Many people choose to get tattoos when their young, but as we age and mature, the reason for getting that tattoo may have changed. Also some businesses frown on employees who have visible tattoos. If a person decides they no longer want to have that tattoo, how can they get it removed?

When a person gets a tattoo done, the tattoo artist injects colored ink into the dermis layer of the skin. The dermis is the second layer of skin. The top layer is called the epidermis. The epidermis is transparent and see through. You see the tattoo through the first layer of skin. This is why it is a little harder to remove a tattoo, because it is not on the top layer of skin as some might think. A couple of methods of tattoo removal are Dermabrasion and TCA for tattoo removal. The first is an older method, the second is a better, newer alternative that doesn't run the risk of scarring.

What is Dermabrasion?
Dermabrasion is a method used for tattoo removal, performed by a licensed plastic surgeon under a local anesthetic. The process involves removing layers of skin to remove the tattoo ink. It involves sanding the surface of the skin with a fine grade surgical sandpaper, or rotary brush type machine. The skin will regenerate and fill in another top layer of skin covering the old tattoo.This method is not advised in all cases. The newer colored inks have more pigment and are harder to remove. It is also not recommended for people with medium to dark skin tone because it may leave discolored patches of skin after it heals.

The downside of having this kind of procedure done is that it is painful, can cause scarring, discoloration of the skin, and can possibly get infected. This will take longer to heal, and may not turn out as expected. A thickened, uneven scar may be the end result.

TCA is a newer method of removing tattoos. This is a better alternative to Dermabrasion. This is a simpler method and can be used in the comfort and privacy of your own home. It is a safer method and does not require a surgeon to apply it.

TCA stands for Trichloroacetic Acid, which is a chemical agent that causes the skin to peel. It is applied on the area of the tattoo and causes an inflammation of the skin. This causes the ink under the skin to break up and rise to the surface of the skin. It may take a couple of treatments to remove brightly colored tattoos.

Using TCA for tattoo removal is a much safer, and better option.