Maybe it seemed like a good idea at the time. Maybe it didn't seem like such a good idea, but with a couple too many beers in you, common sense took a back seat. Whatever the reason, you got that tattoo. Now, many years later, you are a different person and that tattoo is not only a reminder of a time when you were just a little too wild and free, but it has become a complication in your life. It has stood in the way of job opportunities or it has complicated your relationships. Now you want it gone. You know there are many ways to remove a tattoo but you don't just want to throw your money at the first flashy ad you read. Which tattoo remover will work the best for you?
The best tattoo removal method is going to boil down to two factors: the tattoo you want to remove and the money you have to spend. It didn't take much money or time to get the tattoo. Unfortunately, the same can't be said for removing it. In general, no matter which method you choose, it will take several treatments to remove the tattoo and it can be expensive.
How large is your tattoo? Larger ones will probably take longer to remove than smaller ones. How many colors are in it? Some colors, such as pinks and greens, are more difficult to remove. How good was the tattoo artist? If he (or she) was a real pro, the tattoo is probably uniformly deep. If the artist wasn't so good, some parts of the tattoo may be deeper in the skin than other parts. The deeper the ink, the more difficult it will be to remove.
Laser tattoo removal has the best track record for successfully removing tattoos. It's also relatively expensive at up to $850 per treatment. And there may be scarring. Tattoo removal creams and gels, and TCA have the worst success record. Treatments can take up to a year and in the end the tattoo may be faded but not completely gone. Cost is generally in the range of $100 for a month's supply of removal product.
Other treatments include dermabrasion and tattoo excision. These will remove the tattoo but will leave significant scarring. They are also moderately expensive treatments.
The best advice is to research all removal options. If you are searching online, go to forums where real people talk about their successes and failures. Product websites want you to buy their product, so they might be less than forthcoming with negative information. Consult with professionals. In the end, this will ensure that you get the best tattoo remover for your specific tattoo and don't end up wasting your time and money.