TCA Cream Peels For Tattoo Removal

Formally known as Trichloroacetic Acid, TCA is a chemical solution that acts as a "skin peel" or "chemical peel". It is used to remove unwanted skin features such as scars from acne, wrinkles, genital warts, moles, freckles, and tattoos.

Although many people have their treatments applied by a professional, different TCA products are sold without a prescription, over the counter and online, and can be applied privately at home. Although TCA shares this in common with tattoo removal creams, it is not generally considered the same type of product as its mechanism for removal is different.

TCA peels have been recognized as a tattoo removal agent for quite some time. With the advent of laser removal techniques, TCA fell off the map for awhile. With the popularity of do it yourself tattoo removal products being advertised online, TCA has become well known again, in part due to its very low price compared to laser removal and other techniques.

But does it work?

This is where the controversy starts.

It would appear that the answer is something like this:

TCA peels can be used to significantly fade a tattoo and often entirely remove it over repeated applications. However, it doesn't work with all tattoos as TCA can only penetrate so deep into the epidermis. Additionally, there are real concerns involving scarring from TCA treatments. Because TCA can be done without any medical supervision, the potential of misuse leading to scarring is even greater.

Compared to having rejuvi treatment or laser treatments, TCA peels for tattoo removal are very inexpensive. This is one reason why people are so eager to give them a try.

Prices vary, but TCA kits cost around $50 that are said to contain enough treatment to significantly fade small (3 inches by 3 inches) tattoos.

Say you have a bottle of TCA and a tattoo you want to treat it with. In this situation, the person applies the TCA cream - which is actually more like a liquid that a cream - with a q tip on the surface layer of the skin above the tattoo. The TCA starts working it's magic - by applying it on the skin, it creates what's called "controlled inflammation". This causes the ink to fragment and break up. The body then disposes of thes tiny bits of ink on its own. Repeatedly applying TCA will, over time, lead to all ink pigment being broken up and leaving the body.

In researching this hub, I came across a number of alarming statements involving TCA, and also many contradictory user experiences.

It is hard to know where the truth starts and where the marketing efforts begin, as many people discussing TCA are either:

1) trying to sell you a TCA Peel

or

2) trying to sell you an alternative to TCA, such a Laser Removal

I decided it would be best to quote some of the concerns I discovered in my research and lead it up to the visitor to make of this what they may.


The Good
One user writes that using TCA at 60%, he has seen "signifigant fading everywhere I have applied it" on his large tattoo.

After 3 treatments on an unwanted hand tattoo, a user writes that TCA resulted in "significant fading" of the tattoo. Note: this was in regards to a home made tattoo and this could effect the ease of removal, as the inks are likely to be low quality and also might not penetrate as deep into the skin as professional tattoo.


The Bad
A person using TCA solution for 2 years (!) writes that his tattoos are "are maybe 50% faded", adding they that "still look bad."

A dermatologist writes that using "4-6 TCA 20% peels at 2 week intervals will lighten a homemade tattoo but not remove it completely."

The Ugly
Here's a quote from a site whom I can't tell if they're legit or trying to sell some other tattoo removal method, but in regards to TCA they have quite harsh words.

"It almost seems that cutting off your tattooed arm might be a better solution than pouring acid on your skin. So much fine print, so many disclaimers, always absolving the seller of any responsibility if you end up with scars. All that risk for a product that does not remove the tattoo, but claims to shorten the laser or tattoo fade away cream treatment. We do realize it is cheap, but why get involved with a product that could require painkillers or an emergency visit to your dermatologist according to a warning posted by an internet store."


Also note that it is accepted that there's some pain involved in doing a TCA peel. Most people describe the experience as a stinging or burning sensation. Unless you completely misuse the product and use a super high solution, I highly doubt it's as bad as the alarmist quote above though.

Please see my other hubs for more information on other tattoo removal methods:

Rejuvi Tattoo Removal Cream FAQ
Tattoo Removal Options: Creams, Lasers, And More