Tattoo Removal Options
Tattoo removal has been around for just about as long as humans have been tattooing themselves, about 3300 years. Modern tattooing is accomplished by injecting ink pigment to a uniform depth in the second layer of skin thereby creating “permanent” skin art. If for some reason a person wishes to remove their tattoo there are several methods available, but some work better than others.
Here are the six most common tattoo removal options:
Laser 
Laser removal is the most well known method of removing an unwanted tattoo. It is also the most expensive and sometimes the most painful. Lasers send pulses of highly concentrated light to break up the ink in the second layer of skin. The laser light goes right through the top layer because skin cells are mostly water and melanin. Melanin is what determines the color of your skin. When the the laser light strikes the ink pigment of the tattoo the lasers' energy instantly heats up and causes the pigment to basically explode from the heat which in turn causes the water in your skin to boil creating a blister. This can be quite painful which is why many laser tattoo removal clinics use a topical pain killer before each treatment. As blisters heal some of the tattoo pigment comes to the surface and is removed in the scab that forms. Other bits of pigment are carried away by the lymph system, filtered out and permanently stored in the nearest lymph node. See our Laser Tattoo Removal for more information.
Dermabrasion
The dermabrasion removal option has been used since 1905 when a German dermatologist used the technique for the treatment of post acne scars. 
The procedure is known to doctors as “surgical skin planning” and “non-chemical peel.” Currently, plastic surgeons use dermabrasion for the treatment of scarring related to acne, a condition known as “rhinophyma”, rosacea, tattoos, chicken pox, scars, skin growths, multiple pigmented birthmarks, blotchy brown or liver spots, keloids and sun damaged skin. The procedure is contraindicated (not used) for congenital skin defects, certain types of moles or pigmented birthmarks and scars from burns. Modern practitioners of dermabrasion tattoo removal spray the tattoo with a solution that freezes the skin. The tattoo is then “sanded” with a small electric sander causing the skin to peel. Because bleeding is likely to occur, a dressing is applied to the area after the procedure. This method can be very effective at removing a tattoo, but is usually painful and often leaves a scar. 
Salabrasion
Salabrasion is a centuries old technique similar to dermabrasion where the area is literally rubbed very aggressively with salt or a salt sanding block. It can be painful and often will leave a scar.
Excision
Another option for removing tattoos is by surgical excision. The advantage of this method is the entire tattoo can be removed in one procedure. Excision involves an injection of a local anesthetic to numb the area before the tattoo is surgically removed. The edges are then brought together and sutured. In some cases involving large tattoos a skin graft taken from another part of the body may be necessary.
Tattoo Removal Creams and Exogenous Ochronosis
A tattoo removal cream may fade a tattoo when used over several months, but many contain Hydroquinone, a substance thought to be carcinogenic and banned by many European and Asian countries. Hydroquinone is available in this country with a Doctors' prescription only. It is used to treat hyperpigmentation or a darkening of the skin, usually uneven skin tones on the face and dark circles under the eyes. It is not for long term use such as required for tattoo removal.
Most tattoo removal cream contains the drug Hydroquinone. Hydroquinone concentrate is usually
prescribed by a Dermatologist for the short term use of lightening an area of skin, usually on the face.
The problem with using Hydroquinone as a tattoo removal agent is that prolonged use can lead to
Exogenous Ochronosis, a skin disease that causes a darkening of the skin in the treated area – basically
the overuse of the drug supposed to cause lightening can have the opposite of the desired effect.
Unfortunately, for tattoo removal, continued use is required for several months maybe even up to a
year to have the desired effect. Also, since tattoo ink pigment is not skin pigment it is highly unlikely
that the tattoo removal cream would have any effect at all. The careful buyer will notice that tattoo
removal creams offer no guarantee with the purchase of their products. That may be the surest sign of
all that even the manufacturers have no confidence in their own products.
TCA
TCA or trichloroacetic acid is a common skin peeling agent and the main ingredient of Nuviderm. TCA is commonly used by doctors, health spas and private individuals to remove fine lines, wrinkles and acne scars on the face. It has also been used to remove calluses, stretch marks and age spots. All Nuviderm ingredients have been medically tested and proven to fade and/or remove tattoos. When a tattoo is applied the ink was injected into the 2nd layer of skin. In order to remove the ink you must peel through the 1st layer of skin. Depending on the strength of solution you use it will take 3 to 5 treatments to reach the second layer of skin where the tattoo is located. During this time some people notice that the tattoo ink appears to become brighter. That is because, as the first layer of skin becomes thinner, the tattoo in effect is moving closer to the surface. Once the ink containing layer starts to peel you will see tattoo ink being removed in the peeling skin. Visit TCA tattoo removal to learn more.
Intense Pulse Light (IPL) Therapy
IPL therapy is the process of emitting high intensity pulses of light to penetrate the skin, removing the colored cells from tattoos. Because of the intense light used, scarring and skin discoloration (extremely light or dark cells) can occur. Although the two may sound similar, IPL is different from laser removal. Multiple treatments are required, with some tattoos (specifically larger, darker ones) requiring 15 to 20 or more treatments. Treatments cost as low as $10 and can cost upwards of $200 each, depending upon size, color and the age of the tattoo.
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The options for tattoo removal are many. But none can compare to the simplicity, and low cost that Nuviderm offers.