How To Get Rid Of A Tattoo

So there's glitter all over your room and pink flamingos in the pool. You smell like a minibar and have a "bruise" that turns out to be a new tattoo. If you're looking to forget last Friday night or even just remove a permanent memory from long ago, your best bet is to see a dermatologist or plastic surgeon. They can help you choose the best method of removal for your tattoo.

1
Find a dermatologist or plastic surgeon that specializes in tattoo removal. Most dermatologists and plastic surgeons will help you with the process of removing your tattoo, but it can help to find one who specializes in it. Try doing research online or calling around to find out if any dermatologists or plastic surgeons in your area specialize in this field.^[1]
- When calling around, ask the staff or doctor how many tattoo removals they've performed, as well as if they own their own lasers. Those who do tend to have more experience.^[2]
- You can also ask your friends and family if they know of anyone. Or, check out websites that have reviews for doctors that perform tattoo removal. This is helpful if you're looking for feedback from previous clients.
- While some tattoo parlors offer laser tattoo removal, it's safest to go to a licensed medical professional.^[3] However, if you can't find a good dermatologist or plastic surgeon in your area, look for a tattoo parlor that offers removal services.
2
Make an appointment to discuss your options. Your dermatologist or plastic surgeon needs to see your tattoo to make recommendations about the best way to remove it. Schedule an appointment, and be prepared to show the tattoo you want to be removed.^[4]
- You can find out at the consultation how many sessions it will take to remove the tattoo and how much the process will cost.
- Also, come prepared to ask questions. For instance, you can ask to look at before-and-after photos of tattoos the dermatologist has removed. Photos will help you see how effective the process will be.^[5]
3
Discuss the removal method that works for your specific tattoo. The effectiveness of any professional method is dependent on the abilities of the professional, your skin type, and the size and color of your tattoo. Your dermatologist or plastic surgeon can help you navigate these options.^[6]
- For example, some laser procedures work better on certain colors of tattoos than others.^[7] Also, darker blues and blacks tend to be more difficult to remove.
- Similarly, you may be able to get a small tattoo removed through surgery, but you wouldn't want to do that with a large tattoo.
- Less professional tattoos may be more difficult to remove, as they tend to be scarred and/or applied unevenly.^[8]

1
Pick laser surgery as your first option. Typically, this type of removal is the best option for most tattoos. Before the procedure, a medical professional will numb your skin with a local anesthetic. Then, they'll direct lasers at your tattoo, and the pigments absorb the energy from the beam. The pigment is broken down by this energy and carried away by your body.^[9]
- Laser removal will take more than 1 session to remove your tattoo. In fact, it usually takes between 6 and 10 treatments with healing time in between. Your dermatologist or plastic surgeon should be able to give you an estimate of how many sessions it will take.
- While this procedure is safe, it can still leave you with scarring. Directly after the procedure, you may have swelling, blisters, or bleeding. You can apply antibiotic ointment to the area.^[10]
- This method is usually not covered by insurance because it's considered an elective procedure.^[11]
2
Use surgical removal for small tattoos. With this procedure, a medical professional will numb the skin with a local anesthetic. Then, the doctor will use a scalpel to cleanly cut the tattoo out. The doctor will finish by stitching the skin back together.^[12]
- This method will also leave a scar along the line where the doctor stitches your skin up.
- While this method can work with larger tattoos, you may need to have a skin graft to do it. A skin graft is where the doctor takes a piece of skin from elsewhere on your body and applies it to the area where they're removing your tattoo.
- There are risks to getting a skin graft, including infection and rejection of the skin graft. It can also leave you with inconsistencies in the appearance of your skin.
- In the past, cryosurgery, a method of freezing off the skin with liquid nitrogen, was sometimes used for tattoo removal. However, it's rarely done anymore.^[13]
3
Choose dermabrasion for a cheaper but less effective method. This method actually removes the top layer of your skin.^[14] The doctor will numb the skin by chilling it, and then use a rotary tool with a sanding head to wear down the skin. Afterward, the dye will leach out.^[15]
- This method typically isn't as effective as lasers or surgery.
- Your skin will feel raw for at least a couple of days, and you'll likely experience bleeding. It will take 2-3 weeks to heal completely.
- Typically, you will only go in for a single treatment, but it can still cost you as much as $1,000 USD.

1
Apply a mixture of salt and lemon juice. Combine 100 g (~6 tbsp) of salt with a little bit of lemon juice to form a thick paste. Apply a cotton pad soaked in the mixture to the tattoo for 30 minutes or more. Then, rinse the area using warm water.^[16]
- This method may cause temporary scarring.
2

Try a mixture of aloe vera, salt, honey, and yogurt. Combine 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of aloe vera gel, 2 tablespoons (~34 g) of salt, 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of honey, and 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of yogurt in a bowl. Apply the mixture to the tattoo and let it soak in for at least 30 minutes.^[17]
3
Rub the area for 30 to 40 minutes with table salt. This process is known as salabrasion, and you basically sand your skin with table salt. Use a moist gauze sponge with salt on it, and rub it into your tattoo until the area turns dark red.^[18]
- This process will be comfortable, but the salt will act as an anesthetic.
- After you've rubbed your skin with salt, apply antibiotic ointment to the area and cover it for 3 days.
- Your skin will take on a leather-like appearance. After about a week, the top layers of skin will peel off, and the appearance of your tattoo will be reduced. However, this process can lead to scarring and infection.
- You can try this treatment again in 6 to 8 weeks once the skin has healed completely.
4
Make a homemade tattoo removal cream. Mix together 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of aloe vera gel, 2 capsules of vitamin E, and 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of the gel from Paederia Tomentosa leaves. Spread the mixture on your skin and leave it to soak in for 10 minutes. Afterward, rinse the tattoo with warm water.^[19]
- Repeat 4 times per day for 1 week or more.
5

Avoid commercial tattoo removal creams. Removal creams are not approved by the Federal Drug Administration, and they may or may not work. In addition, because they're acid-based, they can sometimes cause bad skin reactions or rashes.^[20]
6
Be wary of do-it-yourself chemical peels. Some websites sell chemical peels made up of trichloroacetic acid. While chemical peels can be somewhat effective, do-it-yourself kits can be dangerous. You don't know what you're getting, especially from a website.^[21]
- You can end up with deep chemical burns that need skin grafts.
- If you want to try a chemical peel, go to a dermatologist.
7
Cover your tattoo with makeup if all else fails. Dab on foundation or concealer that matches your skin, ideally one that has a bit of pink or peach in it for fair skin or one with orange or yellow tones for dark skin. Then apply translucent setting powder. Apply another layer of foundation and another layer of setting powder to complete the effect. Blend the foundation into your skin at the edges.^[22]
- To help set the makeup, start with dry skin (no moisturizer), and apply a layer of extra hold hairspray or makeup setting spray at the end. Try not to touch the area while you have makeup on.
- While covering up a tattoo isn't permanent, it can keep it from showing when you need to hide it.

Add New Question

Question

Can you completely remove a tattoo?

Grant Lubbock
Tattoo Artist & Co-Owner, Red Baron Ink

Grant Lubbock is a Tattoo Artist and Co-Owner of Red Baron Ink, a tattoo salon based in New York City. Grant has over 10 years of tattooing experience and he specializes in neo-traditional, black/grey, and color tattoos. Red Baron Ink's main goal is for each tattoo coming out of their studio to be one of a kind custom pieces that will look good throughout a lifetime.

Tattoo Artist & Co-Owner, Red Baron Ink

Expert Answer

Yes, though it may take 4-10 sessions to completely remove your tattoo, depending on the pigmentation type and the colors used.
Question

Who should I consult if I want to remove a tattoo?

Grant Lubbock
Tattoo Artist & Co-Owner, Red Baron Ink

Grant Lubbock is a Tattoo Artist and Co-Owner of Red Baron Ink, a tattoo salon based in New York City. Grant has over 10 years of tattooing experience and he specializes in neo-traditional, black/grey, and color tattoos. Red Baron Ink's main goal is for each tattoo coming out of their studio to be one of a kind custom pieces that will look good throughout a lifetime.

Tattoo Artist & Co-Owner, Red Baron Ink

Expert Answer

When you're considering tattoo removal, it's important to find a licensed laser technician who works with an overseeing doctor.
Question

Are there any home remedies to fade a tattoo?

Grant Lubbock
Tattoo Artist & Co-Owner, Red Baron Ink

Grant Lubbock is a Tattoo Artist and Co-Owner of Red Baron Ink, a tattoo salon based in New York City. Grant has over 10 years of tattooing experience and he specializes in neo-traditional, black/grey, and color tattoos. Red Baron Ink's main goal is for each tattoo coming out of their studio to be one of a kind custom pieces that will look good throughout a lifetime.

Tattoo Artist & Co-Owner, Red Baron Ink

Expert Answer

Generally, there are some over-the-counter balms that claim to help fade a tattoo, but there aren't any home remedies that will work.
Question

How do I remove a new tattoo?

Kiara Hamed is a Tattoo Artist based in Dallas, Texas. She has over nine years of tattoo designing experience. She received her Tattoo Artist Certification in 2010 and a BS in Computer Information Systems from Clark University Atlanta in 2013.

Tattoo Artist

Expert Answer

If it's new you can possibly remove it by doing everything people say not to do to your tattoo like putting alcohol or Neosporin on it or getting the ink to run out by having it in the sunlight or under running water constantly. But, this can only work for very new tattoos. Also, natural remedies work better on fresh tattoos, so you could try those as well.
Question

Is it good or bad to apply creams for removing tattoos?

Kiara Hamed is a Tattoo Artist based in Dallas, Texas. She has over nine years of tattoo designing experience. She received her Tattoo Artist Certification in 2010 and a BS in Computer Information Systems from Clark University Atlanta in 2013.

Tattoo Artist

Expert Answer

This isn't recommended because it is dangerous and the creams can burn your skin. See a dermatologist or plastic surgeon to find out the best options for removing your tattoo.

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It's always best to talk to a trained medical professional if you want a tattoo removed.

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Article SummaryX

The best way to remove a tattoo is to see a dermatologist and ask about laser surgery removal. However, if you want to attempt to remove your tattoo at home, try rubbing the area with moist gauze and table salt for 30-40 minutes. Once you're done, apply antibiotic ointment and cover the area for 3 days. In a week, the top layers of skin will peel off and the tattoo will fade. Just be wary of do-it-yourself chemical peel products, as they could cause chemical burns. To learn how surgical removal and dermabrasion work, keep reading!

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