TCA (Trichloracetic acid) peels were often used to reduce facial lines and lessen scarring as well as to treat foot corns and age spots long before it was use for removing tattoos.
As compared to laser sessions TCA peels can be much less costly as well as less time consuming. Not to mention the fact that laser is known to be a slow and painful process. The many benefits of using TCA tattoo removal peels can far out weigh the benefits of laser therapy.
All TCA chemical peel ingredients have been tested thoroughly and are proven safe and effective for removing tattoo ink. A study in the British Journal of Plastic Surgery from 1988 tested nearly 700 individuals with tattoos with a TCA treatment. This testing took place over a 6-year period between 1979 and 1988. The results indicated an 85% success rate. These results proved that TCA peels were a simple and affordable tattoo fading option. Another point of the study indicated that for those interested in having their tattoo removed more women (69%) than men (31%) opted for removal. If you are in this group you really should consider looking into the many TCA removal peels that are now commonly available on the internet without a doctor's prescription.
Some other facts about TCA Peels:
TCA is a liquid acid that acts to gradually fade and remove inks.
It also does not contain hydroquinone - a controversial bleaching ingredient commonly included in many tattoo removal creams. Sales of hydroquinone is now being restricted worldwide. It was banned in Australia and in the 21 EU countries as well as in some Asian countries. This is because of its known risk for causing cancer as well as other skin ailments like exogenous ochronosis (a condition resulting from longer-term use of different types of topical agents). Hydroquinone is still available in some countries but usually only in low concentrations such as 2% - 5%.
TCA peeling agents are commonly used by many dermatologists, doctors as well as in health spas.
TCA skin peels work from the epidermal layers down to the ink through a series of skin peels that are repeated over a number of months.
TCA peels are usually less painful than laser therapy and often produce a slight tingling sensation. Baking soda and water mixtures are known to relieve this discomfort.
The inflammation caused by the acid, which is only applied for a few minutes per treatment (using a q-tip) causes a controlled burn. This results in the tattoo pigments rising to the surface and thereby fading the tattoo ink with repeated use.
Pre-fading a tattoo with a TCA peel at-home kit before having laser treatment can save you money. This is because you will require fewer laser sessions to remove the pre-faded ink. You will also avoid the pain and discomfort that always accompanies laser therapy. An added bonus is that the laser sessions will be lass painful since since having less ink to remove will cause less heat to absorb from the laser – to destroy the remaining ink.
Fewer laser sessions will keep more money in your pocket, TCA products are surprisingly affordable.
Do keep in mind that TCA chemical peels will take a commitment of both time and patience, just like the other methods. It is often recommended that after the TCA is applied, users should usually wait between 3 to 6 weeks before beginning another application. This of course will depend on several factors including the strength of the peel that you purchase and your body's natural healing ability
TCA chemical peels will work equally well on all colors of ink – not the case for many laser systems. Remember you will require different ‘colors' of laser wavelengths to target different ink colors in your tattoo, your results will depend on the equipment available to effectively treat your needs, make sure the clinic has the required technology because some colors are well known to be very difficult to treat. Many people have wasted a lot of money on expensive laser sessions done with equipment that is not well suited to the color of ink in their tattoo.
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Brian, a very interesting and informative article. I have written about Tattoo removal by a group of physicians, to help ex-cons rid themselves of unwanted tattoos. I had no idea that a chemical peel was available and that it could be used. Thanks for the information and education. JP
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