TCA and Tattoo Removal
TCA is used in some products that are marketed to remove body art. Trichloroacetic Acid is what TCA stands for. It is a non-prescription skin peeling agent. TCA related products are mostly liquid and have more of a gel consistency although they are often lumped into the tattoo removal “cream” category of products.
TCA for Tattoo Removal – Other Uses
TCA is used by doctors and health spas for cosmetic reasons. It is used to remove fine lines, wrinkles and acne scars. This acid works to remove tattoos by burning off the top layer of skin.
The consequences of using a product with TCA is the increased chance of scarring. It’s dangerous to use in the areas of the lips and eyes and is therefore not suitable for facial cosmetic tattoo work. TCA may not work well for all skin shades. Although this is a harsher ingredient, gels with TCA deliver faster results than products without TCA. If you are thinking of trying a product with TCA, speak to your doctor or dermatologist to get their input also.
- TCA has been medically tested and proven to fade and/or remove tattoos.
- In both studies TCA tattoo removal was found to be safe with an 85% success rate.
- TCA works by causing a controlled inflammation that causes the skin to naturally push the ink to the surface.
- TCA gives a stinging sensation for some while others report no such discomfort.
- TCA is not a cream but more like a gel that is applied directly to the tattooed skin with a q-tip
- Hypopigmentation – a loss of skin color – is a common byproduct of TCA tattoo removal and may affect dark-completed people the most. If you have reason to be concerned, voice your questions to your doctor.
- TCA is typically applied every six weeks. Two weeks after application the skin should begin to peel. Then another week for all the skin to fall off. After the phase is complete you should the area a rest of about 2-3 weeks.
- TCA works equally well on all colors.
- Some user of TCA use the product to fade their tattoos before getting a cover up.
Non-TCA creams
Tattoo removal creams that do not use TCA contain some type of skin lightening agent, or skin peeling ingredient. These tattoo removal creams are injected into the skin similar to the way the tattoo ink was injected when the tattoo was done. Over time these creams push the ink through the surface of the skin and over a course of months, the tattoo ink is removed. Some of these tattoo removal creams are sold with a exfoliating device to remove the upper layers of the skin to help advance the tattoo removal process. The advantages to choosing a tattoo removal system that does not contain TCA, is it’s safer and less irritating to your skin and they work on all skin types.
