It is not uncommon for people to get a tattoo that they later regret. When you no longer want a tattoo you have options for getting rid of it. Laser tattoo removal is the most common method of tattoo removal, but it is not the only option. There are plenty of options for tattoo removal if you don’t want to get laser tattoo removal.
Cover Up Tattoo
One of the most popular things to do when you have a tattoo you don’t like is to get it covered up with another tattoo. This is a really good option if the tattoo you are trying to cover up is small. If the tattoo you no longer want is large or has a lot of black ink it may not be easy to cover up.
A cover up tattoo goes right over the top of the original tattoo. The lines of the tattoo are worked into the new design so it helps the tattoo stay hidden.
Dermabrasion
Tattoos can be removed with abrasion. The most common way this works is a process called salabrasion. This method uses salt water and abrasion to remove a tattoo. During the process a saline solution is applied to the skin. Then, the skin is rubbed with an abrasive tool until it is deep red. The site is covered with an antibiotic ointment and a sterile gauze. It is left to heal for 3 to 5 days. After 3 to 5 days the process is repeated. When the skin heals the surface layer of skin will shed along with the pigment from the tattoo. This method will leave scars
Surgical Incision
If you have a small tattoo you can have it surgically removed. This is not an optimal method of tattoo removal because it leaves a scar. During this method the tattoo is simply cut out of the skin and the skin is sewn back together.
Eliminink
This method was originally used to remove permanent makeup, but it is now used to remove body tattoos too. Eliminink is made up of a magnesium oxide solution. The solution is injected into your skin using a permanent makeup pen. The solution draws the ink to the surface of the skin via oxidation.
Intense Pulsed Light Therapy
IPL is a dermal enhancer that can be used to remove tattoos. It works similar to laser removal. During the process a gel is applied to the skin, then a wand is used to emit pulses of light onto the skin. It is less painful and more effective than traditional laser tattoo removal.