I've assembled some common questions about using acid-based TCA tattoo remover creams. I ran across this first question from a woman with a teardrop tattoo under her eye.

Can I Use T.C.A. Tat Removal Creams anywhere on my body?

Absolutely not, especially not around the eyes, near the mouth or lips. That warning is from various websites selling TCA tat removal products. In addition, Trichloroacetic Acid works by burning off top layers of a tattoo. Ask yourself if you want a T.C.A tattoo remover doing that to a tat.

Don't doctors use Trichloroacetic Acid?

Yes. For wrinkles and acne scars. Dermatologists avoid it for tattoo removal because patients demand better results. Losing the top layers of skin might lightly fade a tattoo, but it can't get at the deep ink pigment of a tattoo.

I heard you can use T.C.A. tat removal products to speed up laser tattoo treatments.

The theory behind this is that by using Trichloroacetic Acid to remove the top layers of tattooed skin, the doctor and his laser can get at that deep ink. In fact, some doctors do a chemical peel first, and then laser. This is where the term "speed up" is misleading. A good doctor is not going to shoot lasers into blistering, cracking, or painful skin. This happens with T.C.A tat removal products. Doctors delay tat removal until the side effects heal.

I'm Latino(a), can I use a T.C.A. removal product?

No. A lot of answers about T.C.A. tat products are less definite but this warning is hard-and-fast. The marketers of T. Acid tattoo removal products clearly state they are only for Caucasian skin, and will cause negative results on black, brown and Asian skin tones.