Acid Tattoo Removal
For many years people have been trying to remove unwanted tattoos by using different acids. Attempts have been made using nitric, prussic, battery acid and different cleaning solutions. Most attempts result in very ugly scars, and depending on the size and location of your tattoo, you might want to consider another method for removal.
The acids remove the pigment either by bleaching or eviction of the tattoo pigment during the acid burn healing process. This technique is more effective if the tattoo artist that put the tattoo on was an amateur, usually because amateurs tend to have a “lighter hand.” Different acids are used for different reasons. These days’ doctors use them during chemical peels. Alpha hydroxy acid peels combine carboxylic acids and glycolic acid and lactic acids. They are the mildest acids used during the chemical peeling process and are also known as superficial peels. Beta hydroxy acid peels are even milder than the alpha hydroxy acid peels and they are becoming more popular since they can reach even deeper into your skins pores.
Jessner’s peels combine salicylic, lactic acids and resorcinol to create the solution that’s almost considered strong enough to be called a medium peel. It penetrates just under the epidermis (the upper layer of skin) but still above the dermis. TCA treatments are available in different concentration strengths, usually 20 to 50%. Anything over 35% is considered dangerous and is not recommended. TCA treatments are more common than the other acids since they act as an intermediate to deep peelings. Phenol peels are the strongest peels you may receive to remove unwanted tattoos. Usually you only need one visit and the effects last for up to 20 years.
Glycolic acid is sometimes used to be tattooed into the tattoo to gradually bring the pigment to the surface. Once it is at the surface it then begins to break down and is absorbed. Using this acid takes many treatments, but it’s said to scar less than the others. The strength used is unknown but it makes sense that it scars less because as the tattoo is being put on originally, it’s scarring your skin, and the glycolic acid makes the scar tissue soft and less visible once applied for removal of the tattoo.
Which ever way you choose to remove your tattoo remember to do your homework and to check with your doctor. Size does matter when using acids to remove unwanted features of the skin, so be smart.
More Tattoo Removal Chemical Peels
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