Tattoo Removal: How It Works, Process, Healing & Scarring

Tattoo Removal: An Overview

Have you ever typed the words tattoo removal near me? If yes, you are already bored with your current tattoo or want to try a new one. Or else, you might be missing your ‘no tattoo skin’ a bit too much. Irrespective of the reason, finding the right tattoo removal procedure and doing it on your own can be a daunting task. Instead, you must get the tattoos removed by a professional who can manage it safely and without inflicting any pain or discomfort. More details about the tattoo removal services and how it works are mentioned below.

How Does Tattoo Removal Work?

Different types of tattoo removing methods are used these days. While all these techniques work perfectly fine, the intensity and depth of tattoo ink on your skin is the key while choosing the best technique. Multiple sessions are required to remove large tattoos from the body. However, smaller tattoos can be easily removed in one or two sittings.

The most common tattoo removal technique involves lasers that heat the ink to break it into multiple parts. Then the body’s immune and lymphatic system do their work and remove these smaller parts from your body. The tattoo laser treatment is often the most effective and safe technique to remove the tattoos.

Other methods like chemical peels and dermabrasion remove the upper layers of skin that contain the tattoo. As the new skin grows, the particles of permanent tattoo get completely removed from your body. However some part of the tattoo may still be visible with these procedures.

Laser is not only an effective tattoo removal method but also cleans the tattoo marks so perfectly that no one could tell whether you had a tattoo before. However, these methods involve the risk of skin damage and scarring. Now, let’s discuss the different permanent tattoo removal processes in detail!

Different Methods of Tattoo Removal

Here are some common methods of removing permanent tattoo from the body: 

Surgical Excision 

Surgical excision is a tattoo removal procedure that involves cutting of the skin containing a tattoo. A scalpel is used to cut out the skin precisely after numbing that area with local anaesthetic. 

Now, the remaining edges of the skin are stitched back, and a mild compressive dressing given. This type of tattoo removing process is only suitable for removing small tattoos. 

Chemical Peels 

Peeling agents such as TCA (Trichloroacetic Acid) are used to remove permanent ink from your skin. A tattoo removal ointment containing this chemical-grade peeling agent is rubbed on your tattoos. 

Once the chemical is rubbed on your skin, the outer skin starts peeling off. After that regular peels are applied to remove the remaining marks after a couple of months. 

This technique is effective in removing permanent tattoos from your body. Also, it is less painful, and the damaged skin gets healed quickly as compared to other tattoo removal techniques. 

Dermabrasion

In this method, a high-speed tool is used to sand away the top layers of the skin that contain the tattoo ink. The tool contains an abrasive brush or wheel to remove the tattoos from the skin. 

This technique is only recommended for small light colored tattoo and medium-sized tattoos as it usually leads to broken or scarred skin. The process is painful and may take a couple of weeks to go away completely. Also, the chances of infection or change in the skin colour make it a less lucrative tattoo removing option. 

Moreover, multiple sessions can be required to remove the tattoo completely from the skin. So, we would suggest laser tattoo removal techniques for better and safe removal of tattoos. 

Laser Tattoo Removal 

In laser tattoo removal technique, high-speed laser beams are directed on the tattoo ink. The powerful and concentrated lasers break down the ink and scatter them around. These ink particles fade with time as your body’s natural healing abilities take over. 

The size and intensity of the tattoo determines how many sittings are required to break down the tattoo completely. The colour of the tattoo, type of ink used, and skin type of the person also play an important role in this tattoo removal procedure. 

Advanced laser beams are safe and have the ability to remove the ink particles without changing your skin colour. So, by far, this is the most effective and safe procedure for removing permanent tattoos from your body. 

Apart from these methods, you can also use tattoo removal ointments or creams. These products are easily available in the market but are less effective in removing permanent tattoos. Also, some of these creams or ointments may contain harmful acids that may damage your skin permanently. These creams works slowly and may need weeks to remove the tattoo completely from your skin. So, be aware of these things while searching for keywords such as tattoo removal laser near me.

Healing, Aftercare, and Possible Side Effects

The healing time required after removing a tattoo from your skin depends upon the tattoo removal method chosen by you. Also, the potential risks, side effects, and skincare routine to be followed after the treatment also varies as per the technique used to remove the tattoos.

For instance, temporary swelling, redness, and scabs may develop on the skin after using the laser tattoo removal procedure. So, you must avoid scratching or picking the scabs after the treatment. Also, keep the skin dry and avoid exposing it to the sun a few weeks after the treatment.

The chemical peel may also cause similar skin issues but you can use a gentle moisturiser to maintain the skin hydration after the treatment. You might feel some pain or burning sensation for the first few days. However, the skin would start healing after a week and these issues will be considerably reduced. Seek help from a dermatologist if you experience any blisters or scabs post treatment.

Dermabrasion may cause the skin to break causing acne, changes in skin colour, and though rare, you cannot undermine the risk of infections. So, using an antibacterial ointment or cream to protect your skin from infections is a must post treatment. Also, clean the skin daily with mild soap and water and wear sunscreen while going out in the open sun.

Irrespective of the tattoo removal procedure you select, always refrain from rubbing or massaging the affected area. Do not use exfoliants and topical creams infused with chemicals as they might aggravate the condition. Also, seek help from a professional for flare-ups and infections that you cannot handle on your own.

Does Tattoo Removal Leave Scars?

The chances of developing scars on your skin after undergoing a tattoo removing procedure cannot be completely neglected. However, it is also possible to completely avoid them using highly sophisticated techniques like laser tattoo removal methods. 

Some laser techniques might still cause some scarring, but it all depends upon your skin type, skin health, and type of treatment used. Techniques such as dermabrasion are more likely to cause scarring or acne flare up as side effects. 

So, you must be careful before choosing such methods for removing tattoos. Consult a dermatologist and discuss the possible pros, cons, and side effects of all the techniques you are considering for removing tattoos from your skin.

Conclusion 

Tattoo removal can be intimidating for many people but when done correctly, it should not cause any major problems. Get it done by a professional and do not forget to consult a dermatologist at your nearest super speciality hospital after the treatment.

FAQs

Do tattoo removal marks go away?

Tattoo marks go away gradually as your skin begins to heal post tattoo removal process. You must also evaluate the possible risks and side effects of the tattoo removing procedure you are thinking about.

Can a tattoo be completely removed?

A tattoo can be completely removed but only if it does not contain too many colours. Sometimes, the ink used for tattoo can penetrate deep into your skin causing permanent skin discolouration after removing it.

What are the do's and don'ts after dermabrasion?

Don’t use skincare products containing chemicals. Use mild skin cleansers and moisturisers to keep your skin clean and hydrated after the treatment. Also, wear sunscreen every time you go out.

How long does it take skin to fully heal after chemical peel?

One or two weeks should be enough for the skin to heal completely after using a medium chemical peel for removing tattoos.

What are the biggest concerns with tattoo removal?

Scarring, infections, and blisters are some of the biggest concerns with tattoo removal techniques. The risk of permanent skin discolouration or damage cannot be ignored either.

Citations: 

Kaminer, M. S., Capelli, C. C., Sadeghpour, M., Ibrahim, O., Honda, L. L., & Robertson, D. W. (2019). Increased Tattoo Fading in a Single Laser Tattoo Removal Session Enabled by a Rapid Acoustic Pulse Device: A Prospective Clinical Trial. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine, 52(1), 70–76. https://doi.org/10.1002/lsm.23163

Skin Experts. (2025). Asds.net. https://www.asds.net/skin-experts/skin-treatments/surgical-excision-for-unwanted-tattoos

Ulrich, F., Elahi, L., Rossi, S. A., Meuli, J., & Raffoul, W. (2022). Outcome After Treatment With 15% Trichloroacetic Acid Peeling After Facial Black Powder Injury. Aesthetic Surgery Journal Open Forum, 4. https://doi.org/10.1093/asjof/ojac056

(2025). Ontosight.ai. https://ontosight.ai/glossary/term/dermabrasion-tattoo-removal-procedure--67a1b3a56c3593987a5a4a30