What Is TCA?
TCA (Trichloroacetic Acid) is a common skin peeling agent used by dermatologists, cosmeticians and plastic surgeons to help remove fine lines, wrinkles and acne scars. TCA can cause the skin lines to fade and in some cases remove the tattoos permanently. TCA has been medically tested and proven to fade/lighten and/or remove tattoos.
How long has TCA been in use?
Prior to the availability of laser therapy, all tattoos were removed with various chemicals and TCA was one of them. Today, one uses TCA when laser therapy is unaffordable.
Can TCA therapy be combined with laser therapy?
Yes, in order to save money, many individuals will use TCA at home to fade the tattoo. After a few treatments, they will go and get laser therapy. This way they only require less laser therapy to remove the tattoo. Fewer visits to the dermatologist mean lower costs and less pain. In some cases, TCA may remove the tattoo completely and this may save you a lot of money.
What are the results of tattoo removal with TCA?
Review of data from the past 3 decades indicates that TCA is quite successful in lightening up the tattoo in many cases. However, it is only partially successful in complete removal of tattoo.
How Does TCA Work?
TCA acts like a skin peeler. It causes skin over the tattoo to peel over and later be replaced by new skin. Initially, the peeling agent causes fading of the tattoo and later replaced all the surrounding skin tissue.
Is TCA treatment painful?
TCA process for tattoo removal is not a very painful process. Initial application of the TCA does hurt like a bee sting, but the pain quickly subsides. However, TCA can be quite painful when applied on inflamed or damaged skin. Some individuals may take a pain killer before starting the procedure.
Are There Risks Using TCA?
Almost 10-20% of individuals who use TCA for tattoo removal complain of some adverse effect. TCA does not cause scarring but can cause blistering, pain and severe discoloration of the surrounding skin.
Who should not use TCA
TCA works best in fair skinned Caucasians. Individuals with a darker skin color, like Asians, Hispanics, and blacks generally do not have the same results with TCA. In dark skinned individuals TCA use has unpredictable results and has been know to cause extreme hypopigmentation of the skin. In addition, TCA treatments in these ethnic groups require more treatments for prolonged times. Overall, TCA isnot recommended in such groups.
Where in the body is TCA use not recommended?
TCA is also not recommended to remove cosmetic tattoos around the eyes, nose, earsand lips. When used as a facialpeel in these areas, TCA can lead to toxicity.
How often does one apply TCA?
TCA should only be applied once every 4-6 weeks. Since it acts as a peeling agent, frequent usage can lead to severe skin peeling. After the initial application of TCA, the skin starts to peel in 2-3 weeks. One has to wait until all the dead skin has peeled off which usually takes another 2-3 weeks.
How Fast Does It Work?
The effects of TCA are usually visible after a 2-3 treatments. The fading or lightening of the tattoo is most obvious for the bright colors. Most lines and the borders of the tattoo start to fade in the initial stages of TCA treatment. It often takes 3-6 treatments before a complete fading of the tattoo is seen.
How Much Does It Cost?
TCA is available at various pharmacies and also on the Internet. One ounce of TCA costs about 40-60$. The TCA needs to be diluted with water before use. One ounce of TCA should be enough to treat a moderate size tattoo. Instructions for tattoo removal will be in the package and should be read thoroughly.
Final advice
Today, TCA is not the recommended treatment for tattoo removal. It is a poor man’s choice. Before one embarks on this therapy, please do seek professional advice. Cheaper is always not better, especially when it comes to health.
