Chemical or mechanical abrasion, surgery and laser techniques are the most used to erase renegade designs. They are aggressive, painful methods that do not guarantee normal skin back.
Several factors interfere with the success of the treatment, such as the size of the tattoo, its age, the technique used, the type of pigment and the region where it was done – the thickness of the skin and the sensitivity at the site can make the job difficult.
Although the laser is the most efficient method, it does not always eliminate the entire tattoo. “The more recent the design, the easier it will be to remove it, as the pigment is still in a superficial layer of the skin”, says dermatologist Shirlei Borelli, from the Brazilian Society of Dermatology.
The biggest obstacle is the shades of the tattoo. “Some pigments, such as red and yellow, are difficult to remove and can leave residues”, says the doctor. If the colors are the result of mixing various pigments, there is no laser to remove them. Black, brown and dark blue are easier to fade.
Another problem is that you can end up changing the tattoo for an even more striking brand. It’s just that, as the removal harms the skin, some people are left with a keloid, a type of high and thick scar. Those who remove the tattoo must also stay away from the sun for a month, to avoid stains.
The procedures of any technique can be performed in the doctor’s office, with local anesthesia. But the price of suffering is always much more expensive than getting a tattoo.
Regret doesn’t kill, but it hurts
See the advantages and disadvantages of the main techniques to eliminate tatoo
mechanical abrasion
How it is – A diamond file scrapes the skin, taking the tatoo away
Indications – It is an old technique, which should only be used if there is no other resource at hand
Advantages – As the equipment is old, the cost is much lower
Disadvantages – It is painful and leaves a scar. The bigger and older the tattoo, the worse
Surgery
How it is – At the drawing site, the skin is cut and removed
Indications – For small tattoos, in discreet places
Advantage – Eliminates the tattoo in just one session
Disadvantage – Leaves a scar. Worse if there is a tendency to form keloids
chemical abrasion
How it is – Caustic substances are applied to the skin. The burn sloughs off the tattooed skin
Indications – It is another old and inefficient technique
Advantages – The application is easy and the cost is low
Disadvantages – The scar is similar to that of a 2nd degree burn
Laser
How it is – The laser fragments the tattoo pigments into tiny particles, which are absorbed by the body
Indications – It is the best technique. Depending on the case, it manages to completely eliminate the tattoo
Advantages – In some cases, it does not leave a scar. Recovery is fast, between 15 and 20 days
Disadvantages – May require multiple sessions. It is also the most expensive technique