Some of our clients here at Geelong Laser Tattoo Removal were so keen to get rid of their unwanted tattoos that they took the matter into their own hands before coming to see us. Some of the methods attempted include: injecting bleach into the tattoo, using a soldering iron to burn off the tattoo, injecting milk into the tattoo, scratching the tattoo off with a sharp implement, and one of our clients even purchased a laser from the internet to do the job themselves. Clearly these clients were so distressed by their tattoos that they were looking for a quick fix. These techniques almost always resulted in scarring (sometimes quite significant scarring which our clients often felt was worse than the original tattoo) and none of them actually removed the tattoos entirely.
A recent post on our Facebook page told the story of a young woman in the UK who purchased a tattoo removal kit online for £15. The solution contained banned acids that would be “highly likely to cause severe burns” and would “quite possibly result in permanent scarring” according to a dermatologist. The young woman was left with a “hole” in her arm and loss of feeling (as well as most of the tattoo still being visible).
Another recent post on our Facebook page reported on tattoo removal creams and concluded that they were ineffective at best, and dangerous at worst.
Tattoos are supposed to be permanent. The needles of a tattoo machine puncture the skin and deposit large particles of ink into the dermis layer of the skin. The body’s immune system detects this damage to the skin but the cells sent to remove the foreign particles of ink are unable to do so as the ink particles are just too big. So, it makes sense that something designed to be permanent will be quite difficult to remove and will take some time. There are no safe, quick fixes. As my Dad used to say to me, “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”
Laser tattoo removal can be a lengthy process. With treatments spaced at least 6 weeks apart, and multiple treatments required for removal, it’s no quick fix. But it’s the safest and most effective way to remove a tattoo. If you’re thinking of removing a tattoo, why not contact us to arrange a free, no obligation consultation. At the consultation we can explain how the process works, give you a price per treatment and an estimate of treatments required.
Of course the other safe and effective option is to cover up your tattoo with another tattoo. But be warned – be sure to choose a tattoo that you want for life this time, as laser tattoo removal of a layered tattoo will take extra treatments to remove!
Whatever you decide to do about your unwanted tattoo, don’t be fooled into trying a potentially dangerous quick fix, and remember – if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.