Tattoo Removal Methods

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Do you have a Tattoo that you want removed or covered up? Perhaps you don’t know what way you want to get rid of it. Well, worry not.

We’re here to tell you all about the best ways to get that troublesome ink removed or transformed into a new modern masterpiece.

So stick around, and you’ll find out all you need to know about tattoo removal methods. 

How To Remove Your Tattoo 

When it comes to getting a tattoo removed, whether it be from fading, work-related reasons, or because you ultimately ended up regretting your choice of ink for whatever reason, it’s important to consider all your options. 

When considering removing a tattoo, many people think about DIY options in an attempt to reduce costs.

These methods are incredibly risky and, more often than not, don’t effectively remove the tattoo. 

Scrubbing salt solution, chemical peels, burning, cutting, and even using sandpaper (ouch!) are all ‘techniques’ some people have used to remove their tattoos.

These methods will almost certainly lead to infections, scarring, and skin discoloration, so it is vital to avoid them at all costs. 

Certain tattoo removal creams also claim to break down pigmentation.

However, the effectiveness of these products is debatable, and they can cause skin irritation and even allergic reactions, so approach them with caution. 

Professional assistance is the most effective way to remove a tattoo, and even though it can be costly, it is definitely worth the price if you want to remove your ink safely. 

Professional Tattoo Removal 

Thankfully tattoo removal has become more efficient and accessible over the years, so there are a number of ways to get your tattoo removed.

So let’s take a look at some of the best tattoo removal methods there are on the market. 

Laser Tattoo Removal

The most popular and effective method of removing tattoos is laser tattoo removal.

This method uses high-intensity light beams to break up the pigment colors in your tattoo. 

Depending on the color of the ink will determine which laser is needed to disperse the ink.

Laser tattoo removal may require multiple sessions and can be costly, but is effective for most skin types and ink colors, but may have trouble with certain colors such as green and yellow. 

Surgical Excision

With surgical excision, the tattooed area of the skin is cut out with the surrounding skin sewn together.

This method is only effective for smaller tattoo designs and will provide immediate results, however, this will leave a scar. 

Dermabrasion 

Dermabrasion is a method that involves ‘sanding down’ the layers of your skin until you remove the tattooed area.

This method has been largely replaced by modern and safer methods but is still performed by some professionals.

This method is safe when done by a skilled professional, but can still come with risks such as infection and significant skin irritation.

Intense Pulsed Light Therapy (IPL)

IPL is similar to laser therapy in that it uses broad-wavelength light to remove tattoos.

The pigment absorbs the light, and the heat breaks down the pigmentation. This method is safe when done by a professional, but it may require more sessions than laser tattoo removal.

It is also good for lighter skin tones, but its effectiveness can vary based on the type of ink and tattoo color.

Other Ways To Remove Your Unwanted Tattoos 

Of course, removing your tattoo isn’t the only option available to you. Perhaps you want to keep the area covered or just update it. Let’s take a look at your options. 

Tattoo Cover-Up

Tattoo cover-ups involve tattooing a new design over the old one. This creative solution turns an unwanted tattoo into a new piece of art.

However, the new tattoo will need to be larger and darker than the original to effectively cover it, so it may not be an effective solution to suit everyone's tastes.

Keep in mind that you will also need to have a trusted tattoo artist who has the skills to design a piece that effectively masks the old tattoo while creating a new, appealing design. 

Tattoo Modification

Instead of fully covering an old tattoo, you can modify or incorporate it into a new design.

With this method, you can change some elements of the design or add new features to transform the original tattoo into something more dynamic or change its structure completely. 

This method is best for tattoos that only need minor changes or when the original tattoo can be easily integrated into a new design, and like the tattoo cover-ups, make sure you have a skilled artist capable of transforming your pre-existing design. 

Conclusion 

When removing or modifying a tattoo, you should always prioritize your safety and the effectiveness of the method above all.

Although DIY methods might seem cost-effective, they can pose significant risks to your health, such as infections and scarring.

Professional removal techniques like laser therapy, surgical excision, and IPL are safer and yield better results.

However, if you’re looking to keep your tattoo, it is better to update rather than erase your design by the use of cover-ups and modifications. 

If you’re looking to get a tattoo cover-up and are concerned about the tattoo parlor credentials, check out our article on Identifying A Safe Tattoo Parlor, if you want to learn about tattoo life span, check out Why Do Tattoos Fade, or if you are new to the tattooing world, or if you’re thinking about getting a tattoo in a new location, check out our tattoo pain guide.