Tattoo Removal: Stories

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TCA Peel for Tattoo Removal

  • posted 3 years ago
  • updated 3 years ago
  • Not Sure
  • Cost: $100
  • CT

I'm two days in to my TCA peel. I'm a student...

  • 7 Sep 2009

I'm two days in to my TCA peel. I'm a student going into nursing and I wanted to remove this huge rabbit that I got when I was 17, I'm 33 now.

I bought it on a popular biding site for $9.95. I used a paint brush to apply the solution. After 3 seconds it started to burn like crazy, I stood infront of the A/C to cool it off. I couldnt keep it on for the full 10 minutes.

The pain will be worth it if the tattoo comes off. So far its a brown bunny very burned. I'm apply ointment to it and thats about it ----I will keep you updated.

Great review?

Comments (23)

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MarRz 30 Jul 2012
Well
Initially the area turned red and was a bit sore for 2 days then turned
Brownish around the tattoo. I didn't notice much frosting during the
Application process , so I think I wasn't aggressive enough.

I'm on week 2 and mild peel has started. The application went well the
Sting was tolerable although I think I wasn't aggressive enough. I
Did 25%.
I'm going to do round 2 at my 4th week. They recommend 4-6. Since
I went easy my 1 st round I'm going to be a bit more aggressive. Doing
35% 2nd round.
Keep you posted.
Miablue 30 Jul 2012
Needless to say it did not work. The skin has some burn spots with some white areas. Peel just did not go deep enough.
bouncingkanga 17 Sep 2012
I am treating a small black ( ex black) panther on my back with TCa. I started with 25% dilute and have now moved up to 50%. It frosts okay and the more often I apply it the quicker it peels. No sign of the skin thinning and iti s fading but taking so long. I am interested in knowing how yours is going.
Ange1027 28 Jul 2012
I am on my first round of 27.5% concentration of tca. I'm hoping for great results! I am going to post pics :-) good luck all
MarRz 14 Jul 2012
I just ordered my TCA 50% for tattoo removal. I will post before and monthly pics of my progress. I have researched on TCA and laser removal for tattoos and have found that doing the TCA can remove or fade the tattoo to the point that if any laser is needed you can save hundreds$$. Just by following the instructions and being patient you can achieve the results you always wanted. So here i go!!! My journey will begin in about 3 days. I will post further.
Ange1027 28 Jul 2012
How did it go? I'm on day 3 of the 27.5% formula, and is scaled over and a brownish color. No peeling yet, but maybe soon? Did it burn like crazy? Mine had a mild burn, but it didn't last long and it didn't make me cry :-)
hey hey TCA 12 Jun 2012
I've used a 50% TCA for my small tatto on the chest and i works great even after the first try. However everyone should read the instruction first.Once you apply TCa it becomes white and after few days goes into brown colour. Do not peel it yourself, it goes away by itself. After you use a TCA you should apply a Bepanthen cream to heal faster. Believe me TCA works like magic..I've tried laser removal 10 time for the last year and it did not worked for me, rip off money...and after I bought TCA it worked:))))))
Hamdog 17 Jan 2012
I have a tattoo that I love. The problem is that it has 7 words that have a lot of meaning to me. It is German (the language of love). Flaming skull, winged wheel. Beautiful! The first letter of every word is capitalized. But the fool didn't capitalize the first letter of the first word. I hate that. Of course, the shop won't stand behind it. I should have seen it. It was not a pretty scene! I thought about heating a butter knife to glowing red, and burning it off. Or a blade and cut it out. That's still an option. It's small, just a letter. I'll try TCA. Screw the scaring. Don't care!
Tikkobillo 27 May 2012
Ooowww good luck but i would't start cutting or burning it out , perhaps go over it with another tattoo
Meshinka 6 Nov 2011
I'm working on removing my 2nd tattoo with the TCA peel. I do a 50% mix, and leave on for about 2 min. I recomend not leaving it on for more than 2-3 min any longer can cause 3rd degree chem burns that may never heal. (I don't think anyone can tolerate the pain that long anyways) this stuff really works, when peeling has stopped, your skin is very soft and all freckles/sun spots are gone but do return after a month or so.
BrittB 6 Nov 2011

Hey Meshinka, 

Wow, I haven't heard of people using TCA, does it hurt less? This is good for others to know. We'd love to hear a review and possibly see some pictures. 

Thanks,

-Britt

Meshinka 7 Nov 2011
TCA Peel is also a great way to remove stretch marks and visibly reduce scars. I haven't taken any before and after pics and I'm already half way done with the 2nd. I just purchased a IPL laser and will be using it on clients as an alternative since it has faster results (I will start photos before, during and after)
Jesica Rosemount 11 Mar 2011
I've done a lot of research on TCA peels and tattoo removal and I lot of doctors are saying that TCA is the only chemical that can reach deep enough into the skin to remove the tattoo. Yes you need to be careful and it does take a few treatments but your tattoo should get lighter and lighter with each treatment. Start with a smaller % like a 25% or less to get your skin used to it and then go ahead and use the 50% solution every 4-6 weeks redo the process for up to a year. Just remember to NOT PEEL OR SCRATCH AND KEEP BACITRACIN ON IT for the full 10 days. just be careful...it is a burn or sorts and quite irritable.
legendlady 13 Feb 2011
How is it going with you all on removing your tatoos. I have 2 old ones I would like to remove and I have the tca. Just hearing so many different things. Mine are home done with india ink and 30 years old. One small and one about 4"x4". Should I go ahead and try it?
Jeane 2 Mar 2010
hi..i have a really small tattoo of a star (its just a line with no filling or shading). i was thinking of using tca but wanted to see how its working for other people... Miablue...what has happened with ur tattoo now???
Tom at RealSelf (Community Manager) 25 Jan 2010

For what it's worth, the medical experts here at RealSelf appear to be united in their

opinion about TCA Tattoo Removal: don't do it.

 

Ehhh 27 Jan 2012
I find it hard to trust any doctor since they want your money and alot of it for throwing pills at problems you could google.
scared2death 25 Jan 2010

TCA peels do NOT remove tattoos! That is very dangerous. TCA is an acid and can cause SEVERE burns. The best chance of getting rid of the tattoo is a laser. Please DO NOT use this chemical to remove your tattoo. It will not work and it can cause serious injury. Look on this site at all of the injuries caused by chemical peels using tca. Please be careful.

HJE 3 Dec 2009
I also tried the TCA peel with no real luck. To generate the kind of burn you need to remove the tattoo pigment- you are opening yourself up to the risk of infection & scarring. I am now into my 2nd laser treatment for my tattoos. When I told the Dr. I had done a TCA peel at home- he was HORRIFIED! PLEASE, PLEASE, think twice before you play around with this acid!
mar1212 22 Nov 2009
Hi, im also using the TCA peel on a small tattoo. Its now been 3 days since i applied it. It turned brown and it seems like it will start to peel soon. I will post a picture and update on how it looks.
HAPPYLV 12 Nov 2009
Did you go see a doctor? I am thinking about using the TCA peel on my face!!! I have a very large tattoo on my stomach and I'm thinking about removing some of it so, please keep me updated and post more pictures if you don't mind. Thank you!!
Miablue 11 Nov 2009
The tattoo is a little lighter. But my skin color is not returning evenly still very white with red spots.
HAPPYLV 10 Nov 2009
Hi, How is the TCA peel working for you?

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