The Types of Tattoo Removal Methods: Which One is Best Suited For You?

Tattoo removal is fairly new. There are tons of methods out there that claim to remove your tattoo with little to no damage to your skin. We’ll give you the low-down on the different types of tattoo removal available to you. As they say, knowledge is power, and if you’re looking to remove your tattoo, you’ll want to know as much as possible before making a decision.

1. Salabrasion 

Salabrasion is one of the oldest methods of tattoo removal. Salabrasion is the method of removing a tattoo by rubbing salt and water on a tattoo. This method removes the top layers of skin to rub out the ink in a tattoo. This treatment is done multiple times until the ink in a tattoo is gone or can no longer be reached.

Pros

• Old method of tattoo removal
• Can sometimes remove ink in a tattoo

Cons

• Causes scarring
• Causes extreme pain
• Does not fully remove the tattoo
• Leaves lasting damage to the skin. Skin will not heal properly

2. Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion is a tattoo removal method that uses the body’s natural healing process to remove the ink in a tattoo by pulling it out of the skin, rather than pushing it further into the body. This method most commonly uses needles to mechanically abrade the skin over a tattooed area in order to stimulate a natural healing response, which ultimately pulls ink up and out of the skin.

Pros

• Effective on all colors
• Effective on all skin types
• Uses the body’s natural healing process to remove the ink
• Natural healing

Cons

• Tattoo can take a few weeks to heal
• Requires daily aftercare

3. Skin Excision

Skin excision is another type of tattoo removal. This method is a cosmetic surgical procedure that involves removing a tattoo by cutting out the tattoo and binging the skin around the tattoo over the cut where the tattoo was before the surgery. While this can remove a tattoo, this method is also a little dated– there are healthier options to remove a tattoo.

Pros

• Can sometimes remove smaller tattoos
• Extracts the ink out of the body rather than pushing it into the lymphatic system

Cons

• Cannot be done on medium to large size tattoos
• Leaves a scar
• Is a medical, surgical procedure
• Can take multiple visits
• Is very expensive

4. Subcutaneous Injections of Solutions

Subcutaneous injections involve injecting acid-based solutions under the skin in order to remove the ink in a tattoo. Oftentimes, this tattoo removal method leaves scars or burn marks on the skin, and is very inconsistent in treatment results. It tends to lighten a tattoo rather than remove it.

Pros

• Occasionally removes a tattoo
• Can lighten a tattoo

Cons

• Can leave burn marks
• Leaves scars
• Ineffective and inconsistent results

5. Tattoo Removal Creams

Tattoo removal creams seem like a good and cost-friendly tattoo removal method, but these solutions do not remove tattoos. This is because a tattoo does not sit on top of the skin. Tattoo removal creams only affect the top layer of skin and do not penetrate the skin to reach the layer where a tattoo sits, thus causing them to be completely ineffective.

Pros

• Cheap

Cons

• Tattoo removal creams do not work

6. Laser Tattoo Removal 

Laser tattoo removal is likely the most commonly heard of tattoo removal method. Laser tattoo removal works by firing concentrated light at ink in a tattoo, which then breaks the tattoo into smaller pieces so your body can process the tattoo out over time. The body’s lymphatic system will process the ink out over time and multiple sessions. On average, it takes anywhere between 12-15 sessions to remove a standard black ink tattoo with laser tattoo removal, and oftentimes more sessions are required to remove colored ink.

Pros

• Able to remove black ink in 12-15 sessions
• Can sometimes remove other ink colors on certain skin tones

Cons

• Limited in colors laser can remove
• Pushes ink into the body
• Unknown chemical effects
• Expensive

7. Home and DIY

At-home removal methods are largely ineffective and can cause serious damage to the skin. This is not the type of tattoo removal recommended. See an expert tattoo removal for more information. To learn more about at home diy tattoo removal methods, be sure to check out our blog. 

What is the Most Effective Tattoo Ink Removal Practice?

With Tatt2Away^®, not only do you receive the best service the tattoo removal industry can provide, you also have the added comfort of knowing that we use the body’s natural healing process to remove your tattoo. There is no need to worry about the chemicals in ink being processed through your body, like with other methods. We work to make sure to provide you with the highest quality removal service in the industry.

Learn about the Tatt2Away non-laser process and how it works.

Key Takeaways:

Not all tattoo removal methods are equal in effectiveness, cost, and results. Many of methods in the tattoo removal industry can cause pain, scarring, burn marks, or other permanent skin damage. With Tatt2Away, we work with each client to ensure they are receiving the best service possible. If you’re interested in removing your tattoo, book a free consultation by finding a Tatt2Away location near you and filling out the contact form or calling! We are happy to answer any questions related to the types of tattoo removal methods out there and finding the best fit for you.