Thread: Tattoo removal

Well, you have to be careful because the ONLY way to remove a tattoo is by gradually removing the layers of skin holding the ink and allowing new skin to grow back. Depending on each individual situation, all of the ink may not be completely removed. It depends on how deep the tattooer drove the ink. If you try to remove too much skin (too deep), you may be left with scarring. So you would have the potential to be left with something even uglier then the tattoo you were trying to remove.

Here are the two options available at the moment:

Laser - A high concentrated laser beam targets the pigmented areas and essentially burns the top layer of skin so that it falls off. This leaves raw skin exposed, just like a burn, that has to heal. You will see an immediate lightening of your tattoo, but most people have to go back multiple times.

I have personally experienced the feeling of the laser and it is painful. Depending on the area and your pain tolerance, it can be unbearable or just slightly annoying.

You also have to be careful and make sure that the person you are going to for laser is licensed, experienced, and isn't going to harm you. There have been a lot of stories about people being severely burned by people "claiming" to be experts in laser treatments.

Chemical Acids - These also burn off the top layer of skin and can be extremely painful. Some creams may come in lower concentrations of acid, much like those used for over the counter wart remover. So depending on the concentration, it may or may not be immediately painful and the results will vary.

ah, in my case there was no irritation at all. The one I used (profade) had 3 different creams that you applied in order which helped prepare the area, erase the tattoo, and soothing afterwards I guess.