The Negatives of Tattoo Removal Methods 

Methods for removing tattoos include laser treatments, abrasion, chemical, scarification, surgery and camouflage. Each approach has its negative downsides:

Laser tattoo removal can lighten tattoos, some more easily than others.  In general, several laser treatments are necessary over a time period of months and or years.  In addition, the cost of each laser treatment is considerably more expensive in comparison to the cost of alternative methods.

Hypo-pigmentation, defined as the lightening of the one’s natural skin color, may result in the treated area after having laser tattoo removal treatments.   Laser may also cause some tattoo ink pigments to change to a less desirable shade.  

There have been reports of individuals suffering from allergic reactions after undergoing laser tattoo removal treatments, apparently because the laser caused allergenic substances in the tattoo ink to be released into the body.  

Dermabrasion involves abrading layers of skin with a wire brush or diamond fraise (a type of sanding disc). This process itself may result in uneven changes in skin color (temporary or permanent), darkening of the skin (temporary or permanent), formation of a scar, and or infection.

Salabrasion tattoo removal involves a salt solution is used to remove the pigment, is sometimes used in conjunction with dermabrasion, but has become less common. 

Scarification involves removing the tattoo with an acid solution and creating a scar in its place. Chemical peels have been around in various forms for over half a century. The TCA skin peel causes a controlled burn, which results in several layers of skin being peeled off and fresh, new skin being revealed. The technique is rarely used today.

Excision or Surgical removal is performed by literally cutting the tattoo out of the skin, leaving a scar in place of the tattoo image.  Larger tattoos may require repeated surgery for complete removal and may also use tissue expanders (balloons inserted under the skin to stretch the skin) in order to leave a less noticeable scar.

Camouflaging a tattoo is the method of injecting new pigments either to form a new pattern or to cover-up a tattoo with skin-toned pigments. These injected ink pigments often look unnatural as the lack the skin's natural translucence quality.

There are a variety of tattoo removal or cover-up methods, be sure to review all methods before determining which one is right for you.