in a significant difference in saturation, depth, and uniformity compared to those done by professional tattoo artists.
  • Older tattoos are usually easier to remove than more recent ones.
  • Don’t forget to keep in mind the potential side effects, such as hyperpigmentation, which can cause darkening or lightening of the skin in the treated area. It’s important to be informed and educated about these risks before undergoing tattoo removal. This usually resolves within 6-12 months.
  • Other possible side effects include scarring, burns, changes in skin texture, and infections.
  • When undergoing laser tattoo removal, it’s best to steer clear of antibiotics as they can make your skin more sensitive to light, which could slow down the healing process.

It’s important to do your research and if you’re unsure, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and hold off. The procedure may not meet your expectations as it can be slow and imperfect. However, if you are mentally and physically prepared and committed, you can choose the most effective removal technique. Keep in mind that it requires patience and dedication.

Tattoo Removal Creams: Are They Effective?

Tattoo removal creams are often considered a budget-friendly alternative to surgical methods. However, their effectiveness is not scientifically proven and reviewer testimonials are not encouraging.

These creams are applied to the epidermis, the topmost layer of the skin, while tattoo needles penetrate the dermis layer to deposit pigments for lasting inkwork. Although tattoo removal creams use peeling chemicals to gradually remove tattoos over time, they cannot guarantee to do so without causing adverse reactions.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that using tattoo removal creams can result in the following side effects:

  • rubedo
  • Burning
  • Overpeeling
  • Inflammatory rash
  • Measles
  • Scab
  • Pigmentation problem
  • Nausea
  • Respiratory problem
  • Allergic reactions can occur in severe cases

As science advances and tattoo removal becomes more popular, there are fewer risks involved in the process. Here are some of the most popular ways to remove permanent tattoos.

How to remove a permanent tattoo – Surgical method

  • Laser tattoo removal
  • Intense pulsed light therapy
  • cryosurgery
  • dermabrasion

1. Laser tattoo removal

This is the safest and most popular tattoo removal technique with minimal side effects, but at a higher cost. The laser removes the tattoo by breaking down the pigment color of the ink with a high-intensity beam.

If you only have black ink, you’re in luck because black absorbs all laser wavelengths, making it the easiest color to work with. Other colors can be processed with the help of a selected laser depending on the color of the pigment. This method can also be used for cosmetic tattoos. Since these tattoos use multiple colors and makeup inks, specific lasers are needed to ensure that the skin or tattoo doesn’t turn the wrong color.

There are two types of lasers available for this process: “passive” and “active” laser tattoo removal systems.

1) Passive laser therapy
Just because the word “laser” is included in “passive laser,” it doesn’t make it a foolproof method of tattoo removal. This is a cheaper way to remove a tattoo, but don’t get too excited – this technique will only partially fade your tattoo. You will find tattoo salons or beauty clinics that provide you with this technique. It’s best to know the difference between these lasers and medical-grade active Q-switched lasers so you don’t get taken advantage of and end up with a partially faded tattoo in the name of “saving.”

2) Active laser therapy
Come to the most effective and efficient way to remove almost all colors of tattoos – active lasers. Dermatologists believe that active Q-switching (AQS) laser removal technology is ideal. It requires a different sitting position, and there is little risk of scarring. If proper post-operative care is followed, these symptoms will resolve within 6-12 months.

There are three types of active Q-switched lasers: Nd:YAGi, Rubyi, and Alexandritei. Each target has a different spectrum. In most cases, more than one Q-switched laser is used during tattoo removal treatments, and they all produce impressive results.

One blogger recalled her personal experience of removing a tattoo through a laser removal process. She shared that her laser artist started using ice treatments to numb the area and reduce pain. She clarified the process and explained how the laser breaks up the ink particles and gradually removes the hue. As a suggestion, she adds, “So, the healthier you are, the more water you drink, and the more you take care of it, the better your body and work.”

2. Intense pulsed light therapy

Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy uses broad spectrum light to remove the top layer of skin (epidermis). It breaks down the pigment in the tattoo into smaller components, which are then absorbed into the bloodstream and taken away from the site. Over time, the affected area heals through skin regeneration.

However, this technique is not suitable for people of color, as their skin is prone to permanent loss of color (hypopigmentation). In addition, the technique is suitable for larger tattoos because it emits a larger pulse of light.

3. Cryosurgery

This method is most commonly used to remove skin cancer and warts, but is also used to remove tattoos. During this process, the inking area is exposed to extremely cold temperatures by spraying refrigerant. The most commonly used is liquid nitrogen. The area is then sanded through a dermabrasion to remove the top layer of skin. This is done under general anesthesia because it is very painful. The biggest drawback of this technique is that it may damage not only the tattooed area, but also the skin tissue.

This method is least effective for green and yellow pigments. In addition, this procedure is not recommended for people with very sensitive skin or prone to scarring. Although cryosurgery is relatively cheaper than laser removal, it is not as efficient. It is also considered cosmetic surgery and is hardly covered by insurance.

 

4. Dermabrasion

In this technique, the skin is polished using a high-speed brush or wheel. In essence, the skin is actually sanded to reach and remove the inked skin. The area was put under general anesthesia. As with most tattoo removal procedures, this requires multiple treatments. This method carries a high risk of infection and scarring.

These are some of the legal and scientifically approved methods that can actually remove a permanent tattoo.

General Methods For Removing Permanent Tattoos Can Be Tried At Home

How to remove a tattoo at home? Is it possible? People have tried DIY methods such as using lemons and honey, chemical peels, salt scrubs, apricot scrubs and putting all sorts of weird ingredients together, but you have to remember that permanent tattoos are pretty serious business (the whole idea is permanence, right?). And its removal needs to be done by professionals using the safest techniques.

However, if you are against science and believe that the “natural way” is the best way, and would like to learn more about these DIY tattoo removal methods, these are some of the old-fashioned techniques that people often use.

Note: Some of these methods are among the most painful and painful tattoo removal methods. If your pain thresholds are low, don’t even consider them.


1) Wear technique
Salabrasion Scrubs tattoo ink with salt. It takes several treatments to see results.

Fun facts:
Archaeologists have found the first evidence of attempts to remove tattoos in Egyptian mummies dating back to 4000 BC. The ancient Greeks also used salt or garlic paste to erase tattoos.

2) Lemon and honey
Since lemon is a natural bleach and honey is known for its skin regeneration and nourishing properties, this is the preferred method for most people. Mix a teaspoon of lemon with a spoonful of honey and apply this mixture to the tattoo daily. People claim that it lightens their tattoos to some extent.


3) Hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is another common household item used to remove permanent tattoos. It is known to alleviate tattoo ink or pigmentation to some extent. After scrubbing the tattooed area with salt, this solution can be applied to the tattooed area. It is popular for its antiseptic properties and also helps prevent infection.

4) Salt and lemon juice
Mix 100 grams of salt with lemon juice. Dip a cotton pad into this solution, then wipe it over the tattoo until the solution is absorbed deep into the skin. Repeat this process every day until the desired result is achieved. The process of removing a tattoo using salt is similar to Salabrasion.

5) Apple cider vinegar
If you have a small tattoo, you can dab it daily with a cotton ball dipped in apple cider vinegar until it starts to fade. However, you need to wipe the tattoo with sandpaper in order for the apple cider vinegar to effectively absorb into the area. Although this is a tedious and painful method, some people claim that they have achieved results through this method.

6) Aloe Vera
If your skin is super sensitive and no other options are available – aloe vera is one way to fade your tattoo. You can mix fresh aloe vera gel with yogurt and apply this mixture to the tattoo every day until you see a change. Also, this may apply to very small tattoos.

Illustrated: The 7 Most Important Tips to Remember When Removing a Tattoo

Tattoo removal can be a daunting process. A number of precautions need to be taken to ensure a safe and successful surgery. In the infographic below, we have listed the 7 most important tips to keep in mind when removing a tattoo. Go check it out.

People often use tattoo removal creams to remove permanent tattoos, but are not aware that they are ineffective. Their chemical composition only targets the upper layer of the skin, not the inner layer where the ink resides. Tattoo removal cream will make your tattoo look faded, but even that’s not good because the pattern starts to look shabby. It is always important to remove tattoos and seek counseling under the supervision of a professional, as they ensure proper safety and preparation and keep your health in mind. Follow-up may also be necessary if recommended by the dermatologist. Primitive methods such as sprinkling salt on the tattoo or scraping it with sandpaper are not safe. Therefore, avoid using these methods at home to avoid the risk of skin damage and scarring. But now that you know the safe way to remove a permanent tattoo, you can stop hesitating and tattoo yourself. Make sure to take good care of your skin before and after surgery. Now let’s get started.