What Is Tattoo Removal?

As its name implies, tattoo removal is a procedure to remove tattoo ink from the skin. Tattoos used to be considered permanent, but newer techniques can now fade or eliminate tattoos more effectively.

There are different ways to remove a tattoo, including:

• Lasers
• Surgery
• Dermabrasion
• Chemical peels

If you’re considering tattoo removal, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that you consult with a dermatologist — a medical doctor who specializes in conditions that affect the skin.

You might want tattoo removal if you’re unhappy with the appearance of your tattoo or you regret getting it in the first place. One survey found more than 75 percent of respondents admitted to regretting at least one of their tattoos.

Additionally, tattoo removal may be a sought-after option if you have an allergic reaction to the tattoo or experience other problems, like infection.

Most people are candidates for tattoo removal, but there are some caveats. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not have a removal treatment, nor should someone who smokes or has a compromised immune system.

Tattoo removal can be performed with different techniques. You and your provider may consider the size, color, design, and age of your tattoo when choosing a treatment option.

Laser Removal

Today, lasers are the preferred method for removing tattoos. The treatment uses concentrated light waves to heat up ink particles in the skin. These particles then break into smaller pieces that your body’s immune system clears away.

Most people will need several laser treatments, usually between 6 and 10, to achieve their desired result. Some lighter ink colors, such as green, red, and yellow, are more difficult to remove with a laser than others. Black and blue are usually the easiest to target with a laser.

Surgery

With surgical tattoo removal, doctors simply cut out the skin that contains the tattoo. Then they pull surrounding skin together and close it up. This method, which is more suitable for smaller tattoos, will create a scar.

Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion is a technique that involves using a special tool to sand down the skin and remove layers that contain ink particles. Dermabrasion isn’t commonly used for tattoo removal because it often provides inconsistent results and leaves significant scarring. More than one session of dermabrasion may be required for tattoo removal.

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels containing trichloroacetic acid (TCA) are a less commonly used method of tattoo removal. When applied to the skin, TCA removes the outer layer, along with tattoo ink.

Before having a tattoo removal procedure, you should meet with your provider to discuss your options and expectations. It’s important to know that there’s a chance that your tattoo cannot be completely removed, though it may be much less noticeable. Your doctor may take photos of your tattoo so you can track your progress with each procedure.

You should let your doctor know about all the medical conditions you have and any medications or supplements you take.

On the day of your procedure, avoid applying any lotions or perfumes to the affected area.

Some possible risks of tattoo removal include:

• Infection
• Poor healing
• Burns
• Permanent skin discoloration
• A less aesthetically pleasing result
• The need for another procedure
• Scarring

What you can expect during tattoo removal will depend on the procedure you have.

Lasers can be painful. Some people describe the sensation as having a heavy rubber band being snapped against the skin. Your doctor might offer you a numbing cream or shot before the procedure to minimize the discomfort.

If you’re having surgery or dermabrasion, you’ll likely receive local, regional, or general anesthesia, depending on the size of the tattoo being removed.

Chemical peels are considered mildly painful, but usually don’t warrant the use of an anesthetic.

A few days after treatment, your skin may peel, blister, bruise, swell, scab, or appear red. These issues usually go away within a week or two.

You may also develop light or dark spots on your skin. They should disappear within six months to a year.

Most of the time, side effects will go away, but you may have scarring, uneven texture, or other changes to your skin that are permanent.

Call your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms after your procedure:

• Fever or chills
• Extreme pain, swelling, warmth, or redness of the affected skin
• Oozing pus at the site of treatment

Immediately after your procedure, you may apply a cool compress to soothe the affected area. Your provider will give you specific instructions on how to care for your skin after tattoo removal.

After a laser treatment, you’ll need to clean the wound with soap and water. Your doctor may tell you to apply an antibiotic ointment and keep it covered until it heals. Most laser wounds heal about five days after the procedure. You’ll need to wait a few weeks before you can have another laser treatment.

If you had a surgical tattoo removal, your bandages should be left alone for 48 hours. When you remove them, you should wash the surgical site with soap and water daily. Your doctor may tell you to apply an antibiotic ointment and dressing over the wound for a week after the surgery.

Dermabrasion also leaves an open wound that needs attention. Typically, doctors will instruct you to clean the area daily with soap and water, apply an antibiotic ointment, and cover the wound with a bandage or dressing. Recovery from dermabrasion can take up to three weeks.

A chemical peel will likely leave you with a wound that needs to be cared for with good hygiene, an antibiotic ointment, and a dressing. These wounds usually heal in about five to seven days.

It’s important to keep all your post-care appointments with your doctor.

You should also take measures to protect your skin from the sun for at least three months while it heals.