TCA Tattoo Removal
Proven Effective During 6-Year Study
A review of out-patient treatment of tattoos with TCA has been undertaken. Six hundred and seventy patients have been treated during the 6-year period between 1979 and 1984 with an 85% success rate. The simple and inexpensive technique is described and the results presented.
What is TCA?
Trichloracetic acid, or TCA, is a cosmetic acid that plays an important role in the gradual fading and removal of tattoo pigment in the skin. TCA is also commonly used by dermatologists, cosmetic surgeons and health spas to remove other skin blemishes including wrinkles and scars.
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What was the purpose of the study?
To find an effective process for the removal of tattoos that will:
- be less costly than other forms of tattoo removal, including laser tattoo removal and dermabrasion
- be less painful and less intense than excision or skin grafting
- be able to fade and remove both amateur tattoos and professional tattoos. Amateur tattoos sometimes penetrate the skin’s layers more deeply, making them more difficult to remove than professional tattoos.
Who was treated for tattoo removal?
- 670 patients used TCA tattoo removal treatment
- Patients were referred to the TCA treatment clinic by their general practitioners
- Patients had various reasons for wanting their tattoo removed, including tattoo regret, embarrassment of tattoo or the inability to get a job because of their tattoo
- Both amateur and professional tattoos were treated with TCA
What process was used for TCA tattoo removal?
First, the area of skin to be treated was completely cleaned. Next, the TCA (mixed in part with distilled water) was applied to the skin with a cotton swab. While slight tingling on the skin was reported, none of the 670 patients said that the pain was unbearable or extremely painful. Most patients thought the TCA application was less painful than getting the original tattoo and that the stinging sensations usually went away within 1 hour or less.
After the TCA was applied, the patients allowed 3 to 6 weeks to pass before the next application. The same cycle was observed for subsequent treatments.
What were the results?
Depending upon the size, age and application method (amateur or professional) of the original tattoo, the vast majority of patients were pleased with their results. Approximately 85% of patients were pleased with their results following the end of the study.
The testers of this medical study concluded that TCA is simple to use and low cost tattoo removal method when compared to other forms of tattoo removal.
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All information listed has been referenced from:
The treatment of tattoos with trichloracetic acid: experience with 670 patients British Journal of Plastic Surgery, Volume 41, Issue 2, March 1988, Pages 112- 117 T.A. Piggot and R.W. Norris