Frequently Asked Questions About TCA

Trichloroacetic acid (or TCA) is a skin peeling agent. Though it was proven to be very effective in fading and removing tattoos, people are still concern about what TCA can do thus whether it is effective or not. Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions about TCA.

One of the most commonly asked question if TCA can be used anywhere in the body. TCA can be used in any part but not on tattoos that are near or around eyes, ears, nose and lips. TCA can be used on the face as well but it should be kept at minimal as excessive application may lead to higher toxicity in the face.

Next question centers on the frequency of applying TCA. TCA is recommended to be applied just once every 4 to 6 weeks. Frequent application may lead to excessive peeling. After application, you still have to wait for 2 to 2 weeks before peeling may occur. You have to wait for the peeling to subside before you have to apply TCA again.

No discussion of TCA would be complete without asking how quick TCA works. Peeling effects are visible after 2 to 3 applications. Definitely, the fading effect would be most profound with colored tattoos. The first to be removed is the tattoo borders. Depending on the size of the tattoo to be removed, the tattoo can completely fade or removed in 3 to 6 treatments.

People also ask about how cost-effective TCA is. TCA is available over the counter in pharmacies as well as through online merchants. A bottle of TCA usually retails at around $40 to $60. Directions in preparing TCA are made available during each purchase. You have to read the instructions and follow them thoroughly, for safer and more effective treatments. Nevertheless, TCA often requires dilution of TCA with water.

The final question would be related to the associated risks in using TCA. About 10 to 20% of people who used TCA in fading or removing their tattoos experience skin reactions. While TCA does not cause scarring, it may cause blisters and discoloration. Remember that skin types are unique. You may have to test a small skin area to know if there will be skin allergy or any other adverse reactions.

TCA Works Best With…

Trichloroacetic Acid, or simply TCA, is proven to be very effective in removing tattoos. However, at times, TCA works best in specific situations. Three of these situations will be discussed below. How TCA actually works is discussed at the latter part of the article.

First, TCA works best as a pre-laser treatment. TCA is able of removing tattoo completely. In some cases, however, professionally inked tattoos are deeper hence TCA can also fade them away. With this, since a laser treatment is very expensive, you may use TCA as a pre-laser treatment procedure. Laser treatments required in removing the tattoo completely may be reduced by two to three sessions, for instance. The process can definitely save anyone of the total treatment cost as well as time. Apart, the number of time that you have to subject yourself to painful laser treatment could be also lessened as there is no need to do laser treatment for several times.

Further, TCA also works best in removing ‘bad tattoos’. These tattoos are usually inked by amateurs. As highlighted above, professionally inked tattoos are deeper more so since professional tattoo artists are using special equipments in inking the tattoo. This is why professionally inked tattoos are usually deeper and darker. As such, TCA is very suitable in fading and completely removing amateurishly inked tattoos.

On the other hand, brightly colored tattoos can be also easily removed using TCA unlike black tattoos. Color pigments fade away completely when you use TCA but black tattoos may require several TCA applications. The most ideal candidate for TCA tattoo removal then is the amateurish, brightly colored tattoos.

What TCA can do is to gently peel the upper layer of the skin to reveal new and healthier skin beneath it. The tattooed area where the TCA solution is applied will slowly peel away the skin holding the ink. However, when the ink sits deeper than what TCA can reach, TCA can only fade the tattoo. If you are not comfortable in undergoing laser treatments, you have to be patient in applying and reapplying TCA solution until you are satisfied with the results. Also, if TCA tattoo removal would prove to be very effective in removing the tattoo then there will be no need for laser treatments.

TCA Peel – An Effective and Affordable Tattoo Removal Option

There are several options in removing tattoo. However, the two most common methods are laser treatment and TCA. TCA is actually an answer to the most common con of laser treatment - its cost! However, TCA is not hype; it is actually a medically proven method of removing tattoo just like laser treatment.

TCA was originally used in treating different skin conditions. TCA peels of medium grade are proven to be very effective in fading and removing tattoo. TCA can thus remove the tattoo for good in a matter of months. Aside from its affordability, TCA peel is less painful. There will be shorter period of recovery time if you will use TCA in removing your tattoo as well. When used based on the label’s directions, TCA is generally safe to use. This is also the reason why you may purchase TCA peel from physical and online stores without any prescription.

Focusing on its affordability, TCA peeling is conducted at home. There will be no need for costly visit to the dermatologist’s office. If you do not have a Q-tip, you may also use a cotton swab in applying the solution on the tattooed area. TCA comes in water-like solution so applying it is relatively easy. The effectiveness of TCA peel nevertheless will depend on specific factors like the size of the tattoo. The color of the tattoo and how it was inked may also affect the effectiveness of using TCA peel.

However, the person will experience a burning sensation when using TCA to remove the tattoo immediately after the solution is applied. While this is normal, if the sensation becomes too intense, you may apply a cold compress in the tattooed area. You have to do this until the burning sensation disappears. The person is advised to take a shower especially in relieving the burning sensation especially if you apply TCA on large tattoo.

Actually, the burning sensation signals that TCA is working. Controlled inflammation above the tattooed area occurs, causing the ink particles of breaking apart. The skin that holds these particles will be peeled off, fading the tattoo gradually and revealing new skin after each peel. The area has to be protected against the sunlight and dust to avoid any infections. You may use antibacterial cream to protect the area.