Using TCA tattoo acid to remove an unwanted tattoo is considered a safe, non-invasive way to lessen or, in some cases, completely remove your unwanted ink.

These products are non prescription and are often available at many on-line stores and regular pharmacies. One ounce of medical-grade acid, is often enough to cover a moderate size tattoo, and will normally sell between $40 – $60. These kits normally come with complete instructions and in some cases will require you to dilute the acid. This is usually required where the TCA is a strong concentration. You should use distilled water for the dilution. It is often recommended that you clean the tattoo and the area around it thoroughly prior to use. Application of the TCA acid is normally done with a cotton swab to apply a liberal amount of the TCA to the entire tattoo area. It has the consistency of water so be careful when applying it as it may run.

It is most often recommended that you leave the tca on for approximately 3 to 4 minutes to allow the acid time to sink through the epidermal layers of skin. The entire process will often need to be repeated as many as 6 times for the best results. However, one of the most important steps is always allowing ample recovery time for your skin. Depending on the strength and quality of the tca product you purchased it can often take up to 6 weeks for one treatment cycle. Using the TCA again before this cycle has completed will not give you better results. The skin requires time to heal and it is this process that will lift the tattoo ink to the skin surface. Using tca tattoo removal products is not the fastest method of removing unwanted ink pigment but it is considered safe and definitely cheaper than many alternatives. You can read up on some of these other techniques at: wrecking balm before and after, tat b gone, ipl tattoo, tattoo off and dermasal.

You may experience a mild burning on the area treated with tca for tattoo removal. This is usually remedied with baking soda, mixed together with water. Many retailers sell 35% – 50% solutions of TCA, but you can also purchase stronger products. Mixtures of TCA higher than 50% should be avoided in people with darker skin tones as hypopigmentation may result.