Whether it is the name of an ex-partner, bad technique, or a number of other reasons, people can change their minds about a tattoo that was once loved. Tattoos have been not only a way to express ourselves as individuals, but in some cultures tattoos are a rite of passage. Removing a tattoo can be costly and painful, depending on the size and age of the tattoo itself and not everyone has the resources to seek the help of a professional.
Before making an appointment to have a tattoo removed with laser surgery, take these steps that will help to lighten or remove the tattoo all together.
Dermabrasion
This is the method of scraping skin from the tattoo to remove the pigmentation. This process is usually done surgically, which is why if you are thinking about doing it at home, use extreme caution. Normally, a dermabrasion tattoo removal method can cost upwards of $1,000 depending on size.
To do this at home, moisten the area with a warm cloth. Place ½ cup of salt on the area. If moist enough, it will stay on its own. Rub the salt onto the skin with the cloth. After a while the area will become raw and begin to bleed. Once this happens, quickly wash the salt off and soak a new cloth in hydrogen peroxide. Dab the area to prevent infection. Rub the area with vitamin E oil, and then cover the area with medical gauze until a scab forms. When the scab falls off, the ink will be lighter and the process can be repeated as necessary.
The vitamin E oil will help to speed up the healing process while reducing scar tissue, and reducing pain and inflammation. The ground salt will act as an exfoliating agent to remove several layers of skin when it has been combined with water and rubbed onto the skin area. Hydrogen peroxide will aid in preventing infection, which is a very important factor if you are choosing to do this technique yourself at home.
Chemical Peel
To make this, mix equal parts apricot scrub, vitamin E oil, and natural aloe vera gel. Using a q-tip, dab this mixture onto the tattooed area in circular motion until totally covered. Let soak for 5 minutes. Wash off with cold water, and repeat up to 4 times a day for a month and you will notice the ink starting to fade. Depending on the size of the tattoo, how old it is, and the brightness of colors, this tattoo removal method could take longer than others.
A traditional chemical peel will be made of TCA or Glycolic acid. It is basically a controlled chemical burn that helps to get rid of skin pigmentation and will take weeks to months to remove a tattoo. It has been known to be very effective, with the main side effects being mostly numbness and itching at the site of the peel. This process may be a bit lengthy, but many people have seen good results with a professional chemical peel, so it is worth a shot to do an alternative at home.
Abrasive Scrubs
This method is best suited for those who have a high pain tolerance. An abrasive scrub can not only be very effective, but it has the potential to be very painful and even cause scarring. If you have decided to go this route, combine a decent amount of aloe vera carbamide peroxide gel and sanding powder. Place this solution onto the tattooed area, and rub gently with a pumice stone for 1 minute at a time. Repeat this process 3 times a day for 1 month.
