Non-Laser Tattoo Removal

There are other ways to remove tattoos without the use of a laser, but the results can be disappointing and carry a relatively high complication risk.

Acid tattooing
Unfortunately we see quite a number of attempts at removal involving acid, either prussic acid or nitric acid applied by a tattooist, or even home attempts using battery acid or cleaning compounds. Multiple treatments, considerable recovery time with significant infection risk are involved.

Acids can remove pigment, either by pigment bleaching or the eviction of tattoo pigment during acid-burn healing but unfortunately, acid removal attempts almost always result in scarring with often the remnants of the tattoo still visible. We can help by removing the remaining pigment, but the acid scars will be permanent.

Responsible tattooists will not offer or recommend acid removal.

Organic creams
These are chemical irritants which are introduced under the skin causing the body to set up an inflammatory response with the idea of hopefully causing the cream to be ejected along with the ink.

A variety of compounds can be used but they have common disadvantages: a requirement for multiple treatments, considerable recovery time with significant infection, guaranteed de-pigmentation and high scarring risks.

Dermabrasion
Layers of skin are removed, either by a dermatologist, a beauty therapist or a piece of sandpaper! To reach tattoo pigment, dermabrasion must reach down to the dermis and full thickness scarring will result. If the dermis is not reached, only partial thickness scarring will occur but remnants of the tattoo can remain.

Surgery
Skin grafting involves removing skin from one area of the body to treat another area and so two areas of scarring will result. It is rarely available on the NHS.

Camouflage
This is not removal but a cover up (it will be your only option for a wedding in 3 weeks time). Camouflage can be very effective.