10 Ways to Remove Your Permanent Tattoo That are Super Effective
Inking or tattooing may mean different things for different people. For some, it is simply being stylish, for some, it may be to not go off memory, for some it may a lifestyle. However, it is somewhat a risk since in future you may feel differently about the tattoo that you have in your body and then removing it can be quite a task. In case you come up with a situation like this, then this article will help you to get rid of the unwanted without a twitch.
How to Remove a Permanent Tattoo?
Tattooing is a form of body art which is permanent. For most, a tattoo is an extension of themselves. It showcases people's thoughts, beliefs and emotions. However, down the line, your thought process may change, you may not feel the same way about a certain someone, or you may just want it to be replaced by a new one. This is when removing it becomes necessary, but doing so is neither cheap nor easy and most importantly more painful than while inking it. Moreover, while doing so, it can cause a serious infection resulting in damages to the skin.
1. Laser Surgery
People often ask, "Can a permanent tattoo be removed"? The answer is yes. The laser is by far the most common way to do so although the method is very expensive and painful too. In this method, importance is given more on the removal of ink rather than getting rid of the skin layer. Through this method, the ink's pigment colours are broken up by exposing it to a high-intensity light beam. Tattoos which have been inked in black are easier to remove than tattoos having multiple colours. Passive and Active are the two types of laser methods through which tattoos can be removed.
2. Cryosurgery
Also known as cryotherapy, it is most often used in the removal of warts and in treating skin cancer. However, this therapy nowadays is used for the effective removal of tattoos too. Along with dermabrasion (another means to remove tattoos), cryosurgery is carried out by exposing the skin area with the tattoo to extreme cold temperature with the help of a freezing agent spray like liquid nitrogen. This causes frostbite in that particular skin area after which the area is abraded by the method of dermabrasion in order to get rid of the topmost layer of the skin.
Although an effective method for the removal of tattoos, it is extremely painful. Moreover, the method can damage the skin tissues while abrading the topmost layers. It is a complete "no-no" for multi-coloured tattoos since the method does not work well on yellow and green colour pigments. People who easily scar or have sensitive skin should do better without it. Being considered in the cosmetic surgery category, most often, insurance policies do not cover it.
3. Surgical Excision
This tattoo removal procedure is also pretty common and works best on tattoos which are small and which are in places which can be hidden since it can scar the area. Since the tattoo is removed surgically so it is spot on and neither does it result in any kind of allergic reactions like in the case of laser for some people. However, since this removal method requires stitches, it can leave a scar mark for the rest of your life and can also take months to heal.
4. Intense Pulsed Light Method
The broad spectrum of light used in this method helps in removing the epidermis by breaking down the colour pigments like in the case of the laser. With time, the area heals giving way to a new layer of skin through skin regeneration.
The best part about this method is that it is highly effective in removing tattoos and less painful, unlike in the case of laser therapy. However, it does not work well on people with dark skin colour and is also more expensive than laser removal method.
5. Honey with Aloe Vera, Yogurt and Salt
This naturally home-made concoction is a great way to get rid of an unwanted tattoo. Although it may take some time and several applications before you can get rid of the tattoo, it is undoubtedly one of the best natural ways. Moreover, the application of honey, aloe vera and yoghurt together does wonders for your skin and neither does it leave any scar behind as in the case of several other tattoo removal methods. All you need is to mix aloe vera pulp, honey, salt and yoghurt together. After you have cleaned the area of application, put the mix over it and massage the area with it. Over time and after several applications, the tattoo will fade away.
6. Lemon and Salt
Salt is rich in sodium and chlorine, and lemon juice has bleaching properties. Salt penetrates deep into the skin and helps the ink to fade out, and the vitamin C in lemon juice replenishes the skin. Therefore, this is a great way to remove a permanent tattoo with lemon juice. To try out this tattoo removal technique, mix salt and lemon juice together. Using a cotton ball dab the area with the tattoo with the solution and keep on rubbing it for half an hour to one hour. However, you will get a sore by all the rubbing so be prepared.
7. Apricot Scrub and Salt
Mix some apricot scrub along with some salt and rub it onto the tattoo. The salt abrades the upper layer of the skin, and the apricot scrub blurs the ink. However, this method is only partially effective in removing the tattoo.
8. Concealing it with Make Up
For people who cannot make up their minds for surgical tattoo removals or naturally removal methods for fear of it being either expensive or painful, covering it up with a tattoo concealer can be the best way out. These are not like any normal concealer but are specially meant to camouflage tattoos.
9. Home-Made Tattoo Removal Cream
It is best to avoid tattoo removal creams that are easily available in the markets. Instead, make one at home using natural and fresh ingredients. So how do you make one? Take fresh aloe vera pulp and mix it with one tbsp of Paderia tomentosa juice (fresh juice of the leaves would be best) and two capsules of vitamin E capsules. Apply the mix over the tattoo and massage it well. Then wash it with lukewarm water.
10. Wrecking Balm
The wrecking balm is a great way to get rid of a tattoo at home without any pain. All you need to do is massage it over the tattoo and have the patience for it may take a long time and many bottles before the tattoo fades away. The balm not only removes the tattoo but also nourishes the skin in the process. However, the product is a bit expensive but totally worth the money.
If you are regretting that impulsive tattoo and want to get it off, these are some tried and tested methods that you can use to get that unwanted tattoo off your body permanently.