Millions of people suffer from tattoo regret every year. In fact, tattoo removal has become such a common and demanded procedure that 14th August is recognized as National Tattoo Removal Day. There are several ways to remove a tattoo. Laser tattoo removal is the latest, safest, and most cost-effective method of treatment. There may be times, however, when the tattoo removal process does not go the way it’s supposed to. Inexperienced laser technician, wrong laser equipment, tattoo removal creams, chemical peels, or lactic acid injections can result in tattoo removal disasters. Although it is common to experience blisters, swelling, and other such reactions, sometimes it could be worse. It is important to follow all after-care instructions to avoid complications.
Here are 10 of the worst tattoo removal failures:
1. Tattoo Removal Scar
In a bid to look more professional at work, a woman decided to get her chest tattoo removed. Instead of opting for laser surgery, she chose the chemical method. This process claims to work by raising the ink pigments to the surface of the skin. It uses a small tattoo gun to apply the chemical onto the tattooed region. The treated region then develops into a scab that can be peeled off. Within ten days of treatment, her skin ruptured with puss and was very itchy and painful. She experienced intense pain due to the stinging sensation of the wound. An awful pink scar was left in place of the original tattoo.
Caution/Advice: While laser tattoo removal is expensive, it is the safest option. There are more risks in other removal methods. Chemicals can cause serious infections.
Via: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4506436/Student-s-horrific-scars-trying-remove-tattoo.html
2. Acid Tattoo Removal Burns
Having an ex’s name tattooed on the skin is never a good reminder. To get rid of the same, a woman decided to use a pure-acid home removal kit. Believing that laser treatment is too slow and too expensive, she bought a cheap kit from the internet, hoping for instant results. The acid peels were made of Trichloroacetic acid or TCA, a chemical used to create professional cosmetic peels. She applied the acid on her skin without mixing it with water and instantly suffered burns. Despite a horrible first experience, she repeated the process six more times, hoping that it would work. The whole process left her skin burnt.
Caution/Advice: The use of TCA can be dangerous without expert supervision. Tattoo removal is not an easy process. Shortcuts are never helpful. Go for the safer process, even if it may be more expensive and may take longer.
Via: https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2015/09/29/tattoo-removal-acid-jessica-hardy_n_7107784.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAALE04_Tg_8BvEi_pd1Zd_4XkYaBTUcWHRr_0k5nsk9L1zFCUr3j02kQgJkDmCaTeTg0y6OLgIo1K60ucX1j-siTp5PjsqzzmOAMXqRoGgPdQKUptlq-7YgwouGVI3pKmt3aDb9fQXMa9qbqbJtGaAXlaHqTNYsk2p-occ-9zvAg4
3. Tattoo Removal Bleeding
Experimenting at home is also not a good idea. A man decided to remove his tattoo with the help of a cheese grater. It caused immense pain and bleeding and he also had to get a tetanus vaccination.
Caution/Advice: This is a risky procedure and not recommended at all. Tattoo removal requires proper equipment and expertise. Trying to remove the tattoo at home could be dangerous.
Via: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7529341/Not-grate-idea-Man-uses-CHEESE-GRATER-remove-tattoo-arm.html
4. Blood Blisters
To remove the words ‘live free’ written on his knuckles, a man underwent about 17-20 laser removal sessions. In his last session, the laser technician powered the laser to the highest limit. Within 10 minutes, he could feel the blisters forming on his knuckles. Suffering from third-degree burns, he experienced a lot of pain. The blisters would bleed every time he used his hands at work.
Caution: If the laser is not applied correctly, it can cause severe burns and scarring.
Via: https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/beauty/face-body/tattoo-laser-removal-queensland-man-suffers-serious-burns-after-trying-to-get-his-tattoos-removed/news-story/183200c8ca225d4df1d2f82dc8a40696
5. Tattoo Removal Blisters
To remove his ex-wife’s initials tattooed on his ring finger, a man got laser surgery from a low-cost store. Two sessions later, his finger was swollen, blistered, and filled with pus. Although the blister was not painful, popping it would have been dangerous. Such an open wound can increase the risk of bacterial infections.
Caution: Always review the laser clinic. While it may get expensive, it is always better to go with a reputed clinic. In case of a wound, do not burst, scratch, or peel it.
Via: https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/7334257/tattoo-removal-goes-wrong-grim-blister/
6. Damaged Skin After Tattoo Removal
A woman decided to get an old tattoo, a skull surrounded by roses, removed before her wedding. After the second session, her swelling and blisters took a turn for the worse. Her skin looked fried. The tattooed region got infected, leaving her in pain over the smallest movements. She was left with a horrible permanent scar.
Caution: Laser treatment can have serious side effects. Medical consultation is advisable. Also, make sure that the doctor/laser technician does a patch test on your skin before the full treatment.
Via: https://www.inkedmag.com/tattoos-3/bride-to-be-tattoo-removal-horror-story
7. Tattoo Removal Side Effects – Same Tattoo But Worse
Sometimes the removal process can leave you with a tattoo that looks way worse than what you began with. Just like in this case, where the skin around the tattoo became red, and the tattoo itself became a strange white in reaction to the treatment.
Caution: Laser treatment can have serious side effects. Medical consultation is advisable. Also, make sure that the doctor/laser technician does a patch test on your skin before the full treatment.
Via: https://baklol.com/baks/Misc/Tattoo-removal-disasters-_608/Who-knows–_7901
8. Laser Tattoo Removal Side Effects – Skin Discoloration
Sometimes, reaction to the treatment can cause permanent changes to the skin. Skin discoloration is one of these unwanted side effects. While the tattoo may disappear, the laser can change the color of the skin at some patches.
Caution: Laser treatment can have serious side effects. Medical consultation is advisable. Also, make sure that the doctor/laser technician does a patch test on your skin before the full treatment.
9. Laser Tattoo Removal Side Effects – White Spots
Another side effect of laser treatment can be the creation of white spots. While in some cases it may heal in a few months, there is a possibility that it might not.
Caution: Laser treatment can have serious side effects. Medical consultation is advisable. Also, make sure that the doctor/laser technician does a patch test on your skin before the full treatment.
10. Laser Tattoo Removal Side Effects- Keloid Scars
Another possible reaction to laser removal is keloid scars. People who have a history of keloids are more likely to experience this reaction.
Caution: Medical consultation is advisable. Also, make sure that the doctor/laser technician does a patch test on your skin before the full treatment.
Remember that tattoo removal can be a safe process if you take necessary precautions and diligently follow the aftercare.
