A tattoo removal becomes challenging when you don’t have access to non-invasive technologies. Now, people don’t have to spend on expensive surgeries, which are actually invasive, to get rid of tattoos.
Their effectiveness has scaled this market size from USD 267.2 million in 2023 to USD 421.7 million by 2029, with a growth rate (CAGR) of 7.6%. This is what the report of IMARC Group suggests.
A big thank to aesthetic science, which has numerous nonsurgical technologies that actually work well. This article will introduce you to those technologies.
So, let’s get started to explain those technologies.
Effective & Advanced Methods of Tattoo Removal
Certainly, several things are considered before reaching out to the final decision of which the best-fit procedure would be. The skin type, ink colour, sensitivity, etc. are examined beforehand.
- Laser Tattoo Removal
When it comes to seeking the most effective and popular nonsurgical method, it is tattoo removal by laser technology. Actually, this technology works on the ink, breaking its particles down in the skin. And gradually, the body’s immune system comes into play, removing that ink using this technology.
Now, the question raises – which types of laser technology are popular. So, here is the answer. Let’s figure them out.
- PicoSure Laser
PicoSure delivers laser beam in extremely short pulses. This ability makes it more efficient in breaking down nano ink-stains. In addition, it is far beyond any comparison when it comes to producing faster results, and that will in a few sessions. So, it has no comparison with traditional lasers.
- Ruby Laser
This is another laser option that works differently on colourful tattoos. It means that you can easily get rid of green and blue inks through this technology. The device produces red light in the nanometer range of 694. But, the only concern is its efficacy, which differs on different colours.
- Alexandrite Laser
What if you have dark hues, especially dark tints and blue inks?
The aforementioned laser technologies won’t be effective as this technology is in this case. And the credit goes to its wavelength of 755 nanometers. To completely eliminate, you may have to visit more often to the cosmetic clinic.
- Q-Switched Nd:YAG Laser
This is a unique non-invasive technology that uses two wavelengths, which are 1064 nm and 532 nm. The 1st wavelength is able to erase dark ink colours within a range of skin types. On the other hand, the wavelength of 523 nm is capable of removing from the skin of the red, yellow, and brown tone. And what makes you happy is that it is the best fit for the most skin types.
- Fractional Laser
Now comes the fractional lasers, which introduces a high-powered laser into the skin. Although, it does not cause any harm to the skin, but yes, the pigment particles start heating up as it is delivered. The heat causes vibration, which splits ink particles into smaller ones. Once done, the doctor ensures that the lymphatic system of the patient will flush it out.
Typically, this treatment can last as long as 20 minutes to an hour per session. The only concern is the gradual fading of that ink. With each successive appointment, it gets fader.
Basically, it works on the principle of causing wounds to promote collagen production. But don’t worry at all because these wounds leave no scar when healed. With this encouraged production of essential protein, the wounds together with tattoo fade away.
- R20 Technique
The R20 therapy typically requires four tattoo removal treatments in a session. This is simply because the entire tattoo is removed in a single appointment. And each treatment takes place after 20 minutes of the previous treatment. This interval is essential to give your skin enough time to soothe, prevent frosting, and increase its impact.
However, its influence level is kept 50% to 75% lower than standard guidelines so that the skin can be prevented from over-treatment.
- Tattoo Removal Creams
Have you ever tried over-the-counter tattoo removal creams?
Yes, these creams are available, containing active ingredients that gradually turn it lighter over time. Despite being a non-invasive procedure, these creams are found less beneficial as the results are not seen for months or years.
- Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion is an invasive procedure, involving a special tool to remove the crust of your skin that actually has the tattoo. A skin specialist brushes out the topmost layer (where the ink is) using a high-speed brush. This could be painful, for sure. To make it safe and painless, he or she uses a local or general anaesthetic so that the treatment area won’t sense that pain.
This is actually a painful experience because the skin is wounded, which takes a long time to heal.
- IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)
This method of administering ink on the skin with intense pulse light involves a broad spectrum of light. Being broad, it becomes challenging to target and break down pigments because the broad spectrum does not penetrate with precision into the dermis. And reaching out to this layer is important because it is where the hue is.
All in all, it may not be as effective as the laser it.
- Chemical Peels
Chemical peels method actually involves medical grade peels, which can be multiple. But in this case specifically, Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peel is mostly considered getting rid of tattooed skin. Also known as TCA, dermatologists or doctors simply apply it to peel off the outermost layer of the skin. As it peels off, the tattoo gets removed.
Peeling can be a little painful experience, but it does not require anesthetic. Simply put, The light sensation of pain while peeling is easily bearable.
After peeling, the skin becomes exposed, which should be cleansed by using prescribed soap and water. Then, an antibiotic is used to heal it in nearly 5-7 days.
- Cryosurgery
This is indeed a freezing method, wherein liquid nitrogen is used to apply on the tattooed area. Then, a specific light is delivered into that region to shed it out. But, it does not happen in an attempt. It works gradually. And, the patient has to visit the clinic in series.
As far as the side effects are concerned, bleeding, blistering, edema, and pain can occur. In a few cases, the surgery area becomes hair-free and it does not regenerate hair. Typically, this non-invasive method is beneficial if you have a tiny tattoo.
- Microneedling
This minimally invasive procedure is only helpful when it comes to targeting the upper layer. And the best thing is that tattoo is done on this very layer.
So, the procedure starts with micro injuries, which proves collagen-stimulant naturally. Then, it can be combined with laser tattoo removal to eventually produce desirable results. A boost in the collagen turns the natural healing process aggressive, which end up in a removed tattoo.
But still, you have to be very conscious about precautions. Strictly follow the guidelines and skin care routine, as prescribed.
- PFD Patch
Perfluorodecalin or PFD is a method that takes place before laser treatment. For it, a silicon patch is put where the tattoo is. Doctors leverage its quality of being safe and easy to use. It can speed up the overall result of that laser tattoo removal.
All in all, it enhances the efficiency of the laser treatment.
- Non-Laser Fractional Photothermolysis
It introduces an array of microscopic thermal wounds, which are known as microscopic treatment zones or MTZs. These precise injuries are done at specific depths. While doing so, the surrounding tissues remain unharmed.
If you are concerned about injuries, they won’t be visible because of the skin’s natural bandage called the stratum corneum remains secure.
But, some short-term side effects like Erythema, Edema, dry skin, flaky or scaly skin, superficial scratches, pruritus, and increased sensitivity can hit the patient once done.
- Laser Tattoo Removal with Cooling
This is not actually a tattoo removing technology, but a complementary method to maximize comfort level. Advanced laser systems combine with cooling technologies to administer sensation of laser beams. Also, the recovery turns faster.
- Thermal Ablation
Thermal ablation is a unique method of breaking down tattoo ink by heating the inked area. The doctor uses a device to precisely heat the surface so that the particles of that ink can be split effortlessly. This method is also used for eliminating lesions.
This method is not approved and still requires proper evidence of its effectiveness.
- Enzyme Tattoo Removal
Several enzyme-based creams are available with an advanced tattoo removal formula, which has a highly efficient composition. Their composition is highly effective in removing tattoos in a few treatments without causing any side effect.
This method is also less invasive, and hence, causes tolerable pain.
Conclusion
Removing a tattoo from the surface is no more challenging because of advanced technologies, especially laser, and enzyme-rich formula. The effectiveness of these treatments are dependent on tattoo size, ink colour, depth of the tattoo, and the type of the skin. While considering these factors, the doctor or skin specialists determine which technology will bring better results and hence, prove effective. Before any procedure, the consultation goes on wherein the doctor explains the whole procedure. Also, he or she covers safety aspects and effectiveness.