Another technique we want to discuss here is what’s known as “TCA tattoo removal”. It’s not a very popular technique but it’s something that’s available over the counter, and is largelyonline as an at home, do it yourself, tattoo removal technique.

TCA stands for Trichloroacetic Acid. TCA chemical peels contain a certain percentage of TCA; the more TCA, the stronger the solution. Traditionally, TCA chemical peels are used to treat a variety of skin conditions. This includes removing or improving the appearance of wrinkles, dark spots, skin discoloration, lip creases, lines around the eyes, stretch marks, birthmarks, and cellulite.

In addition to the long list, TCA is effective to some degree at removing tattoos. It is also relatively cheap – very cheap when compared to something like laser tattoo removal. For example, a bottle of TCA solution sold as a tattoo removal product only costs about $50.

But how effective is TCA at removing a tattoo?

Through the repeated application of TCA peels, tattoo ink will fade and eventually be entirely gone. However, this is not a procedure or method that many dermatologists or doctors are going to recommend, especially those trained in tattoo removal methods!

The reason is that TCA for tattoo removal is not something that is regulated well. It’s not performed by someone trained in tattoo removal or TCA applications. Instead, it’s done by the person itself who has the tattoo. The irony is that the very reason TCA is touted as a great removal method (by those selling it, that is!) is the same reason tattoo removal professionals feel uneasy about it! Individuals applying these solutions to themselves, without any medical supervision, are at risk of doing it wrong, applying too much, applying at an inappropriate strength, and so on. This can lead to the very real concern of scarring. Making an acknowledgement to the fact that TCA works by creating a tiny “controlled inflammation” at the surface of the skin alludes to realistic concerns about scars.

For these reasons, while TCA has been shown to remove tattoos, it is not generally considered a safe, reliable, or recommended tattoo removal method. This is especially true in light of modern techniques such as laser tattoo removal, which has decades of proof behind it and carries a relatively small risk of scars and complications compared to TCA tattoo removal.