The best way to remove a tattoo.

There are several common methods for tattoo removal to choose from, including:

1.Laser Removal (PicoSure/PicoWay) – The most common method, performed in dermatology clinics.

Principle: Uses high-energy laser pulses to break down tattoo ink particles, allowing the body to absorb and metabolize them.

Pros: Relatively safe, less likely to scar, effective for dark colors (black, blue), and causes minimal skin damage.

Cons: Requires multiple sessions for complete removal. Post-treatment redness, swelling, and scabbing may occur.

2.Surgical Excision

Principle: The tattooed skin is surgically cut out and stitched back together.

Pros: Immediate and complete removal in one session.

Cons: Not suitable for large tattoos; leaves a scar.

3.Chemical Peeling (Acid Removal)

Principle: Uses acidic or alkaline chemicals (e.g., Trichloroacetic acid) to destroy skin tissue, causing the ink to shed.

Pros: None—not recommended.

Cons: Highly dangerous!

4.Dermabrasion (Mechanical Abrasion)

Principle: A grinding tool removes the top layers of skin (epidermis and dermis) along with the tattoo pigment, allowing new skin to regenerate.

Pros: Almost none—not recommended.

Cons: Risky and likely to cause scarring.

In summary, laser removal (particularly Pico laser) is the most common and recommended method today. You can consult a dermatologist at a hospital or a licensed medical aesthetic clinic to develop a proper removal plan.

My Experience with Pico Laser Tattoo Removal

I went to a dermatology department at a medical aesthetic clinic and chose Pico laser removal. Here’s what I learned:

1.Pre-Treatment Preparation:
Consult a licensed dermatologist or certified medical institution. Ensure the equipment is FDA/CE（FDA Equipment Query）-approved.

Avoid sun exposure before treatment. Stop using cosmetics and harsh skincare products. Check for wounds, inflammation, or eczema in the treatment area.

2.Inform your doctor if you:

Have a tendency for keloid scarring？Are pregnant？Have diabetes or immune disorders？Are taking anticoagulant (e.g., aspirin)？

Wear loose clothing and remove jewelry. Before treatment, the area will be cleaned and disinfected. A TKTX numbing cream can be applied to reduce pain.

3.Post-treatment care:

Avoid water contact for 24 hours to prevent infection.

Use ice packs (You can use plastic wrap to isolate) to reduce swelling.

4.Take oral anti-inflammatory meds (consult your doctor first!).

Purchase sterile wound dressings, saline solution, cotton swabs, and antibiotic ointment to clean and protect the wound daily.

Do NOT pick at scabs, no matter how itchy they get—this can affect results and cause scarring.

Avoid sun exposure, alcohol, and spicy foods after treatment.

Who Should NOT Get Pico Laser Treatment?

❌ Pregnant or breastfeeding women
❌ People with photosensitive skin or taking photosensitizing drugs (e.g., isotretinoin)
❌ Active infections in the treatment area (e.g., herpes, dermatitis)

Final Notes

A small tattoo (~5cm) usually requires 3-5 sessions, with 20+ days of recovery per session (sometimes longer). Be mentally prepared—this is a long-term process.

(I’ll detail my aftercare routine in another post!)