What Removes Tattoos
The process of attempting to get rid of an undesirable tattoo is known as tattoo removal. Dermabrasion, surgical excision, and laser surgery are common methods for tattoo removal.
Under the epidermis, tattoo ink is applied. As a result, getting rid of a tattoo is more difficult and costly than getting it done.
See a dermatologist to learn more about your options if you’re interested in getting your tattoos removed. Don’t try to remove a tattoo by yourself. DIY tattoo removal lotions and other home remedies are unlikely to work and may irritate your skin or have other negative effects.
You might consider tattoo removal if you regret a tattoo or you’re unhappy with the appearance of your tattoo. Perhaps the tattoo has faded or blurred, or you decide that the tattoo doesn’t fit your current image.
Tattoo removal might also be important if you develop an allergic reaction to the tattoo or other complications, such as an infection.

When thinking about tattoo removal options, you’ll want to consider several factors, including:
- cost
- scarring risk
- effectiveness
- time commitment
Again, these factors will depend largely on the size, complexity, and condition of your tattoo, as well as your skin.
Here’s a quick look at how different types of tattoo removal compare to each other, followed by a more in-depth look at each.
Method | Average cost | Sessions | Effectiveness | Scarring risk |
---|---|---|---|---|
Laser removal | $463 per session, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery | tattoo will be significantly lighter , but may not completely disappear | tattoo will be significantly lighter, but may not completely disappear | low, with proper aftercare |
Surgical removal | $200-$1,500, based on anecdotal reports | 1, though larger tattoos may require more | tattoo will be completely removed | high |
Dermabrasion | several hundred to thousands of dollars, according to the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery | 1 | varies from person to person | varies from person to person |
Top 5 Most Common Tattoo Removal Methods
The history of tattoo removal is as old as tattoos themselves. For centuries, people have tried many crude and painful tattoo removal methods. Some of these methods are still in use today, and we believe it’s important to ensure our clients are informed on the details and risks involved.
- Salabrasion & Dermabrasion
The oldest tattoo removal method still in use today is salabrasion. It consists of the abrasion of the epidermis and dermis with a salt-based solution. Dermabrasion is very similar, except it uses a mechanical method that consists of the abrasion of the epidermis and dermis with a rotating mechanical instrument. Salabrasion and dermabrasion are very painful and cause visible long-term damage to the epidermis.
- Skin Excision
Skin excision refers to the surgical removal of the tattooed skin. This method leaves a scar, the size of which may vary depending on the size of the tattoo. Excision can be an OK method for small tattoos but is somewhat difficult or impossible for larger areas. Skin grafts can also be performed with skin excision.
- Subcutaneous Injections of Solutions
Subcutaneous injections of glycolic acid-based solutions or other liquid solutions involve injecting these solutions under the skin so that they may affect the ink of the tattoo. These solutions often have an effect on the epidermis and dermis and may leave long-term scars or burn-like marks. Moreover, the effectiveness of this method is not consistently proven, since the ink-solution mixture cannot easily be expelled from the dermis to the epidermis.
- Tattoo Removal Cream
A tattoo removal cream may be attractive due to its low cost and perceived ease of use.
However, it is extremely difficult to remove ink from the dermis with a cream, regardless of type (peeling, TCA, or other). In best-case scenarios, they may superficially fade pigments located in the epidermis.
- Laser Tattoo Removal After a Prior Removal Method
If you have already attempted to remove your tattoo with a laser and the tattoo is still there, don’t fret. The MEDermis team is highly experienced in treating clients with past types of removal that may have damaged or scarred the skin. We can remove any visible ink left, and in some cases we are able to reduce the scar tissue with the laser itself and by applying a microdermabrasion treatment to help the skin reproduce the collagen.
DIY, Natural, or Budget Options for Tattoo Removal
Deciding to remove an old tattoo you got when you were younger is a big step toward a clean slate, but choosing which method you’re going to pursue can be challenging when there are so many tattoo removal options. Do those cheap drugstore creams really work? Is rubbing the layers of skin away with dermabrasion a safe option? Should you invest in the latest laser technologies?
If you’ve been toying with the idea of getting a tattoo removed, you’ve also likely come across various DIY methods. Unfortunately, in all our years of removing tattoos, we’ve encountered various clients that opted for at-home and “natural” removal methods—all of which are ineffective and dangerous.
The conversation around tattoo removal is pretty straightforward—yes, you have some tattoo removal options, but many are unsafe and can cause more trouble for you down the line. While laser tattoo removal is the safest and most effective way to get rid of a tattoo, we understand that these situations can make people desperate.

Why DIY Methods of Removing Tattoos Are Dangerous
We’ve been in the business of helping people remove old tattoos long enough to understand that some people may be desperate to remove their ink. However, doing it at home or without the supervision of a professional will certainly cause more harm than good. Common complications from at-home removal methods can include infection, permanent scarring, hyperpigmentation, and hypopigmentation.
Over a decade ago, there were very different tattoo removal methods that were popular, like infrared treatments. We still have patients who come in that are hoping to clean up the damage caused by the other treatments they’ve tried over the years. In particular, we still get a lot of patients who attempted infrared tattoo removal in the past and encountered side effects, like burning, infections, and extended recovery times. This treatment looked like someone had applied a cigarette multiple times to the tattoo.
We don’t share these stories to shock or scare you, but to warn you of the real danger in choosing the wrong tattoo removal method.

The Best, Safest Way to Remove Ink: Laser Tattoo Removal
When considering tattoo removal, keep in mind that today, laser tattoo removal is regarded as the safest and most successful method for removing ink. The lasers work by targeting the darker pigment in your skin and then breaking the particles into smaller pieces that the body’s immune system eliminates over overtime. With laser tattoo removal, you can expect the following benefits:
- Fewer treatments: Typically, patients need only three to seven treatments to completely remove their tattoo. What determines the number of sessions you’ll require is the age, coloring, location, and ink density of your tattoo.
- Faster sessions: MEDermis Laser Clinic has perfected laser removal, and you can expect sessions that are only 15 to 30 minutes long. Sessions will be scheduled every six to eight weeks.
- Lessened side effects: Unlike other removal methods, with laser removal, you can expect little to no scarring at the tattoo site or on the surrounding skin.
- Effective removal of most colors: In the past, lighter colors like greens, yellows, and turquoise were quite difficult to remove. Now, with the latest laser technology, we can target those colors—you’ll see virtually no trace.

How Successful Is Laser Tattoo Removal?
Laser tattoo removal is the most effective technique for removing tattoo ink compared to other methods because it can safely remove all tattoo types and color pigments with little to no scarring. Alternative methods—like salabrasion, surgical removal, and dermabrasion—are often ineffective, leave scars or damaged skin, and have uncomfortable side effects like bleeding, swelling, or infection.
Protect Yourself from Unsafe Tattoo Removal
If you’re seeking real results, getting laser treatments by an experienced professional is your best bet. Laser treatments target ink particles in the skin and cause them to break up into smaller particles that your body’s immune system will dispose of.
When done with the right equipment and by a trained expert, you can get the results you’re after without any side effects. Unfortunately, we’ve found that people generally go for the quickest and cheapest option to remove their tattoo. You will get what you pay for, and cheap/fast removal will give you cheap/bad results.

How to Remove Permanent Tattoos Without Laser Treatments
Tattoos have been a popular form of body modification for centuries, and they can be a source of self-expression. However, as people grow older, they may regret their decision to have tattoos. Laser treatment is the most common method for tattoo removal, but there are several other non-laser tattoo removal methods that use natural ingredients and procedures.
- Surgical Removal: Surgical tattoo removal involves cutting off the tattooed skin without using laser treatment. This method leaves scars behind and is effective for small-sized tattoos. Aftercare involves using a moisturizing lotion or sunblock with SPF 30 to relieve discomfort or irritation.
- Laserless Tattoo Removal Using Salabrasion: People often use salt to remove tattoos, which has no side effects. They select the area where the tattoo should disappear and periodically rub salt over the tattoo. This method is more convenient and painless compared to laser surgery but may not be as effective if not done properly.
- Dermabrasion: This laserless tattoo removal method involves “sanding” the upper layer of the skin by scraping off the ink particles using a rotating coarse disk. The effectiveness depends on the size and colors of the tattoo and how deep the ink has settled into the skin. The intensity of pain and irritation felt by the patient depends on person to person.
- Sand Powder: Mixing sand powder with aloe vera to create a paste mixture can help remove pigment attached to the skin and is an efficient way of removing tattoos. However, it may result in infections, rashes, and cuts.
- Aloe Vera Gel: This painless method of removing tattoos is probably the most used home remedy for this purpose. The nutrients in the aloe vera gel help soothe the skin while removing the tattoo. Rub the gel about four times a day until the tattoo vanishes. Another hack for this method is mixing the aloe vera gel with plain yogurt.
- Honey: A homemade tattoo-removing solution made up of honey, aloe vera gel, salt, and yogurt can be used to create a thick paste and apply it four times a day over the unwanted tattoo.
- Lemon: Using lemons to remove tattoos has been around almost as long as tattoos have. The natural detergents in lemon act as a bleaching agent to remove unwanted inks, leaving the skin feeling smooth. For better results, it is advised to use a bit of salt as well since the grains help scrape off the pigments.
- Using Topical Creams To Remove Tattoos Without Laser: There are medicated creams available that can cause tattoos to fade away, but it is important to consult with a skin specialist or tattoo removal expert and discuss the side effects. Topical creams for tattoo removal can be expensive and may cause irritable side effects if not suitable for the skin.
Conclusion
Tattoos are a common yet permanent body decoration. For people who no longer want a tattoo, there are different ways to remove it.
Tattoo removal methods vary in cost, efficacy, and recovery time. Knowing your options can help you make a decision about tattoo removal that’s right for you and your budget.