Trichloroacetic acid or TCA is basically a peeling agent. When it is applied to the tattooed skin, it will cause an inflammation on the surface that eventually will peel and shed away. This process breaks apart the ink pigments on your skin and pushes it to the surface. This will naturally be followed by new skin growth. This makes the tattoo ink to fade away.
There are factors that will influence the amount of time it would take to remove the tattoos. These factors make it hard to set a viable time of treatment. TCA is applied every four to six weeks. Skin peeling doesn’t start till approximately two to three weeks after the application.
Factors to you would need to consider before using trichloroacetic acid:
- Size of tattoo
- Age of tattoo
- Manner of application of tattoo
- Type of ink used
- Skin color
Advantages of Using TCA
Trichloroacetic acid tattoo removal can be done in the comfort of your own home. This avoids multiple costly doctors’ visits. This chemical can be purchased in tattoo shops and is available on the Internet. It is said to be less expensive than laser tattoo removal. TCA removal is also much less painful than other invasive methods. By and large, results have been positive with a high success rate.
Side Effects of Using Trichloroacetic Acid
The side effects of the treatment are the main concerns among those who may require tattoo removal. Every person responds to individual chemicals differently, so it’s tough to specify any type of reaction.
Common side effects:
- Burning sensation on tattoo area
- Redness and swelling
- Excessive peeling
- Skin depigmentation or bleaching effect
- Brown discoloration of the skin caused by over exposure to the sun
- Can cause flare up of cold sores
Trichloroacetic acid tattoo removal can be an ideal option for those in need of a less expensive method of tattoo removal. It is widely used as a tattoo removal method and is regarded as safe by the FDA for cosmetic applications. As with any product, safety only comes with proper use and the best after care. This method can also be incorporated with laser treatment to accelerate healing time and reduce the chances of scarring. As mentioned, it can be available for home use, which can’t be said of most tattoo removal methods.
Tattoo Removal Services, Programs and System | Tattoo Removal Process Tattoo Removal Services: Process of Tattoo Removal
Tattoo removal services are available in numerous methods. Common methods can go from surgical methods to application of topical creams. Your reason for removing your tattoo can be work related or you don’t want to be associated with old gangs. Whatever your reason may be, these services exist to improve your life.
Tattoo removals often require multiple treatments and can be costly. There are risks that you need to be aware of. These risks must be discussed thoroughly with your service provider.
Laser Tattoo Removal
It is a safe and effective method, which is said to be less painful than other methods. Laser breaks up ink pigments using high intensity light beams. Although a single treatment can only take a few minutes, multiple treatments are required to fully obtain significant results.
An important part of the process would be the healing aspect of the treatment. This would require you to clean the affected area daily to prevent infection. It also must be protected from exposure to the sun.
These are the risks involved in a laser tattoo removal.
Burning sensation
Scarring
Skin discoloration
Intense Pulsed Light Therapy
Another effective method is Intense Pulsed Light Therapy or IPL. It uses intense light to penetrate the upper layer of the skin. Treatment is said to encourage new skin growth. Fewer treatments are required as compared to the laser method but it is more generally costly. The process is pretty much the same with similar risks.
These are just a couple examples of the methods used in these tattoo removal services. It is essential that you are aware that these services often times result in scars, wounds, and even skin diseases in worse case scenarios.
Community Programs
Communities with tattoo removal programs are cropping up everywhere. The essential goal is to remove visible tattoos that can hinder possible employment opportunities. Each community establishes a hotline for interested community members.
There are eligibility requirements from each community. Most of these services are meant for their youth to be unattached from gangs. This is a significant step in an extensive and difficult flight out of gang life. It aims for a positive social interaction within the community.
Free Tattoo Removal Service
These tattoo removal programs are no-cost services provided by the community, as long as you enroll and are willing to make positive changes in your lifestyle. In some communities, participants are required to perform community service before receiving service.
It is important to note that these programs are privately funded. Contributions by the community play a huge role in these free tattoo removal clinics. This shows the desire for positive changes in these communities.