| In recent years, tattoos have become more | | | | get the much hoped for results. Getting a tattoo |
| mainstream and it is said that almost one out of | | | | removed successfully will depend on several |
| every four people have one. Unfortunately, some | | | | factors. The size and age of the tattoo, type of |
| of us get carried away and get something we | | | | ink used and skin color all contribute to the |
| later regret. When it comes to getting a tattoo | | | | efficiency of the process. The manner of |
| removed, there are a few options. TCA is one of | | | | application additionally plays a role, as amateur |
| them. But how effective is it? Let's find out. | | | | tattoos have a higher success rate then those |
| What is TCA? | | | | done by a professional. Although sometimes |
| Better known as a chemical peel or scarification, | | | | effective, there are many cases where |
| this method employs an acidic solution to assist in | | | | scarification may not work. And because |
| the removal of the skin. The form of acid | | | | trichloroacetic acid acts by causing second degree |
| typically used is trichloroacetic acid (TCA), a | | | | burns of the skin, blotchy results and permanent |
| non-prescription strength peeling acid that has the | | | | scarring can occur. |
| look and consistency of water. The technique was | | | | A Word Of Caution |
| originally used to remove wrinkles and acne scars. | | | | Approximately 10 to 20% of individuals who use |
| However, it has also been suggested as an aid in | | | | TCA may notice some adverse skin reaction. This |
| tattoo removal. It is claimed that in some cases, it | | | | includes pain, blistering and severe skin |
| can remove a tattoo and in others, it can help | | | | discoloration. Each skin type is different and it is |
| fade or lighten ink in order to reduce the number | | | | advised to do a patch test prior to treatment to |
| of costly laser treatments. | | | | determine any skin allergies. It should also be |
| How It's Done | | | | noted that this product is not to be used on |
| Trichloroacetic acid is basically a peeling agent. | | | | darker skin tones. It has been known to have |
| When applied to the affected area, it causes a | | | | unpredictable results on asian, hispanic and african |
| controlled inflammation. In reaction, the skin will | | | | skin tones. Not only does it require more |
| start to peel and shed within a week of | | | | applications, but it can additionally cause extreme |
| application. This process causes the ink pigments | | | | hypopigmentation of the skin. It is highly not |
| to break apart and move towards the surface of | | | | recommended for those who are not fair skinned. |
| the skin, where it is followed by new skin growth. | | | | Chemical peels can be effective in getting a |
| The use of TCA normally requires several | | | | tattoo removed, but it involves "burning" of the |
| months of use to act efficiently, thus, it has to be | | | | skin and ink. Furthermore it cannot be used on all |
| reapplied every six weeks. | | | | skin tones. Truth be told, there are more gentle |
| The Effectiveness of Scarification | | | | and less invasive methods worth looking in to. |
| It is impossible to predict how long it will take to | | | | |