Approximately 45 million individuals in the U.S. alone sport a minimum of one tattoo. However, a portion of that segment of people eventually regret their decision to get a tattoo. As a result, tattoo removal is becoming a common cosmetic procedure, available via laser treatments, surgical removal, or other methods.
Content Reviewed by AEDIT Medical Advisory Board
Some people refer to them as tattoos, while others consider it body art. You may absolutely love your tattoos and what they represent, or you may regret the amateur tattoo you got in your late teens that now just looks like a blob. If you fall into the latter category, the good news is those permanent ink marks don’t actually have to be all that permanent. Advances in plastic and cosmetic surgery have allowed for the creation of safe, effective solutions for tattoo removal.
To better understand how to get rid of a tattoo, let’s figure out why it’s there in the first place. In order for tattoos to be permanent, the ink needs to be injected into the middle skin layer (the dermis) to initiate the body’s healing response, which causes the skin to heal over the tiny puncture wound sealing in the ink.
If tattoo ink is injected into the top layer of skin (the epidermis) it will most likely fade and bleed during healing. If the artist injects too deeply into the third layer of skin (the subcutaneous layer) then ink could potentially enter the bloodstream or lymphatic (waste) system, which is called “tattoo blowout” and is as bad as it sounds. In some cases, individuals may also be allergic to tattoo ink or other components.
An estimated 45 million Americans have at least one tattoo. Over 15,000 non-surgical tattoo removal procedures were performed in 2017 according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
So what might make an individual decide it’s time for the ink to go? Here’s a breakdown of some of the main factors and concerns prompting tattoo removal:
So why have a permanent tattoo placed and then decide it was really only ever meant to be temporary? Here are a few possible reasons: you don’t actually remember getting the tattoo, it just looks terrible, having their name on your body doesn’t seem like a good idea anymore, or maybe you just changed your mind.
Although DIY tattoo removal kits are available, they are not recommended as they tend to be mostly ineffective in removing the tattoo by only lightening its appearance. In contrast, a professional procedure is safe, controlled, and more effective.
A consultation with a professional can determine which procedure is most appropriate for your tattoo and skin type. For a deeper dive into the treatment options outlined above, check out our guide to Tattoo Removal Solutions.
