How to Erase Tattoos

According to Reuters Online, approximately 25 percent of people between 18 and 30 years old have a tattoo. Initially a tattoo is a sign of something meaningful and important in life, or maybe it is a piece of artwork you admire or a way to remember someone. As time changes, so does your relationships, views on tattoos and working environments. These life changes sometimes make it necessary to remove or erase a tattoo. Laser removal and creams are two ways people can change the look of a tattoo and even erase them completely.

Things You'll Need

• Soap
• Rag
• Tattoo Removal Cream

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Instructions

Erase with Laser

• 1

  Find a licensed cosmetic surgery center or dermatologist who offers laser tattoo removal. If you have a regular doctor or dermatologist they may be able to offer a referral of someone they recommend. The cost of the tattoo removal depends on the size of the tattoo and typically runs around $49 per square inch per session, with discounts for larger tattoos. You will need 5 to 15 sessions, and the process can take 6 to 18 months.

• 2

  Arrive for your appointment approximately 15 minutes early to fill out paper work before your appointment. Avoid tanning before laser procedures and do not take pain medication before the laser tattoo removal session.

• 3

  Apply topical numbing cream given by the laser tattoo removing doctor. This cream is usually put on the skin approximately 30 minutes before the laser procedure. The nurse can apply this cream for you if your tattoo is hard to reach. Or you can use an over-the-counter cream, recommended by your doctor, and apply it before arriving at your appointment.

• 4

  The doctor or nurses will shave your tattooed skin. The doctor will use the laser machine and move slowly over each section of the tattoo.

• 5

  Complete all recommended laser treatment sessions. Sessions will last between 10 minutes and one hour depending on the size of the tattoo area.

• 6

  Apply ice to the area after each laser treatment to reduce swelling. Also, limit physical activity and continue to avoid sun exposure between sessions. If it is necessary to be out in the sun, apply sunscreen to the laser area.

Erase with Cream

• 7

  Purchase tattoo removal cream. Some dermatologists offices will sell this cream, or you can purchase it on the Internet, see references section. Pricing for the cream varies from $59 to $249 depending on the bottle size -- larger tattoos will require more cream.

• 8

  Clean skin with soapy water to remove any lotions or oils. Rinse and dry the area.

• 9

  Apply the first lotion of the tattoo removal cream series of lotions. Each system directs you with slightly different steps. Usually two or three different creams are applied skin on a daily basis.

• 10

  Add the second and third cream according to the manufacturers directions. Each cream should have adequate time to absorb before adding the next cream onto the tattoo. Waiting two to five minutes is enough time between applying cream steps.

• 11

  Repeat Steps 1 to 4 on a daily basis until the tattoo area appears clear of the tattoo. Some tattoos may not fade completely but will still show significantly lighter than before cream application.