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 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 for tattoo removal 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 non-prescription chemical agent that causes the skin to peel. The medicine is applied on the area that 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.

Dermabrasion is resurfacing of the skin’s epidermis by sanding it down. This painful cosmetic procedure is used to remove sun-damaged skin, scars, dark spots and tattoos, though the results are usually not as effective or predictable as the less painful TCA peel procedure. Several treatments of dermabrasion may be necessary for full tattoo removal, with extended, painful healing time.

Clients who are lighter skinned usually have more favorable results. People who are darker skinned may experience patches of lighter or darker areas after dermabrasion treatment as a result of unpredictable discoloring of their skin. This discoloring requires additional follow-up treatment to attempt to even the tone of the skin. The TCA peel procedure seems to be better tolerated by all skin types and removes most, if not all of the tattoo ink, and positive results are more predictable. Additionally, the skin is left more even colored and clear, versus dermabrasion treatment.

Dermabrasion patients suffer several months of painful, puffy rawness as the skin heals. In contrast, a TCA peel procedure usually only takes a few days to a few weeks of recovery time, and it does not put the patient at much risk for possible scarring. Follow-up care from dermabrasion usually includes daily treatment with antiseptic creams for many weeks, and this can also cause additional skin problems, whereas a quicker healing TCA peel exposes the skin to less risk.

Dermabrasion does produce results, but generally several treatments are required for full tattoo removal. After each treatment, extended healing time is necessary in-between the costly sessions. PCA procedures generally leave healthy attractive skin and complete removal of the tattoo ink, without several expensive repeat procedures. Long-term care with dermabrasion is also extremely important, and using sun protection on the treated area(s) is required indefinitely.

Different people will experience different results based on several variables. Results will vary dependent on skin type, healing ability, sun exposure and follow-up treatment. However, TCA tattoo removal results are much better and is well tolerated in patients compared to that of the more invasive and expensive dermabrasion procedures.