Tattoos have been used for centuries to symbolize many meanings including love, power, authority, remembrance and strength. Unfortunately, your tattoo decisions and placement are not always timeless, especially if you've ended a relationship or are beginning a new career. Sometimes the tattoo inker makes a mistake in the design, or you receive the tattoo while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Techniques for fading a tattoo or removing it completely have different rates of success.
Step 1
Expose the unprotected tattoo to the sun. The reaction of the ultraviolet rays from the sun on both your skin tissue and the tattoo ink can cause the ink to gradually fade, which is why many tattoo parlors recommend wearing sunblock over the tattoo to preserve its color. Although this method will fade the tattoo, the fading is gradual and limited. This method will not completely remove the tattoo from your body.
Step 2
Schedule a dermabrasion appointment where a dermatologist can sand away the tattooed skin. Dermabrasion involves the use of a rotating wire brush or a diamond encrusted sanding wheel to literally sand the outer layer of tattooed skin from you body. This removes the tattoo ink, and allows new skin to grow in its place.
Step 3
Undergo laser treatments that selectively target and destroy the pigmented tattoo ink. Specially designed tattoo removal lasers use wavelengths that specifically target tattoo ink under the skin and break the ink into smaller pieces. Your immune system will then absorb the tattoo ink, and then expel it from the body. Larger tattoos may require multiple treatments. Laser treatment is currently the standard procedure for tattoo removal, according to the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery.
Step 4
Undergo a surgical procedure to remove difficult tattoos. During this invasive procedure, a doctor will slice out the tattooed skin with a scalpel. The doctor will then suture the skin to allow the area to heal. Scarring may occur from the procedure, with scars possibly appearing three to six months after you complete the procedure
Tips and Warnings
- Avoid tattoo removal products and creams that are designed for you to apply at home. The Mayo Clinic states that these products are typically ineffective, and may cause unwanted skin reactions.
- When you use the sun to fade your tattoo, unprotected exposure to ultraviolet radiation can cause skin cancer. As such, limit your exposure, or choose a more reliable and safe tattoo removal method.
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