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.

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.

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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 and other forms of body modification have been around for centuries, and it is now popularly considered a means of self-expression. However, there are instances where you get a tattoo when you’re young and carefree, but as you grow older, you begin to regret your decision. At times you don’t necessarily regret the tattoo; however, due to work and professional circumstances, you might have no choice but to remove your visible tattoos. Getting a laser treatment for tattoo removal is probably the most common method; however, several other non-laser tattoo removal methods and remedies use natural ingredients and procedures that help remove permanent ink from your body.  In this article, we will be going over several different no-laser tattoo removal techniques that will give you effective results.

1. Surgical Removal

Surgically removing tattoos is also known as excision tattoo removal. This procedure does not include any laser treatment; instead, the doctors cut off the tattooed skin, and it is the most invasive method of removing your tattoo. Once the tattooed skin is removed, the hole that remains where the skin was is sewn back together.  One of the biggest drawbacks of opting for the surgical method is that it leaves scars behind.  This method is effective for people wishing to remove small-sized tattoos. For aftercare, your doctor will prescribe a moisturizing lotion or a sunblock with SPF 30 to relieve any discomfort or irritation.

2. Laserless Tattoo Removal Using Salabrasion

People often use salt to remove tattoos, and in most cases, there seem to be no side effects associated with this method. You select the area where you want the tattoo to disappear from and periodically rub salt over the tattoo. You have to be careful with the salt application, and it is advised to space out this process so your skin gets a chance to heal properly.  This might be slightly painful for some, especially those with sensitive skin, so taking a painkiller will help with the pain.

There is no permanent damage involved in using this method, and with the consistent application, you can visibly notice the tattoo fading away. This tattoo removal without laser home remedy is a lot more convenient and painless compared to laser surgery. This method involves the removal of your epidermis and may not prove to be so effective. If not done properly, there is a possibility that you will be left with extreme pain, redness, and scarring.

3. 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 of this method 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. If you have relatively sensitive skin or other skin conditions, then going for the dermabrasion method may not be suitable for you. It is advised that people with a darker skin tone don’t go for this method as it has the risk of pigment change.

4. Sand Powder

Another effective way of naturally removing tattoos is by using sand powder and mixing it with aloe vera to create a paste mixture. Take about 1/4 cup of sand powder and aloe vera gel, combine them to create a gooey paste, and apply it multiple times a day over your tattoo until it vanishes. The sand grit in the mixture helps remove the pigment attached to the skin, and it is an efficient way of removing tattoos. This method is designed to replicate the functions of dermabrasion; however, using this technique might result in possible infections, rashes, and cuts.

5. 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 your skin while removing the tattoo as well. All you have to do is rub the gel about four times a day till the tattoo vanishes. Another hack for this method is mixing the aloe vera gel with plain yogurt—your skin will be left glowing and smooth after using this method.  Though this method seems promising, there is little evidence that suggests this is an effective technique. It is great for treating skin rashes but may not be suitable to remove tattoos.

6. Honey

Another homemade tattoo-removing solution is made up of honey, aloe vera gel, salt, and yogurt. Combine these ingredients to make a thick paste and apply it four times a day over your unwanted tattoo. This solution works faster than plain aloe vera, and by using this method, you will have clear skin in no time.

7. Lemon

Using lemons to remove tattoos has been around almost as long as tattoos have. The natural detergents in the lemon act as a bleaching agent to remove unwanted inks, and it leaves the skin feeling smooth. Lemon also encourages the growth of healthy, new cells and causes the skin to lighten as well. For better results, it is advised to use a bit of salt as well since the grains help scrape off the pigments.

This technique works best for tattoos that are already light in color, and it is also one of the cheapest ways of naturally removing tattoos. Even though using lemon juice is a prominent ingredient for skincare remedies, it is also highly acidic. Using lemon to remove tattoos can potentially lead to skin rashes and sensitivity issues, especially if you are exposed to the sun for longer periods.

8. Using Topical Creams To Remove Tattoo’s Without Laser

There are medicated creams available that can cause tattoos to fade away. This option is a lot more convenient than opting for laser surgery. However, you must consult with a skin specialist or a tattoo removal expert and discuss the side effects.  Topical creams for tattoo removal can be a little bit expensive, and if the solution doesn’t suit your skin, you can get irritable side effects.

Therefore, it is recommended to purchase a cream that is made using natural ingredients. Tattoo removal creams and ointments are readily available in the market and online. However, such medicated creams are not approved by the FDA due to the lack of clinical research and evidence. Some creams also come with the risk of causing skin irritation and scarring.

Final Thoughts on NonLaser Tattoo Removal

Overall, there are numerous non-laser tattoo removal methods. From medical procedures to homemade remedies, you can easily get the ingredients and products needed to remove the permanent ink off your body. You can opt for surgical removal if your tattoo is small enough, or you can go for dermabrasion and scrape off the top layer of your skin. Apart from this, you can consult a specialist, and they can prescribe a topical cream that will slowly fade the tattoo away.

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.