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I Cannot Afford Any Tattoo Removal Procedure. What's my Safest At-Home Removal Option?

asked 10 months ago by jlg in Mcallen, TX
Latest answer by Stephen Mandy, MD
Question viewed 295 times
Tags: age 25-34, neck, at-home, safety

I have consulted a surgeon & I cannot afford any tattoo removal procedure. However, I've had enough of the tattoo on my neck, especially because it held me from joining the military 7 years ago. I want it off this year so I can join before I turn 29. My question is, would it be safer to have a friend cut it out or sand it off? I understand it's dangerous & perhaps foolish but please understand that I can't live a life of regret any longer. Please...which option is safer for a tattoo on neck.

2 answers to I Cannot Afford Any Tattoo Removal Procedure. What's my Safest At-Home Removal Option?

+2

At home tattoo removal?

The most effective and least scarring method of tattoo removal is by laser. Dermabrasion in experienced hands also works well and will take 2 to 3 sessions with healing time in between. An old remedy that used to be successful was "salabrasion", which entails wetting the area and then pouring salt on it and then rubbing the salt into the skin with a gauze pad until bleeding occurs. This is quite uncomfortable without anesthetic and requires proper post... more
Stephen Mandy, MD

Miami Dermatologist
+2

Tattos can be cut out but sanding does not go deep enough.

First I would not let anyone that is not properly trained try to remove your tattoo. Excision, cutting out, a tattoo can be a less expensive option for removal than laser. You should see a dermatologist or surgeon and get prices. It may surprise you. It is much less costly than laser. The price depends on the size of the tattoo. Most sanding procedures do not go deep enough to remove the pigment from tattoos unless they are one color and done by... more
Heather Haley, MD

Mobile Dermatologic Surgeon

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