Most people do something at some point in their lives that they later regret. Tattoos are often a perfect example of this. That tattoo on your neck may be the epitome of coolness when you are eighteen – but when you are forty, it isn’t quite so cool. If you want to know how to remove tattoos, you should know that this is a costly endeavor.

You may do some research and see tattoo removal for as low as forty bucks – and the product is guaranteed. This may sound like a good idea, but it usually isn’t. Most people get ripped off by such promises.

Tattoo removal is not cheap, and it isn’t guaranteed. In fact, even surgeons will not guarantee complete removal of a tattoo. The amount of the tattoo that is removed depends on the tattoo, your skin, and the quality of the work in the first place. At most, these cheap options are removal creams, designed to fade the tattoo over a long period of time.

Tattoo Removal Options

You actually have several options available to you when it comes to having a tattoo removed. The first option is laser removal. This does not require surgery, and offers the least amount of scarring. This is also one of the most expensive options. The next option is dermabrasion. This method is one of the least expensive, but is the most painful option.

Trichloracetic Acid, also known as TCA can also be used, but this is a dangerous option. This option takes numerous applications. The option is dangerous because the skin can be damaged. You can fade the tattoo over a long period of time by using a glycolic acid peel as well. The final option, and another expensive option, is surgical removal of the tattoo. With this method, a surgeon actually cuts away layers of your skin where the tattoo is, but even with surgery, results are not guaranteed.

Which Option Is Best?

The option that is best is dependent on many factors. How large is the tattoo? How deep is the tattoo? How desperately do you want the tattoo completely removed? How much money are you willing to spend to have the tattoo removed? Before you make any decision, consult a dermatologist. A dermatologist can usually look at the tattoo and help you determine which removal method will give you the best results.