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Does anyone have any info on this tattoo fade a way system...

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Answer by bryan
Submitted on 9/4/2003
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I've been using the tat-b-gone product for a month. I'd be more impressed with the company's web site if their pictures of faded tattoos were not photoshop tricks -- i'd also like to see some testimonials that are independent of that web site. The product itself seems to be apricot scrub, some hydroquinone cream, and some other lotion that has stuff like aloe and vitamin e. hydroquinone is used by many people of african descent to lighten their skin. tat-b-gone's "activator" step has a 2% concetration, the maximum dosage allowed in the US. The chemical is banned in South Africa because it has been shown to cause serious skin damage in some people -- note that many people in South Africa apply the cream to their whole body and face. I've read of hydroquinone being prescribed as a supplement to laser treatments to help the process work faster. So, although the product seems sketchy, I ordered a six month supply. One month into it, I can't say that the results are impressive. This tatoo is under a year old, though, and it did have lots of inks in it. The colors in the tattoo have seemed to have gotten dull and less brilliant but that may just be wishful thinking/imagination. The black lines seem to be unaffected. I'd like to see a forum for other users of this product to share their experiences with it.

Answer by Monicalia
Submitted on 12/12/2003
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Hi! I am 21 & have my entire back tattooed -Yeah, the whole thing.. I got the first piece done for my 13th birthday. That piece was done by an amateur & ended up scarring horribly. I mean BAD. To this day the 4x4 tribal piece is easily irritated, always puffy & well.. scarred. I was so self conscious about it that I decided to add to it - aiming to take the focus away from the black scar.. So at 15 I added to it... I was involved with the wrong crowd of people at that time in my life & was exposed to heavily tattooed people so it was "no big deal" - Plus, this was a while ago & the removal procedures/theories were fairly new & extremely pricey! To make a long story short by 19 I had most of my back piece done. It is very colorful, containing: black, white, greywash, violets, turquoise, orange, green, red etc.. I am very very serious about removing it but am terrified of the scarring. Not so much the cost but the chance of a bad heal w/ scarring & tattoo traces unable to be removed. I really wish I would have never began this insane body modification as I am now a mature adult with a great corporate job, family responsibilities & the desire to be more feminine I guess - Not such a freakshow. It's like living two lives with this amount of " permanent art".. Thats just the thing - PERMANENT - Wasnt thinking about that @ 13...I know it sounds dumb & this probably isnt the forum to post my story in but I really want some "real" feedback. We all know that $$ is the name of the game & everyone will try to sell you something - especially when they can take advantage of others in such an emotional desperation oriented way. I was considering this tat be gone - sounds weak though - maybe good on a little tattoo - what about a huge back piece?! Can someone vouch for the credibility of removal on large long lived professional tattoo's?!

Answer by btek
Submitted on 1/2/2004
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I feel your pain, i just got a tat done a few days ago in one of my spontaneous adventures and i'm starting to regret it already, I have been looking at tat fading creams; and tat-bgone looks like a hoax, it doesn't even look like a legitimate company. But i found one product that offers 24hr support with a 1-800 # and offer a 100% product guarantee with money back. It is called dermasals, you can check it out at www.dermasal.com. What is also interesting the parent compay is also incorporated so you can access product information and company operations through their annual reports.. Sounds legitimate to me.. The only downfall is that it is expensive, and I am more interested in the over the counter skin bleach you can buy at the drugstore, so it would be great to hear some more info on that. Additional info about my tatoo it is about a week old.. i stoped taking are of it. I know that this is the point where the tatoo can peel can anyone give me any advice so i can faded at this point or even remove some ink so when it comes to using a fading cream it will be faster.

Answer by btek
Submitted on 1/2/2004
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I feel your pain, i just got a tat done a few days ago in one of my spontaneous adventures and i'm starting to regret it already, I have been looking at tat fading creams; and tat-bgone looks like a hoax, it doesn't even look like a legitimate company. But i found one product that offers 24hr support with a 1-800 # and offer a 100% product guarantee with money back. It is called dermasals, you can check it out at www.dermasal.com. What is also interesting the parent compay is also incorporated so you can access product information and company operations through their annual reports.. Sounds legitimate to me.. The only downfall is that it is expensive, and I am more interested in the over the counter skin bleach you can buy at the drugstore, so it would be great to hear some more info on that. Additional info about my tatoo it is about a week old.. i stoped taking are of it. I know that this is the point where the tatoo can peel can anyone give me any advice so i can faded at this point or even remove some ink so when it comes to using a fading cream it will be faster.

Answer by Matt
Submitted on 1/10/2004
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I got a tribal tattoo done about a year ago and have been researching ways to get rid of it ever since. In my opinion Tat B Gone is a con and even if it did work the results would be TEMPORARY as the active ingredient hydroquinone only whitens the skin over the tattoo but NOT the ink beneath. The effect is slight and will always need 'topping up' just like a suntan. I attacked part of my own tattoo with a blowtorch and can now fully discourage this as an effective treatment! It faded it alright but is hideously scarred. I'm afraid there is currently no way to fully remove a tattoo without leaving some evidence or blemish. If the tattoo is very small you can have it excised obviously leaving a scar and tissue distortion- this may still be the best treatment for small coloured tattoos. Laser offers the only realistic prospects to fade a tattoo but will almost always leave an impression behind. Luckily, i work in a hospital and managed to talk a surgeon into lasering a small test area of my tattoo 3 weeks ago with the only laser type we have- a KTP 632NM. This laser is NOT recommended for tattoo removal so i wasn't expecting much of a result but i am pleased to say that the area has faded by maybe 30-40% with slight scarring. If i'm lucky the surgeon will carry on with the treatment and i think 4 full treatments over the next year should see it much reduced. You can fade your tattoo but it won't be quick, easy, cheap or painless. Please don't get your hopes dashed and waste you money on creams.

Answer by Janine
Submitted on 2/2/2004
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Hello everyone, I am a permanent makeup technician and I also am currently doing tattoo removals with the Rejuvi Tattoo Removal product. Thought I would relate my experiences with the product to date. It is very hard to find any hard core facts on this product via the web. I sent out numerous requests to various sites for clinical results and got zero replies. I have done 4 tattoos and 4 permanent makeup removals. The permanent makeup removals are coming out 100% after 1 or 2 sessions. The tattoos are taking 2 or more sessions. There is about 50 to 75% fading with the first application depending on the age and depth of the tattoo. I am not seeing any scarring. However, I do it a little different from the instructions. The instructions say to use a 3 needle grouping with a permanent makeup machine. I found that the needles were taking out 'chuncks' of skin this way so I switched to a 30 grouping hand tool that I make myself. I am not seeing any scarring with this method. A strange thing that does happen is that some of the areas 'puff' up and get rather stiff. But they do go down and soften (at least so far). I was interested to note one of the above posts had a doctors recommendation of compression after applying Rejuvi. I may try this on my next client but so far I am not seeing any scarring with my method. I have not been doing this for very long yet so I am not able to say what total percentage of removal I am able to get. However, it is much cheaper than laser (at least my rates are, some of those doctors are ripping people off with their pricing) and it is worth a try before attempting laser as Rejuvi cannot be used over lasered skin as you risk more scarring and discoloration. I have one picture posted at my web site of a permanent makeup removal that is 1/2 healed. I will get more pictures up as my clients return to me for their next sessions. Feel free to e-mail me if you have more questions. Permanent Cosmetics By Janine www.pcbyj.com pcbyjanine@yahoo.com

Answer by DG
Submitted on 2/20/2004
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I feel like I have to take the time to warn everyone about Dermasal. I had first heard of the product through a friend. But when I went to the Dermasal-Selmedica web site to place my order, I noticed dermasal described as a Salt Abrasion Complex. Well I started doing some research and found out a salt abrasion complex is no more than a skin peel! No wonder they said to use less often if you get irritation. HOW MANY LAYERS OF SKIN DO YOU HAVE TO PAINFULLY PEEL AWAY TO REMOVE THE TATTOO? Also, the company that owns Dermasal is known for its BAD business practices. I found this link posted already from the Better Business Bureau: http://www.midsouth.bbb.org/commonreport.html?compid=1200382 If you are counting on their guarantee, you may want to check it out. -DG

Answer by Justin H
Submitted on 3/10/2004
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Bishop are you the sales manager or just the copy writer for Dermasal and selmedica.com? To think you almost had me. When I went to your web site to buy (I really want to get rid of my Celtic) I happened to go find my way to selmedica.com And what a range of hokey products you sell (How do you live with yourselves): 1 Breast Enlargement pill - yeah ah -hah 2 Penis Enlargement pill-yeah ah -hah 3 Penis Stiffener pill- yeah ah -hah 4 All natural Get Pregnant Now pill - yeah ah -hah 5 The best a pill for vaginal odor - I am still laughing After finding this out I went back to the Dermasal site and looked hard. It was then I figured out you were selling SALT AND WATER. You want us to believe rubbing salt on a Tattoo will make it go away. Researching salt abrasion I found out it is recommended for Acne. What do acne and tattoo removal have in common? But what really got me and made me take the time to write this is when I found your posting on the internet. Writing ads and posting them like they are from customers. HOW STUPID DO YOU THINK WE ARE? YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED!

Answer by sunfairy
Submitted on 3/16/2004
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Hi..I've tried a few methods..first is laser treatments, I've had 5 on each tattoo, all the black is gone, and everything is much lighter but the blues, green, yellows and purples are still there. green is the worst then yellow, then blue...the purple is almost gone too. I also tried tat b gone, which really helped lighten, when used in between laser treatments...I also have had 2 applications of tat gone ink, which is tattooed over..unfortunatly, one area was left with a scar from this...I had to stop laser treatments for awhile due to a pregnancy..but I will resume this summer and also use the tat b gone..right now i'musing the tat b gone and i bought some hydroquinone over the counter....I WILL BE RID OF THESE TATTOOS!!! the laser is pricey..I have 2 tats and the dr does both for $180 a session, after 8 sessions, its $50 a session...the tatgoneink was about $100...and the cream was about $60, OTC stuff was about $5...

Answer by strawbrry
Submitted on 4/26/2004
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hey everyone! well i find the tatbgone to be a joke! they have no info on there website about gauranteeing anything.. and i mean cmon its a creamn.. might as well use bleaching cream! im only 20 and got a F*cked up job on my ankle.. had it covered.. and it looked tacky!! i hate it.. well so far ive had 4 lazers treatments and it hurts and is expensive.. but seriously is the best bet. its a lil more then half way gone.. and i had 2 tattoos.. colors from pink, black, green,white, and purple, and their not easy. i mean i have about 4 more sessions.. but theres no scarring involved which is a plus and it will be totally gone.. i get it done about once every 2months.. and by the time im done.. i will have spent $2000. but thats the price i pay for makin such a dumb mistake.. hope this helps with anyone wondering about lazer treatment!

Answer by Joey
Submitted on 4/27/2004
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i checked BBB for derma-whatever, and yes, the guy who owns it also sells a bunch of other scam products, and has a really vague contact trail and a huge history of unsatisfied customers and has changed his business name more times than i'vechanged my mind in my lifetime! i certainly won't be buying that stuff. as for tat b gone, i won't buy it either cuz there is no money back nothing! the 50%-50% ratings for both of these products just aren't worth the cash they want. i had one tattoo lasered two times, and it's almost gone. i think one or two more laser sessions will take care of it. my problem is that i have six of 13 tattoos i want to be rid of, so i want to find something that is reliable, and so far, laser is the only thing i'vefound. i haven't tried that tatgone ink, but probably won't since it is merely another tattoo on top of my existing ones. i did talk to a tattooist about it, and that's exactly what he told me. they mix colors to match your skin color and really "dig" the pigment into your skin to try to "dilute" the colors in the skin. whatever. painful and expensive seems to be the only RELIABLE way to go.

Answer by Max
Submitted on 4/27/2004
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I paid a doctor $400 have the letters taken off of my fingers (don't ask). He used a method called dermabrasion, in which he basically freezes your skin and uses a Dremel tool looking thing to remove the skin and ink. It's okay while you're going through it, but achingly painful while it's healing. There's some scarring, but most people don't even notice it, and those that do can't make out what it said unless I tell them, or let them stare at it for awhile (which I don't). I'm looking into alternate methods of removal for my neck, because I'm not about to let anyone near my jugular with a drill. I would for cost and effectiveness reasons recommend dermabrasion for anyone getting a tattoo removed below their neck. I am going to try this hydroquinone junk to see if that works. I tried a home remedy that involved hydrogen peroxide, salt, a rubber eraser and a bottle of vodka. I have a wicked painful cherry on my neck now, and can still see the tattoo under the scab, so no, it didn't work.

Answer by DB1024
Submitted on 4/28/2004
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I'm with Steph in that I have been reading these posts for the past 2 months and still unable to determine what legit. and what's not. So I'm about to find out the hard way--I just placed my order for a 4 month supply. If I don't see some kind of results in that amount of time, then I just won't buy anymore. In case your wondering, my husband has some “trash” tattoos (oddball stuff and unfinished ones) as well as some larger complete tattoos, mostly on his hands and forearms. All are done in black/bluish ink and are roughly 15 years old. I will definitely take before and after pictures and gladly post the results good or bad (pictures if it works). So if you have time to wait, I’ll try to post results monthly. I just couldn't wait any longer. We really need to get this done soon and I’ve already wasted 2 months “researching.”

Answer by InFlames
Submitted on 4/29/2004
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Hi.I`ve been reading a lot of these posts, and checking, comparing prices on Dermasal/Tatbgone to laser. The Dermasal stuff is pretty expensive, was something like 250 dollars for the 6month, and it (at best) only lightens the tattoo, it seems. To remove a 2x2 inches tat, it would cost about 300-400 dollars. I have 4 small (1.5 and 2x2 inches tats that I want bleach down and cover with bigger ones (have two big ones, 5x4 inches), as I am a big guy, and the small ones look stupid on me, and they are not the kind of tats that could be extended in size either. What I want to know is: Does anyone know here where I can get my hands on some Hydroquinone in Europe? I travel a bit around the continent now and then, but never to the U.S., so I wondered where I could get hydroquinone (as it is the same ingredient as in tatbgone/dermasal, but much cheaper) over the counter? Denmark? England? Germany? Anyone here knows?

Answer by Petey
Submitted on 5/3/2004
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Here they are. If there are any chemists or lab technicians who has an idea whether they work on tattoos, your responses are appreciated. step one- water, glycerl, polymethacrylates,propylene glycol, prunus armeniaca (apricot) seed powder, dmdm hydantion and lodopropynyl butylcarbamate, polysorbate, carbomer, sodium hydroxide, aloe barbadenis gel, benzophenone-4, disodum edta, phytodine, chamomile, rosemary extract, caleundula, orange peel extract, lemongrass extract, basil extract, sage extract, horsetail extract, eucalyptus extract, honey extract, black walnut extract, benzyl alcohol, fragrance. step 2; water, glycerine, polycrylamide, c13-14 isoparaffin, laureth-7, steareth-21, cetyl alcohol, sucrose cocoate, hydroquinone, stearyl alcohol, salicylic acid, aloe barbadenis leaf juice, anthemis nobilis flower, rosmarinus, calendula officinalas flower extract, salvia officinalis, sodium citrate, citrus medica, cucumber fruit extract, honey, sodium metabisulfite, benzyl alcohol, dimethicone, hydroquinone, phenoxyethanol,methylparaben, butylparabe, ethyparaben, proplparaben, fragrance step three; water, stearic acid, cethyl alcohol, glycerine, sweet almond oil, dimethicone copolyol, diazolidinyl urea, methylparaben, propyparaben, aloe vera, dimethicone, copolyol,diazolidinyl urea, methylparaben, fragrance, tocopheryl acetate, disodium edta, dimethicone.

Answer by LINDINATOR
Submitted on 5/4/2004
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Well I totally know where everyone is coming from, I've got the same old story got a stupid tattoo, regret it, want to somehow get this flower off of my leg. I've read every message so far and am pretty much at the same place I started when I first visited this page, in regards to my curiosity off this whole tattoo removal process. I have took every new product name and will try to research all of them, and looked at every posted web site and honestly I'm still not totally convinced either way. And to be honest, I don't know who's real, and who's just working for one of these companys. But the main question of mine is if untattooed skin surrounding the tattoo would be affected (lightened) and would the area where the tattoo was be alot lighter than your regular skin tone, and would be able to tan to the same colour as the rest of your skin? But if there is someone that has any sort of answers please email me at lindinator@hotmail.com

Answer by Jennifer
Submitted on 5/7/2004
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Hi everyone. I came across these posts while I was looking for updated information on tattoo removal. I presently have 5 very large tattoos. 4 of them are coverups of bad tattoos. The "problem" I have is a 9 inch tattoo of Stitch (from Lilo & Stitch) sitting under a palm tree. It's on the inside of my leg. I got it in 2002, and it was to cover a tattoo of a wasp I got when I was 18. The Stitch tattoo got horribly infected (Yes tattoos can, and do get infected) and I missed 2 weeks of work because I could not walk, stand, or hold my leg in it's normal position. I lost enough skin that you could see the fatty tissue (no I'm NOT kidding) on my leg. It was the most painful thing I have ever gone through. How did it get infected? We are not sure. My tattoo artist (a friend) never apologized to me or anything. Maybe it was an allergy to the ink, maybe the needle he used wasn't new like he said it was. My healing took months, and now, two years later, I am left with an ugly tattoo, that is 9 inches high! Where the ink/color came out, I have pink scar tissue, It's really nasty looking. I wanted to remove this "thing" on my leg, so I researched every tattoo removal method out there. Like everyone else, I wanted fast, easy, and cheap removal. I wanted all the things that sound too good to be true. Let me tell you the TRUTH about tattoo removal. You WILL have to spend a lot of money - there is no way around it. (Chances are you have a small tattoo because the big ones were too expensive, right?) And, you WILL have to be patient, because tattoo removal takes a very long time. And if you try to rush it, by getting treatments too close together, you WILL make it worse because you can end up with scarring. I had one treatment of TatGone Ink at Julie Moon Designs in Seabrook, NH. They have a great reputation, and have been featured in tattoo magazines. It cost me $200 for one treatment of the entire tattoo (Not a lot when you figure the ink is $100 a bottle, and he had to use the whole bottle) What they DONT tell you about TatGone Ink is that the stuff "sits" on your skin, after is is applied with a tattoo gun. You don't wash it off. It dries and gets hard, and you have a greyish-green, rock hard scab on your skin for about 2 weeks. I did pick at it a bit (Gross, I know) hoping to pull out some ink, but I just gave myself another scar. When the stuff eventually flaked off completely, after 3 weeks - there was the tattoo. It looked the same, and I was very disappointed. On the website for TatGone Ink, there are pictures of people whose tattoo was gone after one treatment. BUT over the weeks and months since I had the one treatment, the tattoo on my leg has faded. There are some very small spots where the ink is gone completely, and there is also some fading of the ink that is still there.<> The artist using the TatGone ink, even applied it to the areas of my tattoo that were pink scar tissue (I thought that was stupid) I believe the product does work, BUT it depends on the ability, and experience of the tattoo artist applying it. I would definitely go back for another treatment, but I imagine I would need AT LEAST 5-6 more treatments, at $200 a treatment, with 2-3 months between treatments to COMPLETELY heal. I am puzzled at the people here, who wish to remove their tattoo HOURS after they got it. Why did you get it then? Talk about a waste of money! Now that I have bored you all to death...

Answer by DB1024
Submitted on 5/8/2004
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Sorry about that Sacha...I can't believe I left that important piece of info out...I ordered Tat B Gone. I ordered a 4 month supply and it cost $189. We got it the other day and started using it on May 4th. I did take some close-up before pictures so I'll have something to compare to. We started with the writing on his hands and two sm-med. tattoos on his forearm. Of course it's still too soon to tell if it's working since it's only been 4 days, but I will still try to post back after a month has passed. I just happened to be online checking for something else and thought I'd see if there were any new useful posts since my last. I'm glad I did since I forgot to tell you which product we ordered. Also, I thought I'd mention that the 1st step isn't too bad, but the second step you have to apply and wait 10 min. then apply the third step and wait for it to dry and you have to do all three steps twice a day. There's nothing really hard about any of the steps except remembering to come back after 10 mins. and put the last step on. My point being that I can see how you could forget to put it on at night or in a rush in the morning and such and therefore may explain why the product might work for some and not for others. So I told my husband he had to do it religiously in order for us to make an accurate assessment of whether or not it works, and so far he hasn't missed a single treatment (it helps that he really, really wants to get rid of the tattoos) I will update again in June. On a side note, I had heard that the hydroquinon was temporary as well and wondered how this would work as far as permanent removal is concerned and also wondered if the skin where the tattoo was would be lighter than the surrounding skin...but as my husband said "who cares as long as the tattoo is gone, I'drather have a light spot than the ugly tattoo." As for the hydroquinon, perhaps I'll email the company and see what they have to say. If I do, I'll post the results.

Answer by tumbleweed
Submitted on 5/9/2004
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Hi everybody I’ve used tatgoneink twice I have a small cover up that was a hack job. This tattoo is only a year old. I’m not to impressed with this product (tatgoneink). I had one treatment last June, went back for another a few weeks ago. The tattoo Artist has had good luck with this product, however he was a little disappointed with the results of my first treatment. He even gave me a break on the price because of the poor result. The artist asks me to stop back in 3 or 4 weeks to see what it looks like. If it doesn’t look like it’s fading then he recommends not doing any more treatments. So I’ll stop by his shop in about 3 or 4 weeks to see what he thinks. At least he is honest about it. Like I said he has had good result with other people so maybe it depends on what type of ink, your own chemical makeup ect. Good luck I might try something else later if this isn’t working.

Answer by Re: Rejuvi Users
Submitted on 5/11/2004
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This past April I had the Rejuvi method (www.rejuvilab.com) of tattoo removal performed by a doctor who has been using it for 3-4 years, and let me tell you, I would not go through it again. It was not the actual process that was painful, because the area (behind my ankle on the inside) was numbed with lidocaine first, it has been the recovery that is painful. The Dr. told me that once the initial scab bubbled-up and came off, that I would see approximately 60% of the ink removed and that in 3 or 4 months we would most likely have to do the procedure again. It has been just over a month, and the good news is that 100% of the ink is gone, but the bad news is that I am now left with a 1.5mm deep, raw, red, secreting indention in my skin that looks like someone carved it away with a knife. When I went to see the doctor recently to make sure that it was not infected, HE was shocked, and said that this was not what it was supposed to look like, and at that point, didn't really seem to know what to do to treat it. He ended up prescribing me some VERY expensive cream called Regranex (thank god my insurance covered it...over $500 for a small tube), that when I picked up the prescription, the materials say that it is made to treat people with lower leg ulcers resulting from diabetes. The other thing is that, even after all of this, he didn't even make me set another appointment to check and see how it is healing. He told me to, "Keep him posted and let him know how it goes." Can you believe that? The recovery is taking a long time and has definitely put a cramp in my lifestyle. Because the tattoo was in an area of my foot that is constantly moving, I was walking with a limp for about 3 weeks and had to wear all flat shoes with no backs, as to not touch the area. It wasn’t until this past weekend that I was able to jog again (with new special tennis shoes that I can slide into and have no backs), but I paid for it later. Forget swimming or doing anything that may result in infecting the area. Needless to say, I am going to see a dermatologist this week for a second opinion. What's done is done, and now all I can do is find the best treatment to lessen the scar that is sure to form. I'd love to hear from others who have had the Rejuvi method of tattoo removal.

Answer by Steph
Submitted on 5/11/2004
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As I had mentioned before, I bought a 6 months supply of TatBGone. I've been using it religiously about 3 weeks now. Sometimes I forget to wait 10 minutes for the 2nd step to dry. I don't know if it makes too much of a difference. On step 2, you can really smell the hydroquinone in it. Since hydroquinone is a proven method for skin lightening, I think I made the right decision in buying the TatBGone cream. Believe it or not, I see my tattoos becoming more dull. I don't know if it's actually lightened of not, but I do finally see a LITTLE change. Plus, my skin surrounding the tattoo has not changed too much. It's only been three weeks, and I'm still 1/2 way into my first month's supply. I'll continue to post updates as I begin to see more results. Good luck everyone!

Answer by InFlames
Submitted on 5/11/2004
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Ok, I have just ordered the TatBGone - stuff (4months supply), because some of the people in this forum seems to be believable when they says it works. BUT: Am I the only one here that gets anxious when reading posts saying "Oh I finally got my promotion, the tattoo is now gone after using tatbgone, the product is excellent bla bla bla"? I think some of the posts are from the company-employees, promoting their product (like Darlenes post, I always get susoicious when the post starts with "I finally got my promotion". Ha ha, what a load of crap!). So you people from TatBGone, if you are here, try to make your posts less obvious, some of us are actually interested in seeing if this product works, but reading your obvious posts makes us less eager. Well, I`ll try to take before and after pics on my small black`n greys, and post them. If this stuff is a hoax, it will be out in the open soon.

Answer by InFlames
Submitted on 5/12/2004
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Well Darleen, if you are for real, I apologize. It was not meant as slandering, but on the TatBGone site all the ads start with "Ahh, I finally go my promotion. I am soooo thankful for getting rid of my tattoo...". Well, if it worked, nothing makes me happier (I have ordered the stuff). What makes me feel uneasy are all the "happy-posts" on this site regarding this product, and they all start with "I finally got my promotion..." - and I suspect some of them are from the tatbgone-people. To those people: I have nothing against a little sneaky promoting of the product, but please make those posts a little less obvious. Perhaps you should take another nightcourse in PR? I was wrong in mentioning your nickname Darleene, because you could of course be for real. Do you have any photos of your tattoo to post (on the website, if you take a close look, you can still see a little bit of remains of the tattoo). Good luck on the removal everyone. And Marilie, if it doesnt work, I can recomment laser removal, I have had some lasering done on a tatto which was poorly done, and needed to be lightened up in some places before it could be fixed. It is expensive, yes, but its not any more painful than getting the tattoo in the first place, and it does work.

Answer by marilie
Submitted on 5/13/2004
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Darlene, i'm sorry that you felt slandered. it's really not about you. it's about having something permanent on your body that (for various reasons) you don't want anymore. it's about the anxiety of getting this thing off you and not wasting a fortune in the process. the encouraging posts that i have read on this website are the reason why i decided to purchase tatbgone. i am so glad to know that you are real person with real results. i still check this site (even though i am currently using tatbgone) to keep hope alive. i hope to be tat free some day just like you. InFlames, did you have any scarring from the laser procedure? i've read so much mixed information about the procedure. most sites say that scarring is inevitable.

Answer by InFlames
Submitted on 5/13/2004
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Hey Darlene. Well, the skin doesn`t really scar, but becomes "crocodile-like" afterwards...(in lack of a better word). In my case that doesn`t matter so much, because I didn`t want to remove it, just lighten it up so that I could put the right color in (it was a coverup tattoo,I had some amateurish tats from when I was 17, and the coverup didn`t cover it completely). I guess "crocodile-like" skin is inevitable, but the skin heals/reproduce itself with time. The thing with laser is that the results may vary a lot from person to person. Some people experience great results on 2-3 treatments, removing the tat completely withou scarring, whereas others experience scarring and incomplete removal (the older the tat is, the harder it is to remove). Well, what you can do of course, is to try the tatbgone first, see if it lightens it (or maybe even remove, who knows, maybe it actually works =o), and then do some laser, if its not gone. Good luck. I`m expecting the tatbgone any day now. Btw, does anyone here know any site that I can post pictures of before/after on?

Answer by adz
Submitted on 5/13/2004
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yes laser does cause some change in skin texture. ive had only 2 sessions done so far and already i notice my skin is rougher and more scaly feeling than the surrounding skin. it really sucks having to go through this, im hoping my supply of tatbgone is actually doing something to help the process - im using it in between laser treatments once the wound has healed. i would really appreciate if anyone who really has used the cream to post their results - it really does seem like those saying positive things about the product are fake.. as someone above was saying, the wording of these posts is just too obvious to make it real.. i mean come on people its not even written in conversational english most of the time and instead ends up sounding like an ad! sorry to those of you who are real (if you are!), but you have to understand that it DOES look suspicious. maybe some pictures would help if you had any?

Answer by marilie
Submitted on 5/15/2004
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buyer beware: i too ordered dermasal before i found this website. after reading more information about the company and salabrasion, i decided not to use the product. i actually tried to cancel my order. i left several messages with the 800# and none of them were returned. i even tried emailing them. all of these factors played into my decision not to use the product. i mean they should have at least returned my phone call or responded to my emails, right? when i received my dermasal kit in the mail a CHEESY, POORLY DONE brochure was enclosed that explained that they want you to try the product first before they will refund your money. luckily i only purchased a one month supply. i waited my thirty days and called the number on the cheesy brochure. i actually did get a live person that provided me with the refund information and confirmed the return to address. i am somewhat encouraged that i may actually get my money back, but we'll have to see. it's supposed to take 15 days after they receive it. i will let you know how it turns out. these stupid tattoos and the things we do...DOAH!

Answer by missmandy
Submitted on 5/18/2004
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About Tatgoneink, I had my first treatment done (on several old tats)at the very end of March, and yes, there is a hard shell that has to stay on the treated area for about 2 weeks. I think it is a small price to pay, to finally remove these ugly tattoos! I am very satisfied with my results. The tattoos are faded, and they continue fading...and they are even gone in some small spots. I am definately going to get another treatment, and I honestly believe the second treatment will remove the rest of the ink. My skin is healing perfect with no scars. I am going on a cruise to the bahamas for the fourth time, and this time I will finally be wearing my bikini, and nothing else!! :D I am very happy I decided to try this product. By the way I am an everyday person, 26 F (I clean offices for a living) I don't work for the company. I am just posting my story because I also looked for sooo long. I hope this helps.

Answer by armysevoflurane
Submitted on 5/19/2004
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I recommend people take a look into the infrared coagulator for tattoo removal. It will soon revolutionize the tattoo removal field. It is roughly 50 dollars per treatment and up. 50 dollars normally covers about 8 square inches. This involves using infrared heat or coagulation of the tattoo ink and similar to a lazer, but less painful because the area is injected with a local anesthetic prior to the procedure. The process "melts" the ink with heat, unlike the lazors which "break apart" the ink. Anyway, it works on ALL types of ink and was pioneered by Dr. Tolbert Wilkerson out of San Antonio, TX, who is a plastic surgeon, and a worldwide respected plastic surgeon. Normally, 3 treatments completely removes the tattoo, but sometimes, it requires as many as 6. This method was done in Europe in the early 90's and caused bigtime scarring. Wilkerson perfected the method by adjusting the heat used in relation to a person's skin type, and most importantly, the aftercare of the wound with bigtime, and I mean, bigtime compression wraps such as coban or ace bandages that have to be worn for 1 month after the procedure and taken off seldom during this month. This has minimized scarring dramatically. I recommend going to his website. Do a keyword check of "infrared coagulator Dr. Wilkerson" and you will see a link. No, I am not a "worker" of the guys company or anything like that. The guy is a multimillionare and in his late 50's I believe. He doesn't need more money or someone to advertise for him on a tattoo website for God's sakes. I am simply trying to help folks out because I'm in the military, and was stationed in San Antonio and he did my procedure. I had 3 treatments of a 24 square inch tattoo on my left deltoid(6 x 4 inches). It is 50% faded, but I have literally green, yellow, blue, red, and fl flourescent in the tattoo. As for scarring, yes, some, but very, very minimal and not elevated or raised scarring from the skin. I plan to go back next month for number 4. Anyway, let me say that I used Tat B Gone for 3 months and had about 10% fading on my tattoo. To say it doesn't work may be an overstretch, but to say it works completely may be one as well. But, in truth, I did see some fading of the tattoo within about a 90 day timeframe. Best of luck to all, but at least take a look at the infrared coagulator. It's booming in South America and inner city areas particularly due to its cheap cost and "fast" rate of removal and high level of tattoed people in S. America and the inner city areas. Research on the infrared coagulator is out there, but has still received slow success for funding. Why? Because a plastic surgeon or dermatologist can make a ton more removing tattoes via laser which costs thousands for the machine versus the low cost infrared coagulator machine.

Answer by BabyGirlJ
Submitted on 5/20/2004
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I got a 3x2 bumblebee fairy woman done in mexico about 9 months ago. I really HATE this tattoo like many of you on this message board. I gave been looking into every possible way to get this thing removed but i dont know what to do. This message board helped a lot but also may have confused me even more. I was really thinking about getting TatgoneInk done but now i dont know. I'm just so scared of the scars!! I went and talked to the doc about Laser, but that wont work well on my tat since there are lots of Yellows, blues and purples (which are the hardest to remove with laser --as she said "almost impossible"). I guess i might try tattoo-off or tatbgone. Someone said that they basically have the same ingredients so i dont know i guess its a toss up. But Please if someone has pictures please email them to me (xxbabyjameexx@yahoo.com). I'm desperate and i just really want to get rid of this tat without leaving a scar.

Answer by InFlames
Submitted on 5/22/2004
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Ok, I`v e been using tatBgone for about 10 days now. Sometimes I think it looks like the tats are becoming duller, other times I think it may be that my eyes are playing tricks on me. I did take before-pics thoough, and will be posting before-after pics in 3 months. Some of the people that have participated in this forum says that tatbgone really works, and I`m getting more and more curious (I know I will find out for sure in the coming months, but I dont want to wait...) Darlene, Playmate, Brian, do you have any pics you could post? Doesn`t even have to be before-pics, I just want to see that areas that you have used tatbgone on (on the companies site there are still remnants of the tat).

Answer by adz
Submitted on 5/22/2004
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InFlames, the pics on tatbgone and tattoo off's sites are fake... if you look carefully you can see they were done using paintshop pro or adobe photoshop or some similar program. look at the texture of the skin in the shots where the tattoo has been "removed" and you will see that it looks like an edited image. this of course doesnt mean the creams dont work, but then why would they put fake pictures on the site if it really did work? i thought i noticed some fading with tatbgone too, but since im also getting laser i cant really judge too well what fading is due to laser and what is due to tatbgone. i'll be very interested to see how you go with yours, and how others went as well

Answer by Petey
Submitted on 5/23/2004
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Jo, if you want to take the laser removal route, you can't beat bodian dermatology. I've checked out a lot of places and they probably have the lowest prices. I had two tattoos lasered for $300.00 per session. Its a pretty good price but still expensive, especially when you have to go for multiple sessions. That's why I've been trying to find other methods. I'm curious as to how much the infrared coagulator costs. I've read that its less expensive than laser and it takes fewer sessions to remove the tattoo. I'm still trying to find more information on it but there' not much out there. By the way, both tatink gone and rejuvi procedures are extremely expensive. I just brought a bottle of fading creme from Walgreens with 2% hydroquinone. I'm going to see whether this works on my tattoos. I've tried the tatbgone on and off and can't tell whether its fading my tattoos. I'm pretty impatient and the three step procedure is really a nuisance to me.

Answer by Petey
Submitted on 5/24/2004
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Apparently the infrared coagulator procedure is more expensive that laser. I was pretty disappointed by the news. The closes place that does this from where I live is in NJ. I think I'llpass. By the way, I tried the fading cream with hydoquinone for the last couple of days and it seems to be fading my tattoo. Of course, it could also be my eyes playing tricks on me. I'm going to stick with this for a while longer. It couldn't work any worst that the tatbgone since both use hydroquinone as their main ingredient. To tell you the truth, I think if tatbgone actually works, it'll probably be a result of the hydroquinone. I think the other two steps are useless and are included to get people to buy their product for the ridiculous prices that they're charging. I'm going to bet that some person found that hydroquinone can fade tattoos and tried to find a way to make a buck out of it by making it into a three step procedure. If you don't want to get rip off, just go to your local Walgreens or CVS and pick up a jar of fading cream for 4.00. It's more concentrated and will probably last longer.

Answer by InFlames
Submitted on 5/25/2004
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Petey, if it`s the hydroquinone (solely) that is doing th bleachin, ordinary hydroquinone wouldn`t work, I think. The reason is that the hydroquinon has to someway make it thru the upper layers of the skin to reach the dermis, where the ink is. I think this is what the step one cream is supposed to do, somehow "open up the pores in the skin", or something like that. There is a "sandlike" component in the step one-cream, and when i massage it in firmly, the skin becomes a little redish. Then I rinse and apply step 2, wait 10 mins till its dry, apply step 3 and wait till its dry, then put my clothes on. Only been using it 2 weeks, nothing much has happened yet, but sometimes I think the tat looks more "blury". I noticed this, however, only after a few days of using it, and since then, it doesn`t look to how blurred/faded much more. Like I said earlier, I have taken before pics. Anyone here further into the treatment, seeing anything? (And I need to see pics, just testimony like "oh, I finally got my promotion blah blah blah" doesn`t do it, it could be the company`s people talking). Pics please?

Answer by bohemian
Submitted on 5/25/2004
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THANK YOU THANK YOU SADE. I WAS WONDERING WHEN THAT POINT WOULD BE BROUGHT UP.HYDROQUINONE IS FOR LIGHTENING PIGMENT BUT THE BODY PRODUCES IT CONTINUOULSY(UNLESS YOUR MR. JACKSON..BAD JOKE I KNOW)SO THEREFORE IT IS A PERMANENT INK REMOVAL. I AM A COSMETOLOGIST SO I HAVE PRETTY GOOD BACK GROUND IN COSMETIC INGREDIENTS. THE GOOD AND THE FAKE.I WENT THROUGH EVERY Tat Be Gone INGREDIENT,AND CAME UP WITH THIS CONCLUSION.THE FIRST STEP IS A GLORIFIED (EXPENSIVE )APPRICOT SCRUB.STEP 2 HAS THE ACTIVE INGREDIENTS THERE IS MORE THAN HYDROQUINONE THAT MAKES IT WORK THE WAY IT DOES.STEP 3 A MOISTURIZER.QUITE SIMPLY. I HAVE DEVISED MY OWN TAT REMOVAL SYSTEM THAT I HAVE USED FOR 3 MONTHS NOW WITH EXCELLENT RESULTS AND ALOT CHEAPER TOO! LOOK UP INTAGLIO.IT IS A PROFESSIONAL SKIN CARE LINE.WITH MUCH HIGHER QUALITY INGREDIENTS THAN TATBGONE.(NO I DON'T WORK FOR INTAGLIO)YOU CAN GET A EXFOLLIATING BRUSH AND BUY A CHEAP APRICOT SCRUB@ THE DRUGSTORE TO "PREP" THE SKIN. YOU MUST EXFOLLIATE 2X A DAY. APPLY THEIR SKIN LIGHTENING GEL DROPS. ADD MOISTUREIZER. DONE. THEIR PRODUCTS CONTAIN AHA GLYCOLIC ACID THAT HELP WITH THE REMOVAL OF SKIN CELLS, BUT IN A MORE GENTLE WAY THAN DERMABRASION.AND NO SCARRING.IT WILL TAKE TIME SO BE PATIENT AND DO IT MORNING AND NIGHT.I AM MORE IMPRESSED WITH THE QUALITY OF THIER PRODUCTS THAN ANY ONE ELSE. THEY DO NOT ADVERTIZE TAT REMOVAL OR EVEN PROMOTE IT. THEY CAN BE FOUND ONLINE FOR DISCOUNT PRICES I BELIEVE(I ORDER THROUGH A SUPPLIER) THERE IS NO DISCOLORIZATION OF THE SURROUNDING SKIN AND IF THERE IS A BIT IT IS ONLY TEMPORARY. MY TAT SCARRING (RAISED BUMPS)IS ALMOST GONE NOW AND MY ONE TAT IS 3/4 FADED AND THE OTHER ONE 1/4. ONE WAS ALOT OLDER AND ONLY BLACK INK. THE OTHER BLUE/RED TOUCHED UP2X UGG!THE WORST TO GET RID OF.I WILL POST PICS WHEN THERE IS A BIT MORE FADING .I DIDN'T THINK TO GET PICS UNTIL I WAS A MONTH OR SO INTO THE PROCESS. SO I WANT THEM TO BE DRAMATIC.

Answer by BOHEMIAN
Submitted on 5/28/2004
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Hi.to explain this in pin staking deatail would take too much time and space. so i will sum it up the best that i can. first~the first step is just an appricot scrub. the idea is to "rough up" the suface to "prime" the skin to absorb what is going to be put on in step 2. second~in step 2 there are a couple ingredients like steareth21=itis a detergent like compound to again "rough"up the skin.Salicylic acid is an exfollient and also antimicrobial.(preservative) The combination of these ingredients is what makes the hdriquinone more effective. it not the hydroquinone itself alon. Itis a process. Thirdly~ the last step is a moisturizing cream, and from the looks of the ingredients not a very good quality one somew of the ingredients are known acne causers. Now with that all said I am not nocking tat be gone at all. it will work i am just saying that htere are other thingw out there and i am not comfortable with thier ingredients quality. What we put on our skin is absorbed into our system, and ugly tats that i regret or not. i don't whant to wreck my body further. I am not terribly computer litterate as far as posting stuff. i couldn't figure it out. But i did open a yahoo account to anyone whho whanted a tat pic. just email me and i will forward a pic to you. just for the record i am very embarrased about these tats and rarley show any one! www.namebrandbeauty.com carries intaglio products at reduced prices.i recommend get an exfolliating brush / glycolic lightening gel-15/and a moisturizer that fits your budget. of course i like thiers because thier moistur nightcream has a glycolic acid 15% contet to further slough off those pesky skin cell that are holing that ink in their. in flames/petey hope this helps you. babygrilj.yes you could in theary just use step 2 and devise your own exfollient and moisturizer.

Answer by BOHEMIAN
Submitted on 5/28/2004
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Hi.to explain this in pin staking detail would take too much time and space. so i will sum it up the best that i can. first~the first step is just an apricot scrub. the idea is to "rough up" the surface to "prime" the skin to absorb what is going to be put on in step 2. second~in step 2 there are a couple ingredients like steareth21=it is a detergent like compound to again "rough"up the skin.Salicylic acid is an exfolliant and also antimicrobial.(preservative) The combination of these ingredients is what makes the hydoquinone more effective. it not the hydroquinone itself alone. It is a process. Thirdly~ the last step is a moisturizing cream, and from the looks of the ingredients not a very good quality one some of the ingredients are known acne causers. Now with that all said I am not knocking tat be gone at all. it will work i am just saying that there are other thing out there and i am not comfortable with thier ingredients quality. What we put on our skin is absorbed into our system, and ugly tats that i regret or not. i don't want to wreck my body further. I am not terribly computer litterate as far as posting stuff. i couldn't figure it out. But i did open a yahoo account to anyone who wanted a tat pic. just email me and i will forward a pic to you. just for the record i am very embarrassed about these tats and rarely show any one! www.namebrandbeauty.com carries intaglio products at reduced prices.i recommend get an exfolliating brush / glycolic lightening gel-15/and a moisturizer that fits your budget. of course i like thiers because thier moisture nightcream has a glycolic acid 15% contet to further slough off those pesky skin cell that are holing that ink in their. in flames/pesky hope this helps you. babygrilj.yes you could in theory just use step 2 and devise your own exfollient and moisturizer.

Answer by db1024
Submitted on 6/2/2004
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Hi all. 1st let me say that my husband has been using the tatbgone religiously since May 4th and we THINK we see some fading occurring. Some of the areas that had light shading/light lines seem to be getting lighter and the overall tattoo seems duller. But of course it's still too soon. It seems to me that Bohemian is definitely on the right track...in fact I tried to post on the 25th to tell Petey to go get some apricot scrub at the pharmacy since it was so similar to the step one in tatbgone. My husband and I had pretty much determined that step one was apricot scrub (and Petey it does open the pores and scrub off any dead skin cells on the surface) and step two was hydroquinone and step 3 was simply moisturizers, so I went out and bought some apricot scrub and fading cream and my husband has already started working on another separate tattoo using that method (sure would be nice if this $10 method works)In fact the apricot scrub is better than the step 1. (maybe this explains why they can't patent anything, it's all already on the market!) BJS: Try using cocoa butter on the area where the stitches are and it may reduce some of the scarring. Darlene (or anyone who's used tatbgone with success) Does any of this "think it's fading" sound familiar to you when you did this? How long did it take before you knew for SURE? I'd be happy with some after photos as well. Please post and give us all some hope!!! I will continue to keep you posted.

Answer by sunpharee
Submitted on 6/3/2004
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well..I have been using the dermabrasion cloths I bought on ebay and drug store bought 2% hydroquinone for about 2 wks when these pics were taken, http://photos.yahoo.com/corcunningham the first 3 are before and the rest after. To be honest, I didn't think it was doing anything and I quit my method, but I went back and looked at the pics, it looks like the blues and greens got a lot lighter in just that short amount of time. I think I'll keep on doing it and take more pics to see if its not just my camera playing tricks on me. At least until I can resume laser treatment after the baby is born. After scrubbing with the cloth, my skin over the tats get flaky for a few days, almost a little crust forms over it, I guess a really light scab, but not enough to leave a scar I don't think...(and I scar easy) well, hope this helps someone :) I have some tatgone ink, I bought it cuz hubby has a tattoo gun, we've used it twice and I don't know how much is left...but if anyone wants to make me an offer before I put it up on ebay... sunpharee@yahoo.com let me remind everyone the tatgoneink is the stuff that caused the scarring on me, but in all fairness, I picked at it.

Answer by Tatbgone
Submitted on 6/5/2004
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Greetings to everyone in the forum! I found this forum probably like everyone else here, trying to get some solid info on how to effectively remove a tattoo - right? My tattoo is a "Black Panther" 7in. long & 3in. wide. It was put on in January 1980 at "Fay's Tattoo Parlor" in Waynesville Mo., during my training in the US Army. It has faded naturally since that time. It originally was all black with red "scratch marks" that could be felt for at least the first two or three years, and red eyes and mouth, but the color faded out years ago... On May 6, 2004, I ordered a "Trial Version" of Tat B Gone for $65.00. I have been using it for three weeks now. I started to see very minor results in just one week after using it. Now after three weeks of use, I can see that it is "fading". In some places like the outline around the feet and in the center where there are sparse areas of ink, it is starting to fade pretty well. I have only missed two applications (not concurrently) but it is still fading more and more with each passing week. I have taken pics before using it, and every week since. I will continue to do so until it is completely gone. Tonight, I ordered a 4 month supply. I am that confident it will completely remove it all. I estimate that by the end of the year it "could" be completely gone. That's six more months. The depth and type of ink that was used I'm sure is different that what is being used today. I don't know if it is a positive or negative, all I know is that I can see a very noticeable difference. I am glad that I took a chance on Tat B Gone. I waited nearly a year before I actually ordered it, due to being out of work and on a tight budget and all. You all can draw you own conclusions...I am using it and I can honestly tell all of you that it is definitely doing something that can be seen. I realize that it will take time, but it will be gone within a year of everyday use. Just reading what you all have stated makes perfect sense. I would be cautious too and have been myself. Who wants to be scammed? Not me! When I have been using it for 3 months I would like to post the pics for you all to see, then you can make your own decision to try it out. I have had absolutely no problems of any kind with the system. It is very easy and fast to use. It even smells ok too! I wish you all success in losing your tat's!

Answer by Tatbgone
Submitted on 6/6/2004
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haste wrote: "hmmm? Not more tat b gone sales reps" adz wrote: "man that is SO obviously an ad for the product... you'd think they would be able to do a better job than that" ============================================ I don't care how skeptic you two are. . . I am just a person trying to loose a tattoo that I no longer want, and thought that I'd share my experience with the product with those that were interested in it, because like yourselves, they are weary of getting scammed as I am too. If this is going to be the tone of this forum, then I will gladly move on and not share my progress with those that share your perspectives. I don't need to defend my own experience to paranoid skeptics like you two. . .

Answer by InFlames
Submitted on 6/7/2004
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adz, I was curious about that too, but I read an interesting post by a chemistry student (further up the thread). If it is true that the "step 1" actually opens up the skin, then the "temporary effect" of TatBGone shouldn`t matter, because the temporary effect is only due to the fact that the body`s pigment grows back. Hydroquinone was originally used to bleach bad pigmentation of the skin (like liver spots and such, I assume). Now, if the pigmentation is "put" into the skin artificially (as in the case of tattoos), the temporary aspect of hydroquinone should`nt matter. The ink cant grow back, once it has been removed. Therefore, the only thing I`m curious to, is whether the "step 1" actually opens the skin up enough to get the active stuff down in there, and whether hydroquinone actually is able to break down ink as it does with other pigmentation. Well, I`ll find it out soon, I`v e been using it for over a month now, and well, my eyes could be playing tricks on me, but I think I may see some more bleaching going on (jjust not as much as I had hoped...). Hey you, the guy (or girl) calling him/herself tatbgone, do you have any pictures to post, so we can see your progress?

Answer by Tatbgone
Submitted on 6/8/2004
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InFlames wrote: "Hey you, the guy (or girl) calling him/herself tatbgone, do you have any pictures to post, so we can see your progress?" ============================================ Not at this time. I am using a 35mm camera that has to be developed in a lab. I have taken two pics over two weeks and I am ready to take a third tomorrow. I started with a new roll of film and don't want to waste it just to post 4 pics, I'm sure you understand. . . I will post my progress as soon as the roll is used up. I don't want to get scammed by this company, as you all don't either! From what I can see, it seems to have "lightened" the areas where the ink is not so concentrated, and in the areas where the ink is highly concentrated, it seems to be "punching" tiny holes into the ink, as if it is starting to "erode" the ink. The tail on my panther tattoo was very black when I first got it, but as I stated in my first post, having my tattoo for nearly 25 years, it has faded due to doing construction outside in the sun and normal fading. By the way, to answer your other question, I am a man. Like all of you, I hope that this is not just a "bleach job", because I just ordered my first 4 month supply after trying the "Trial Kit". So I have a vested interest in the final outcome of Tat B Gone. Believe me, if it is a scam, I certainly will let all of you know about it! There is strength in numbers and I won't be taken for a fool or allow myself to get scammed by this company if they don't deliver! But remember this, there is no guarantee that laser removal, chemical or any other tattoo removal methods will work 100%! Each individual may get a better result than the next person. I figure after using it for a total of 5 months, it should give me a clear indication if it's legit or a farce. When I develop my pics, I will post them for you all to see what it is doing for me. Good luck!

Answer by db1024
Submitted on 6/8/2004
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Jo: That's terrible news, but if it's the truth I guess we'll all have to face it soon enough! But we will continue until we run out of tat b gone and the other products we bought and make a decision from there. InFlames: I did take some pictures back in early May but when I went back to do a 1 month comparison I was not happy with two of the photos. The flash created somewhat of a glare on his skin so it was hard to see (they didn't look bad on the camera but when I downloaded to the computer it was more obvious) So I took some over when I was taking before pictures for the tats he's working on using the $10 method. So two of the befores are 1 month into treatment, but overall if this stuff works they will serve their purpose and I do plan to post pics at some point. Probably around the same time as you. Also, the apricot scrub does a much better job of "roughing up" the skin, it's much more textured than the step 1 product. You should try it in addition to the step 1...that doesn't make me a sales rep for apricot scrub does it? :o) (sorry, couldn't resist, there's so much skepticism in this forum, but it's completely understood)

Answer by blueone
Submitted on 6/8/2004
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Thank you guys! I confirm again that researching is best when skeptical of Internet ads. I have a small cosmetic tattoo on my eyebrow I want gone, but did not want to resort to high cost lasers as the first step(although most promising). Instead, I've tried a tattoo removal solution 5 years ago (I don't remember the name now, but it works like tatgoneink), but like others I was left with a very thick scar that did not go away for at least two weeks and it left the skin scarred and hypo-pigmented. Yes the tattoo is gone (on smaller "test" area I've treated), but basically the solution removed past mid reticuler dermis (deeper part of skin) and I've got scar tissue raised up instead. On a good lighting & makeup I guess you can't really notice the small scar now, but on sunlight the scar is definitely noticeable in color and texture difference. Basically a chuck of skin was lifted off and healed with scar. Needless to say, I've never treated the full area due to long down time and in fear of further scarring. This forum saved me money that I almost spent on the Tat b gone under "what the heck" approach, but now I find the product as a definite scam in marketing (especially on price) on little potential benefit of hydroquinone and minor medical principle of skin healing. I've tried many different hydroquinone products in the past for treating minor skin discolorations, and NO it doesn't erase even the faintest freckles but it does fade JUST-a-tiny-bit if you're REALLY faithful in daily regime. I highly and completely doubt that it'll erase tattoo as the only active ingredient, which I find out on this forum (what a disappointment). They even seem to have collaborated scam link that advertise the cream as if non-involving party (please~). Judge it for yourself, but that link actually made me a doubter leading me to further search to this forum. https://www.host-manager.com/stores/tattooremovalinstitutecom/default.asp?pageid=23425 Anyhow, for those who have experienced benefit - congratulations - but I'd rather save myself hundreds of dollars and invest on a good scrub (removes extra surface skin for best product absorption), 2% hydroquinone (strongest over-the-counter strength since higher concentration shows carcinogenic evidence, but I've even tried 4% prescribed without much luck on minor skin discoloration), and some moisturizer or petroleum jelly (moist environment helps wound healing). Then your skin MIGHT regenerate itself enough to somewhat fade some of the lighter very surface amateur tattoos. The deeply embedded tattoo ink that goes all the way down to the dermal layer, I'm afraid, will never be reached by hydroquinone applied at epidermis - so definitely save yourselves from spending ridiculous amount of money tat b gone or other manufacturer charge to innocent hopeful people. I wish all of you the greatest of luck, and I hope this posting helps some people to make best decision for yourself.

Answer by InFlames
Submitted on 6/9/2004
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db1024: Yes, I know, I`ve realised that if the point of the step1 is to rough up the skin, the apricot scrub in step1 isn`t very effective. I now use the roughest scrubbing cream I could find, a cocoanut-butter cream with grinded particles in it, which I use first, and then the step1 afterwards, then step2 and 3. The cocoanut-butter-cream is really rough, I rub it in hard, till my skin goes really red. I hope it helps. I think I`m seeing some more fading again, and like TatBGone over said, I now think I see some "puncturing" of the ink in the places where the black lines are. Another month/month and a half and I`ll post (the supply will only last 3 months in my case, as I have several small blackn`greys)

Answer by tathater
Submitted on 6/10/2004
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Thanks for all the info everybody. I think that I will try the fading cream method, prepping with a good soughing scrub. Bohemians post mentioned salicylic acid and its properties as an exfolient and microbial. There is a medicated apricot facial scrub by St. Ives that I have used that contains salicylic acid in addition to being a good rough scrub so I'm going to start with that. My tattoo is mostly black and I've had 3 laser treatments on it already that are working but I would like to try and find a more cost effective method. Ravenkaya - Don't worry that you're not seeing fading the day after the laser treatment and don't do anything crazy like scrubbing at the open wound! You will certainly risk scarring if you do. The breaking up by the laser of the ink happens right away but it takes time for your circulatory system to remove those particles through the blood stream. The most fading that I saw was about 3 months after my 3rd laser treatment.

Answer by Tatbgone
Submitted on 6/10/2004
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blueone stated some excellent points and the "non-involving party" web link is a joke. Ok, now I'm getting skeptical myself and I'm using the stuff right now! I just ordered a 4 month supply last week...this crap had better work! I do see some fading or what ever the heck you want to call it, but dang it, it seems that everytime I check back, there is new evidence that this company may be a ripoff! If it is a scam, I can only blame myself... Don't anybody buy anything until I finish my 4 month kit, that way none of you will be out of $189.00 + the $65.00 I spent on the "trial kit". Oh, by the way, I got my pics developed yesterday and they look like crap! My wife took the pics, but I don't blame her, I don't know why they look so blurry? I will have to try it again. Thanks for all of your input! Maybe the power of positive healing will make it go away?

Answer by Petey
Submitted on 6/12/2004
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The 4.00 jar of fading cream is working great for me. I pretty much smear a glob of it on the tattoo and cover it with a napkin and tape it up. The extra cream gets soaked up by the napkin and keeps the tattoo constantly covered by the cream over night. This works 10 times better than just putting a thin layer on. Anyway, I've only done it for a couple of weeks and I can see the fading. When it gets light enough, I'm going to put some wort remover (high % of salicylic acid) on my tattoo and hopefully it will take the rest of the ink off. I've done this once before on a smaller tattoo and it worked. However, I don't recommend using the wort remover on a solid tattoo that hasn't been faded because the amount of ink that it takes off is not noticeable.

Answer by missmandy
Submitted on 6/14/2004
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If Tatgone ink is applied by someone who is familiar with it, it shouldn't leave a scar. Now there could be a chance of maybe being allergic to the product, which maybe could leave scarring ( I'm not a professional, so I can't say for sure), if you pick at it, it will scar, just like picking at a big scab. From my paperwork, and talking to the professionals, I learned that it works by being injected into the ink area, then absorbing ink pigments, and the body rejects it. If the ink is dense, old, or deep, it may take a couple of treatments. As I stated before I had it done, and think I will only need one more treatment. My tats were over 10 years old done by a friend with a homemade gun ~EEK! You KNOW they were ugly, but I was very young. I would be skeptical of trying the fade cream, it seems to me like it works by slowly scrubbing of the layers of skin that contains the ink, but I haven't tried it, so I can't say.

Answer by missmandy
Submitted on 6/15/2004
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The cost (of tatgone ink) really depends on where you go, I got lucky and was a demo model for the company who owns the product. I found them at a tattoo convention, and I only had to pay the artist. It was $125. My tattoos were not huge (Biggest was about 3 sq. in.), and they contained no colors, just black, but they were DEEP, and DARK! The fading varied, I had soo many treated. One has areas that completely removed all of the ink, but they all are really alot lighter, and they keep fading over time. You have to wait until the skin is back to normal before you can go back in for another treatment. When it is first done, there will be a crust of the product that must stay on, and stay dry, it is ugly and itches like crazy! But you can't pick at it. Mine started falling off after a week. Then it will be red & shiny, you have to keep the skin moist with a product they will give you (aftercare). Keep in mind that nothing guarantees removal after the first time, not even expensive laser. Tatgone is supposed to work on all ink colors equally.

Answer by Yesi
Submitted on 6/15/2004
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Hey, I have been using the tatbgone, so far it is fading my tattoo, is not an overnight thing, but I am sure it is going to fade, no scars, no skin discoloration. I know the price is high, and another thing, you have to be patience, I have a tattoo the size of the palm of my hand, and is only black, And it is fading! I don't use it everyday twice, ( sometimes I forget ) but I am sure that if I did it would fade faster. I have had my tattoos for eight years, and I am 24 !. I know that if I had them for 8 years, I will surely give tatbgone a 1 year chance ! I am sure it works ! And another thing , I wouldn't do laser, by the size of my tattoo, I know I wouldn't want a scar that big ! If some1 wants to try tatbgone I would encourage you to do so!

Answer by Steph
Submitted on 6/15/2004
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Hi All, I'm back to give you guys an update of what I've noticed so far. I've been almost using it for about 2 months now, and I'm also in that mode where I "think" it's working too. I totally agree with all of you about the scrub though. It just feels like it's not getting deep down enough, so this is what I've started doing. I bought one of those nail bristle brushes at any drug or grocery store....The ones that you usually use to clean your nails, and after I apply Step 1, i use the brush to gently scrub it in a little more so the skin turns red. I'm hoping that'll help get Step 2 into the skin a little more. Sometimes, I don't think it's working at all, but maybe it's because my tattoos are black. For sure, I notice it get much lighter after i put Step 3 on it. (Maybe because the cream is so thick). I think after I'm finished with my 6 month's supply, I'm going to go the Medicated Apricot Scrub and Hydroquinone. From what I hear, Hydroquinone is commonly used for pregnant woman who is going to hormonal changes where certain parts of their skin is a little darker than they'd want it. Your doctor can prescribe this to you, and it is WAY more concentrated. Also, if anything happens, at least your doctor is aware of it, and can monitor it for you. I won't take pictures for another month. By then, I hope I'll see a more significant difference. Best of luck....

Answer by Petey
Submitted on 6/15/2004
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At this point, I am 100% positive that the fading cream that I brought from Walgreen's works. My tattoo is getting lighter. I would estimate that its faded by 10 to 15% percent. And this is from using it on and off. The fading cream that I'm using is called Palmer's Skin Success, Eventone fade cream. I got it for $4.00 and it came with a bar of soap. I though the soap away. Anyway, I don't think it matters what type of cream your using just as long as it says 2% hydroquinone. Also, I believe there are prescription creams with double the hydroquinone. I think the fading on my tattoo is working faster because of the way I'm applying it to my tattoo. Like I said before, I don't think it works as well if your putting just a thin layer on the tattoo. I don't like sleeping with a glob of cream on my tattoo and a napkin and tape wrapped around my arm, but it does seem to work really fast.

Answer by InFlames
Submitted on 6/18/2004
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Well, ok, yes, it may take up to 20 treatments to remove it, depending on colours and age. However, I wouldn`t compare laser to hydroquinone or tatbgone, because laser has a well-documented effect. I have had 2 laser treatments on parts of a tattoo that was poorly done, and that I want to fade down so it can be done the way it should have been done in the first place, and after 2 treatments half of the black ink is gone. It scarred/changed the skin-texture a bit though, and that was the part of laser treatment that I didnt like. I am now using tatbgone on that area + a couple of other small blackn`greys, and I can assure you all that it is no miracle cure. I THINK it works a little bit, but just a little bit. It looks to have faded a bit, but I have only been using it a month and a half. By the rate this is going, if it actually DOES work, it would take like 2 - 3 years to remove it with tatbgone (and I dont even think that it would remove it completely). Im gonna use it 1 1/2 month more, then post pics. The point I was trying to make is that laser has a well - documented effect, it has been used for tattoo removal by docs and dermatologists for many years. But there are side-effects of course, like scarring and an emptying of your wallet/bank account...=o( By the way: Has anyone here tried salabrasion/dermabrasion? Rubbing the skin with sandpaper, then putting some salt on the wound, leave it there for a few hours, then wash it off? I have heard that it may remove quite a bit of ink... Any thoughts?

Answer by Petey
Submitted on 6/22/2004
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I had some cracked lines and fading. You're not going to able to tell whether it's fading or not immediately after you stop using it because it'll be a tannish color. you're going to have to wait three or four days till the tannish color goes away to notice whether it's working or not. Even then, I don't know if you're going to notice that much of a difference since you're doing it to a solid tattoo. I had mine lasered three times before I tried the method. However mine wasn't that much faded from the laser treatments when I started the fading cream so you might be able to see a difference in the little time that you've used it. Anyway, I think my tattoo has been faded enough so I can use the wort remover to take the rest of my tattoo off. By the way, the best work remover that I've come across for this is Tinamed wart remover that I purchased from Walgreens.

Answer by Yesi
Submitted on 6/25/2004
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I was doing some research cause I read Pete's suggestion about a Walgreens cream, and I found something that has almost the same ingridients that TatBGone has. It is called Vita-K and also has 3 steps as TBG. It costs 20 U$S and it is sold at CVS pharmacy. I am almost done with my TBG supplies and I am going to try this thing for at least a month see what happens. I just read the ingridients out of my TatBGone and compared them to the ones listed in this Vita-K cream, It is almost the same, if you have the step 2 jar of TBG you can compare yourself. I am also going to try that Palmer's ... cream too. Pete, do you rub your tattoo with something before you put on the cream? . My tattoo is too big and I feel like it is never going to go away. Here is the link to the product at CVS.com, you can also find it is you search for Hydroquinone. http://www.cvs.com/CVSApp/cvs/gateway/detail?prodid=212763&previousURI=/CVSApp/cvs/gateway/search?ActiveCat=499^Query=hydroquinone^Click+to+go+to+search+results..x=15^Click+to+go+to+search+results..y=4 Is any of you afraid that in the long term this products may cause skin damage? I am , hopes nothing happens. Good Luck. Yesi

Answer by jayem
Submitted on 6/27/2004
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I've had 3 tattoos removed and I am now working on the 4th. The first 3 I had laser treatment which was AWFUL. It was painful, cost thousands of dollars and left me with no skin pigmentation and scars. For the 4th I decided to use Tat B Gone. What a joke. I used it for almost 2 years and THERE WAS NOT ONE TINY BIT OF FADING. I gave up and went back in for laser treatment. This time I went to a new place, had almost no pain and is MUCH less expensive than the fancy Santa Monica doctor I went to for the first 3. This is the second day after treatment and I was in yoga class this morning - stretching and bending with no pain in the tat area. Don't bother with the creams. They are a waste of time and money. If they do anything it will only be to bleach the top layer of skin - they cannot penetrate into the layers. Simply not worth it. We all make mistakes.....pull out your credit card and get laser treatment. Yes, it's an expensive mistake....but better than an unwanted tattoo that can cause embarrassment, shame and low self esteem!

Answer by Tara
Submitted on 6/29/2004
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I just bought TatBGone and I really hope it works! I have been using it for a few days, and I am anxious to hear how the other people on this forum who are using TatBgone are doing on it. I was also wondering if anyone using the same method as I am has any pictures!! I would like to see some pictures of real people using TatBgone, because I'm sure the ones on their website might be cover ups. Also, I was wondering if anyone using TatBgone has a lot of bright colors. In my tattoo I have bright pink, yellow, blue, green, red and purple. So I am wondering if anyone else has a lot of bright, dark colors and if they do and are using TatBgone, I was wondering if it was working! Thanks!

Answer by InFlames
Submitted on 6/29/2004
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Nope Truth Teller, Jayem is not full of bull. I`ve been using tatbgone for a while now. I bought the 4month-supply, and am done with 3/4 of it by now, and there has been almost-none/no fading. I took before pics, but I don`t think I`ll even bother posting them. At first I saw (a minimal) fading, I thought, but then it stopped, and has faded nothing or little since then. If theres any ink gone at all, I`d say it has to be something like 5% or less.TatBGone is a SCAM, or at least very close to it. I think that people still believe it works, because you actually DO see a slight fading at first, (+of course the fact that you will WANT to see it happening, you WANT to believe its true), but then, after 3,4,6 months, the tattoo is still there. After almost three months, the 3 small black`n grey tats I have been treating are still there, pretty much as black and grey as they ever were. The difference between TatBGone and laser is that laser has a WELLDOCUMENTED effect! - it actually removes ink (although is scars), whereas TatBGone is a shady, internetpromoted supposed "wondercream", and I`m inclined to put it right up there with penis-enlargenment-pills and diet-pills, at least when they promise that the tattoo will be REMOVED, instead of just slightly lightened up. And Allison, that site yyou are reffering to is old news (it has been mentioned previously in this thread), and it is obviously a scam, a site the tatbgone and tattoo-off company has made to promote their crappy product. THIS is the truth about TatBGone (truth teller,take it from someone who has tried the product): Yes, there is a slight fading of the tattoo, and this fading can be seen from very early on in the process, but then the fading completely stops (probably because the hydroquinone just bleaches the upper layer of the skin), and no matter how long you keep using it, the tattoo is not gonna lighten any more. Yup, thats my conclusion. I have half a jar left, gonna use it up (as I`m only lightening up for a coverup anyways, its not that important to me), then I`ll go have a dermatologist run over these little tats with a laser, then go get my coverup. I`m definitely done with TatBGone. People, dont waste ur money and time, go get laser.

Answer by Jbro
Submitted on 6/29/2004
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Here is a story that im sure will make all of you feel better about your situation! I have a full sleeve of ink from my elbow .. to my wrist .. going ontop of my hand.. it started out when I was about 16.. some so called 'friends' wanted to tattoo me with their rigged up machine.. and I was -very- heavily into drugs at that time.. so I let them do it.. well.. I went in for laser treatment about 2 years later.. I paid $25 for the lady to measure my arm, and $550 for the first treatment. It faded the indian ink markings left on my arm a little bit after healing for about a month.. and as time went by nothing else happened with it.. she used the Nidec YAG system (garbage! at least thats what i thought then).. so a different 'so called friend' talked me into getting it re-tattooed over after hours of her 'dragging it out of me'.. so i did.. im such a dumb ass.. but it doesnt end there.. the tattoo artist did a horrible job.. about a year later i went in and had it colored in.. and cleaned up trying to gain SOME sort of confidence in wearing short sleeves anywhere.. going swimming... whatever.. another huge f*cking mistake.. now If I go to get zapped anymore Im going to have to really shell out. I recently talked to the makers of the GentleLASE/YAG Laser. This is the same system used for HAIR removal. But.. its -very- powerful.. and very 'clean cutting'.. it completely removes the top layer of your skin in about dime sized shapes.. it hurts.. it really does.. I had a test spot done .. wasnt as bad as all the drilling done to my arm.. but it would be worth it.. well.. the only places (besides in CO and NY) that have this laser ARE in fact HAIR removal places.. Ive been talking on and off with a guy at a place right down the street from here about all of this (obviously).. ANYWAYS (sorry i know im skipping around to much).. a NURSE that i talked to at GentleLASE today gave me some very very interesting info.. There is only one real way for it to all work.. there is a power.. that is mixed with a cream similar to neosporin.. that has to be applied to the lazered area directly afterwords and left on and reapplied when it dries out for 5 days.. (you definelty have to have a dressing).. she also told me you cannot have more than a 2x2 in. area lazered with this system at one time.. because the risk of infection is very high.. and the risk of scarring for my situation is very likely.. well.. Im saving my pennies..doing everything I can to get them.. so I can have this treatment so I can once feel like a normal person again.. I am now 20 years old.. and have been dealing with this for 4 years.. and Im at rock bottom.. this processes is basically a skin bleaching.. I am 'white' .. so my arm may look normal again someday.. Its all been very depressing.. and nobody out there (until recently) has been compasonate enough to try and really help me.. they just want my money.. well there isnt much left.. heh.. and its very hard to get a good paying job in this world anymore with huge tattoos covering showing parts of your body even when i wear extra long sleeved shirts.. Trust me its not fun.. I think schools are doing a HORRIBLE job of informing teens of the bad things out there that will really mess up your life.. I went to a public school .. and was never ever once told how much it could affect my life.. like alot of other things.. Yeah .. I feel very stupid.. but anyways.. not trying to get away from the point of this message. Tatbgone, whatever.. may work if you apply it directly after lazer treatment.. especially using the GentleLase/YAG setup.. after just one treatment.. Im hoping it will.. if i ever get to that point. Good luck everybody and best regaurds. -JJ

Answer by Jbro
Submitted on 6/29/2004
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Another thing to add to my above post is.. also Hydroquinon my do a better job if applied directly after the lazer session.. the Lady at GentleLASE said the powDer (sorry about the confusion on that one) .. its very pricey.. and your basically bleaching your skin.. Another thing I want to clear up is the place that makes GentleLASE/YAG is called candella (www.candella.com) .. a canadian based company. (which btw im pretty sure canada offers this for free considering their free health care.. lucky them.. heh) And the place Ive been talking to the guy with a GentleLASE/YAG is not at candella.. its at a hair removal place.. and this is very risky of me.. considering he has never done it before.. he has only removed hair with it.. but im willing to do what it takes at this point.. Another thing.. the NiDec YAG laser just "raised" the top layer of skin at full power.. didnt make it loose and peel off .. When i had the test spot done with the GenteLASE/YAG the top layer of skin literally feel off on the spot.. Its been about 2 days since I had the test spot done.. and by friday he will know more about the cream.. if he is aloud to do it all.. and what it will all cost me if i take the chance of my arm blowing up with him.. heh .. and we dont even know yet if we can get the cream.. I thought about putting the hydroquinon on the spot but im just scared to use something not meant for internal use.. anyways.. im out.. peace, JJ

Answer by Petey
Submitted on 6/29/2004
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Man, I feel really bad about reading all these stories especially the last one. Makes you think how many people are regretting getting tattooed on a daily basis. I think it's alright if you're some kind of rock star or entertainer making huge amounts of money. if you ever regret it, you could always remove it. Anyway, there's a lot of tattoo places springing up these days and the pop culture is influencing kids at a very young and impressionable way that getting tattoos is a cool thing to do. It's pretty messed up to be getting tattooed when you're really young and could care less about what the world thinks. But when you become an adult, and start to understand that the world works really differently than how you thought, it could be really devastating. If I ever get rich or get into any position of power, I'm gonna try to set up a program where people who don't want their tattoo can get it removed. That last story sure bummed me out and I don't even know the guy. I worst part is that he's only 20. If I were you, I'd try to join the army and ask to see whether they could help you out. I'm sure they have connections to some kind of laser or whatever.

Answer by Tara
Submitted on 6/29/2004
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Hey everyone. I just wanted to let you guys who are using tatbgone, or anyone wondering about tatbgone, that I just wrote them an email because the skin around my tattoo is getting red and sore. I asked if this was normal and I also asked why they don't have a phone number. I added that this didn't look good on their part, and that I just spent almost 300 dollars on their products and have heard mixed reactions about their company and products. I said that if they did not email me back with a response I was going to let everyone who was wondering about their products know that and I was also going to report them to the BBB. I told them that I was not threatening them, but that I am just serious about getting good results from their products and I gave them business so I expect to have a response to my question. So I will keep everyone posted on whether or not I get a response.

Answer by JOSIE
Submitted on 6/30/2004
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Tara Id like to give you a pat on the back, fair play to ya. I hope you get a responce and let us know if they say anything. Ive been using TatBgone for the last two weeks and so far nothing is happening at all except that its a bit sore at times but I put it down to real hard scrubbing before applying step 2. And like you I have bright colours like pink, orang, light blue etc....., I would hate it so much if the stupid tattooist didnt make it so uneven. My 7 year old cousin would have done a better job. Remember we all in this together, we made a big mistake but hell to what we did. Us humans are put on this earth to do stupid things and many different ways. Us daft folk must try not to feel down about ourselves. GOOD LUCK

Answer by Jbro
Submitted on 6/30/2004
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yes we all definetly make dumb mistakes, and almost everybody out there that is -able- to help hasnt been through it and just wants to get rich off of people trying to once again for like a normal person. The lady from candella called me back today to tell me not to even get a test spot done with the lasers they use at the hair removal places.. because it isnt the right kind.. and she didnt even think about asking me where or what type modle of the gentle lase they were using.. well its a few days too late .. i already had several test spots done.. it hurts like hell.. its not healing.. the depression has been at least 500x worse than when i had my whole arm zapped with the right kind of lazer.. i wish the guy at the hair removal place owuld have warned me what could happen if its not the right kind of lazer.. and i wish he would have looked into it before he tried it on me.. Ive called several dermatologists all over the US in the past day or so.. all of them unfortunetly telling me that they think my best bet would be to have a skin graph.. ugh.. im not giving up on the lazering.. I am unemployeed and have been for some time now.. thinking about going to school for some time now.. but just dont feel comfortable.. now I understand why states like OK have completely banned tattooing.. I just wish there was a way .. I dont have any parents or family.. so im the last of the pick.. if anybody out there knows of anybody that can help me.. please let me know, .. im so tired of being so young and not being able to get anywhere in life.. and im about to recycle myself. peace jj

Answer by Tara
Submitted on 6/30/2004
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Hey guys. I just want to let you know that I got a response from TatBgone. They basically said that their products are hypo-allergenic, so redness is rare and it could be that I am scrubbing too hard. They also said that if I wanted a refund that I could get one. They didn't mention a thing about the question I had about why they didn't have a phone number, so I asked again. I thought that the remark about giving me a refund was a good sign. But then I got thinking and realized that they might be doing that because I threatened that if they didn't respond I was going to go to the BBB and give them a bad report. So they are either just trying to be nice and keep a customer satisfied, or they are trying to save their asses because they know they are fake, and by giving a refund to one customer beats a BBB report and a bad report to you guys on the forum. Let me know what you guys think about it!

Answer by Petey
Submitted on 6/30/2004
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Hey, Jbro, I'd seriously join the army if I were you. I'm sure while you're serving your country, you could probably get your tats removed from some army hospital base. If not, you could also save up that army money to get it removed bit by bit so when you get out, not only will you have some skills, you will also be tattoo-less (that is if you don't get anymore tattoos while in the army). And if you die in the army, your life wouldn't be a waste, because you'd be serving your country. You could also go to school and put 100% into getting a degree and graduating so you can get yourself a job that'll pay you enough to get your tats off. There are lots of things you could do. It takes sacrifice, but its not all that bad and neither is life. Just think, if you were able to turn your life from where you are now to being a successful person, you'd truly be a warrior. To give up without trying is cowardly.

Answer by C dizzle
Submitted on 6/30/2004
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hey guys.... first off, i tried petey's method for a week, and i have been off it for a week. since then, i have noticed "bb" sized spots on my tat that are fading out... completely. the hydroquinone DOES work, you just have to keep the tat saturated. On another note, i feel really bad for you guys that have full sleeves of tats, and regret your tattoos so much. personally, i think tattoos are still cool... just depends on what you get, where its positioned, and how well it's done. in my case, mine sucks all around... but luckily, i am able to have mine covered by a larger tat, which is much more attractive, and professionally done..... Tattoos are only big mistakes if you let them be.... and sometimes its not the tats that are holding you back from jobs or success, it's just you, and you're confidence issues. maybe you will never be president of Microsoft, but there are many opportunities for success everywhere. i'm sorry this is so drawn out, but point is... why hideously scar yourself, or waste vast amounts of money... just to have a tat removed? tats really are cool... just dont let your friend Zeke do them in his basement.... get them PROFESSIONALLY done. for example, dont go to a place that has "flash" on the walls... go to a place that employs ARTISTS, not just people with tat guns. also, in alot of cases, your tattoo is not as hideous to others, as it is to you. you just obsess about it too much.... letting it take over your life. MORAL of the story: forget paying for surgeries and scars, get a real ARTIST to hook up or cover your old tat, with something better. If you do keep trying to remove it... follow petey's method. that hydroquinone will work... over time.

Answer by Josie
Submitted on 7/1/2004
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Jbro I feel so sorry for you. Try not to do anything rash, I know how you feel, I had such a deep feeling of regret and its still lingering inside me now. I hated myself so much for setting foot in a tattoo parlour, I knew the risks, I knew there would be a chance I would regret it. So I ask myself WHY? I was told laser wouldnt work for me as I have all colours in it. I have to wear sleeved tops every day. Im using Tatbgone but im at the early stages to tell if anything is working. Its my only hope. If that dont work...........Im F***ed. I was getting silly thoughts in my head on how I could remove it myself. Its Bizarre. Remember Jbro, your'enot alone. x

Answer by Jbro
Submitted on 7/1/2004
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I definetly appriciate all of the support.. its really helps.. I found a tattoo parlor about an hour away.. just so happens to be the same city we are moving to in about a month.. the wife does the tattooing, and the husband does the removals (via laser) and peircings.. its very affordable.. because the area is a pretty low income area from what he told me.. im going to give it a whirl and see what happens.. hopefully i can at least get the darker colors out and just be left with some yellow spots on my arm.. i can go thru with this IF the places the guy (at that place i went to a few days ago) actually heal up .. it was pretty scary to be honest.. that laser was meant to burn hair off of skin.. and he turned it up higher than normal. .. and it burned my skin off in those places.. literally.. down to the third layer.. i have to admit seeing your third layer of skin is quite gruesome and scary.. anybody have any ideas on how i can get these areas to heal up good? (keep in mind these spots .. theres no more ink.. heh .. it worked just not how i wanted it to).. so i can have the areas around them lazered??

Answer by Yesi
Submitted on 7/2/2004
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I have been using TatBGone and it did some fading. I am now using the cream that Petey mentioned, and it did some fading too, but still my tat is there. I am unemployed right now too, so I am in no condition of spending $200 in another 4 months supplies of TBG, I am broke, he he. I would like to try laser, but is not only that I have no money, it is that I am so scared to get a huge scar in my back, that I don't know what to do. I am thinking about using the Palmer Hydroquinone cream for a while, I think that that may fade the ink a while and after that, if I take laser It won't take as many treatments. I think that might be a cool option too. As some one else said, I think that Tats are cool too, just depends on where you make them. If mine was a little bit more to the center of my back I wouldn't want to get rid of it, the problem is that if I wear sleeveless shirts it will show, and I hate having to wear shirts with sleeves when it is 95 degrees outside. And for those who are getting another tattoo over another one. I did that I have two tattoos done on the same area, one on top of the other, and two years later you can actually see both tattoos. So if you are getting that make sure that the second time the ink goes deeper than the first, I mean in the skin. Jbro, don't feel so bad, we all feel the same.

Answer by InFlames
Submitted on 7/4/2004
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Tara: I have used it for 3 months, 90%of the time twice a day, as you are supposed to...and the few days I only used it in the morning, what difference should that make, if the product ACTUALLY removes ink deep down in the skin? (because that is what actually has to happen, you know, for the tattoo to fade away). I`m not going to say with 100% certainty that there is NO effect in this product. I have also seen this (minimal) fading, and for a while I even thought it worked. A funny thing happened today: My girlfriend had seen that I had these bottles and jars on a shelf in my bathroom, and asked me what those creams was, that I`ve been using (I hadn`t told her that I`v e been using TatBGone). So I told her that I had read somewhere that if you scrub ur tats with a scrubbing cream, then moisturise them, they would fade over time. I then made her take a close look at my tats, and asked her if they had faded. She laughed and said no...and she`s right. They haven`t faded much, I`d say maybe 5% if anything at all , and if I used it for 3 more months, or 10, they would still be here. Jayem over here (earlier post) had been using it for 2(!) years, and it didn`t work!This is the truth about this product! It`s a scam, and the people you see here post positive responses are either quite early in the treatment and BELIEVE they see some fading (like I did), or they see the actual (minimum) fading that DOES happen, but it is EXTREMELY minimal. Either that, or they are from the company, promoting their product (that post above,by Larry.S, about the cross he had faded, sounds a lot like the TatBGone ads, there is a celtic cross supposedly faded on their website). Read thru the posts here, Sara. Did you notice that not ONE of these supposed "happy" customers have posted a pic?! Right, I`m on my last jar of the 4monthsupply, and I`m gonna finish this one, then I`m done with TatBGone. I`m gonna finish it because I did actually see a MINIMUM fading (like 5%), so I`m not saying here that the stuff is a complete hoax, only very close to it. I`m not gonna waste any more money on that crap.

Answer by Yesi
Submitted on 7/5/2004
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LiamG, I thought about that too, but when a tattoo artist uses colors, they only use them not very skin deep, my tattoo was a sun the size of the palm of my hand; underneath it, i had an angel. When I had the sun done to cover the angel, he used black and white, the white ink is totally gone, as if i had never had it, the black ink is starting to fade, and now I can see both tattoos, it is awful. I the problem i think might be that what happens if the ink mix and then it turns out awful? I would say use any cream with hydroquinone. I am using one that Petey recommended, and it working better than tat b gone, unbelievable, I spent $200 on tat b gone, and $6 on Palmer's skin success, and the $6 jar is working better. I don't have any skin discoloration from any of them. I'll keep you posted. Another thing, for everyone, not all inks are alike, i am working on 2 tattoos at the same time, one faded, the other one, not even bit, and the one that faded in newer than the one that did not. Just be patient, I think that the cream may work for some and not for other. Bye

Answer by crwells
Submitted on 7/6/2004
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Hi guys. I started using Tat B Gone in early March -- about four months ago. I just finished up my supply. As for results, I can only reiterate what others have said here so many times: the stuff does not work. I too thought that I saw some fading about a week into the process, but after that there was nothing. I'm thinking that whatever fading all of us think we are seeing may just be from rubbing on the tattoo so much to apply the Tat B Gone...I don't know. Unfortunately, as long as there are desperate marks like me, the company that sells this (very probably) bogus product will continue to get rich. Even if Tat B Gone does work, it would take YEARS to fade a tattoo like they show on their website. Considering their prices, if you just have a small black or grey tat, it would be cheaper to just get laser treatments. I surprisingly found out that prices for laser removal in my area are relatively affordable if you only need a few treatments to remove a very small tattoo like mine. That's about all I can say. I just wanted to share my experience and am hoping that it helps someone. Thanks to all the people who have provided info on here for the last four months. (I do have before and after pics, but like I said, there is no difference in my tattoo after using Tat B Gone.)

Answer by smackdowner
Submitted on 7/6/2004
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I also bought tatbegone back in april of this year.A 4 months supply of it and been using it twice a day for two months on my forearm.I have a cross with barbwire and skulls it only has black ink.I have notice some fading in it the eyes of the skulls are fading nice and the cross has faded a little.I think this product is something you have to use more than any 6 months.My tattoo is 13 years old and has no colors in it.So with the age of the tattoo it may take alot longer.IF anyone has pics of there tattoo before and after tatbegone please put them on here for us to see.If I have better results in the next couple of months I well let you know as of right now Im just hoping this works and is not a scam.

Answer by Jbro
Submitted on 7/7/2004
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Hey everyone.. jus a little update on me.. I went to that place an hour from here.. the guy was very nice.. and NOT a dermatologist/doctor.. he was a tattoo artist that does laser removals. he was very nice about everything.. and even zapped my whole arm form elbow to hand .. and even going onto my hand.. for $65 .. im talking about my whole arm.. yeah . im gonna have to go prolly 4 or 5 more times.. maybe 6.. but that is very affordable.. considering you can only go every 6 weeks.. this is a big breakthrough for me.. and btw.. the laser he is using works very well.. it is a polamar Q-YAG .. and he knows how to use it very wel.. how ever.. if you remember back about a week or two.. i had went to a hair removal place to see if they did tattoo removals.. since their sign said "Louisville Laser" .. they said they had jus opened that store a few weeks ago and hadnt done any in that store yet but they could do them.. well he did a free "test spot" on me.. five of them actually.. and i have permanenent skin damage.. i am going to go see a lawyer tommorrow.. and I am suing the f*ck out of candella and louisville laser. They need to pay for the rest of my treatments PLUS the skin grafting im going to have to have on those spots where i no longer have skin.. people please be careful with lasers.. they can be a deadly weapon, and are powerful enough to cut metal (i know this as this is what my father does for a living, cuts peices of steele for frames of large buildings/skyscrapers with HP lasers) .. I made a huge mistake by taking that chance with that place.. but guinea pig I will not be.. Ill let everybody know how it all turns out.. and if your near southern IL and need a good affordable, safe, and efficient place ot get zapped.. let me know. Peace, Jason

Answer by InFlames
Submitted on 7/8/2004
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Before you do, Bernadene, I want you and everybody else here to know that TatBGone is a scam. I`ve used it for over 3 months, and the tattoos are still there. The pics on their web-site is a cheap photo-trick, you can learn how to make your own faded pics here...: http://www.cockeyed.com/science/tattoo/sue.html ...and ALL of the "people" in this thread going: "oh, I`m so happy,I had a huge flaming skull tattooed on my neck (or whatever), but tatbgone got rid of my tattoo and I finally got my promotion..." etc. are people from the tatbgone-company. They are SPAMMING this board to fool more people into buying their product ((and this is the part that ticks me of the most, I tried to post another post here, telling these people to go .... themselves, but I guess I was censored (no wonder, btw, my language was foul)). It`s a scam, I wasted 289dollars on that crap (pluss a lot of TIME, putting the creams on), and I`m mad as hell. (btw, I also took before-pics, but there`s no point in posting,as there is none/almost no change.)

Answer by wasabihead
Submitted on 7/9/2004
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DON'T WASTE UR VALUABLE MONEY! Although the cream does fade the tattoo it will not COMPLETELY fade it away. It will fade it to a point then stop. So ur tattoo will look worse when you should have spent that money to get it lasered off. I just got back from my laser surgery doctor and told them that i have been using these creams. They said that I should stop using them because it will not COMPLETELY remove the tattoo and will cause thinning/weaking of the skin. I have about 12 tats that I can't stand and am SICK of looking at. I used to be an apprentice at a tattoo shop and my friend taught me everything. I inked some of my friends and even myself...that was ten years ago. And now I am at my breaking point of having these tattoos on myself. I did 6 "beginners" tats on myself...so basically my legs look like a sketchpad!!!!lol I miss wearing shorts and skirts!!!! So I am going to take the brave steps in getting all of these laser removed. It is going to eat all of my income but in the end it will be worth it. I used Tatbgone for about a month and a half and i did notice fading, such as pockets of lightness, but i was tryng to get rid of 12 at a time so my 6 month($300.00) supply was gone after a month and a half. So ultimately it would cost me about $3600.00 for a years supply with the knowledge that it may not work and that the cream is a "scam." I really don't have that kind of money to just throw around on something that is a "mystery" My doctor also said that you SHOULDN"T use of hydroquinone/tatbgone over 3 a month period. So when I got home i threw the little bit of tatbgone away. I admit I was a sucker when I saw the tatbgone site and purchased the cream right away without researching. I should have researched it, asked my doctor and read this site before purchasing it...oh well live and learn.

Answer by Petey
Submitted on 7/9/2004
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Twelve tattoos? Jeezzzzzzzzzzzz. At this point I think they should have some restrictions on getting tattoos. I think if you're going to put that many tattoos on yourself, you're probably into the hobby for life. What's the point of getting that many tattoos and then stopping and then reversing everything? I'm definitely not criticizing you because people especially young people make mistakes. These days its so easy to get into the tattoo thing because its everywhere. What made you get that many tattoos and why are you taking them off now? Seriously, I think anybody who's thinking about getting tattoos should read this board before they go forward with it. Good luck though. It'll probably be a really long and painful process. I really wish there was a magic cure for this problem.

Answer by Cookie Monster
Submitted on 7/12/2004
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I have had over 10 laser treatments for a black 3x3 tattoo that i had professionally sketched onto me about 4 yrs ago. Thee treatments were expensive and a little painful but my wallet survived the treatments and i tolerated the pain. The ink has pretty much vanished but my skin has darkened in a silhouette in the shape of the tattoo. also the laser treatment has left white spots along the previously tattooed area. My skin is a shade of brown so the white spots really show up. Has anyone here attempted to re-tattoo the white spots after laser surgery with brownish ink to even out the effects of the treatment? If so how has that worked out?

Answer by smackdowner
Submitted on 7/13/2004
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Will for all of you on here who has bought tatbegone including myself that has been ripped off needs to do something.I do have around to months left of tatbegone to use so I would like to finish it out.Only because I have notice some fading and my wife has notice it to.Then again I know there are other people who is on here who notice a little fading and then after that nothing.So after I use up what I have left and nothing happens then we need to report this stuff to the bbb.I did check the bbb site but there was no reports made on tatbegone or if there is away to check with the fda and let them know about tatbegone.After all they said it was approved by the fda and is made in a fda lab.So somehow if this is a scam there has got to be away to shut them down.If anyone finds out any information from the bbb or fda post it so we can see.

Answer by C dizzle
Submitted on 7/15/2004
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josie.... don't get your tattoo cut out, do you have any idea what kind of hideous scarring that will cause??? you're so much better off with your tattoo..... if you're that unhappy, get it covered, or just always cover it with clothing. you may hate your tat, but trust me, after you get it cut out, i think you're going to find it to be much more disgusting. i have seen photos of people who had them cut out... i almost puked. honestly, your tattoo is hideous to you, but its probably not so bad to others.... seriously, for your own sake, don't do that to yourself. cutting a tattoo out leaves a large, thick scar in the shape of the tattoo. so would you rather have a colorful (but ugly to you) tattoo, OR do you want a raised up, thick, slimey, discolored lump of dead flesh in the shape of your old tat, which is ugly to EVERYONE ..? catch my point? good luck with your tattoo... but if you want it gone that bad, save up for a plane ticket, and take a nice vacation to the U.S. and try some tatgone ink. make a vacation out of it... you know, go someplace coastal...do some sight seeing, whatever. just dont cut yourself up... -later

Answer by darkfuneral
Submitted on 7/16/2004
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im 21 i got a tattoo of a solid black cresent moon about and inch and a half below my ear ( on my neck ) when i was eighteen. it was done at a really crappy tatto shop, and looked greyish, i then got it darkened after it healed by a more profesional artist. since the tattoo is on my neck, i was wondering what the best lease scaring option would be. doese anyone have any ideas. i have more tattoos that im not pleased with, but i can hide them, this one is on my neck and is preventing me from getting jobs, and has lowered my self esteem dramaticly, i just want it to go away! i hate waking up and seeing this thing on my neck everytome i look in the mirror, it just starts out the day with a let down, and doesnt do good for how if feel about myself. help

Answer by darkfuneral
Submitted on 7/17/2004
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thanks for your suggestion Josie, ill look more into that. i was thinking about trying tattoo-OFF. i wanted to try tat-b-gone, though when they mail me back they tend to avoid answering the questions that i ask, so..... somethings defiantly going on there! i just cant trust that. but I'm looking into other options, if i do try the tattoo-OFF because i know somewhere i can get it for a good deal, i will defiantly take some photos and keep you all informed. i notice allot of people say they will take pics and post them, though i have noticed none. so i promise to you all that i will, i want to get to the bottom of this. it is so hard to find solid info, and document on these cream products, so its hard to tell but we'll see. thanks again!

Answer by C dizzle
Submitted on 7/21/2004
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hey guys- first off, to petey, i can't give you a percentage of how much its faded, but here's the deal: the blue outlining is very dull in appearance, and even has some small breaks and cracks that WERE NOT there before. the light colors such as yellow and orange are becoming so dull that they NEARLY match my skin tone. I have been using it for a month, i used it for two weeks consistently, and took about a week and a half off. i picked it up again about a week ago, this time covering the tattoo with plastic wrap instead of paper, and the results were more noticeable from day to day, and the results look to be permanent, the tattoo didn't darken back up any. i stopped use of it a couple of days ago because i go to get a cover-up tattoo done friday.... so its pointless for me to use at this point. However, it worked pretty well for me, but i wouldn't recommend usage for more than a couple of months at a time, as your skin will peel a little. use two months, take a month off, something to that effect. Also: for even better results, you might try some apricot scrub before applying the cream, this will make your skin more susceptable to the fading cream. good luck guys!

Answer by Naira
Submitted on 7/21/2004
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I've been using the "Walgreen's" method for about a month now. I scrub with the medicated apricot scrub and a lufa.(I don't thing I scrub hard enough sometimes) Then I put on Palmer's or this other cream I found that has 3% hydroquinone. I just let it air dry. I do see some faded spots and the colors are lighter but I don't want to get too optimistic because I can't really see it since it is on my lower back and I'm not sure what it really looked like before. I tried taking a pic but it didn't show much. I'll try again with my digital. I'd ask my boyfriend how it looks but he doesn't believe that I can fade a tattoo. But what I don't get is the whole part about the wart remover. What does it do? and how did you find this stuff out? ^_^ later

Answer by Stacy
Submitted on 8/2/2004
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I just wanted to put my two cents in...I had a large peacock on my upper right arm and had it lasered off. It has taken approx 5 years so far and thousands of dollars. most of the ink is gone but you can see a white outline of the tattoo. They have now have a new laser called the "Excimer" that helps with the hypo-pigmentation which I'm going to have to try. I have a dolphin on my ankle that I now want removed. I'm going to try the tat b gone and laser together. Hopefully that will work a lot faster. I know that Tat B gone does not give you a guarantee but neither did my doctor who did the laser. Nothing is guaranteed when it comes to this, there is no way to tell how it is going to turn out. Everyone is different. You just have to take your chances. I wish someone would come up with something that works soon and isn't so painful and expensive.

Answer by teeisblue
Submitted on 8/2/2004
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Oh, my gosh, I'm so glad I came here! I was really wanting to try that tatbgone crap, but I won't now. I guess I'll try the Walgreen's method. I need to get rid of my tat so bad. I have three, but only one I want rid of. It's the first one I ever got, it's about 5 1/2 years old. At the time, I was a Wiccan, so I got a HUGE PENTAGRAM tattooed on my CHEST. Because I'm a complete and total f**khead. I have since seen the error of my ways. I'm now a Christian, and active in my church. I always have to wear really high-necked stuff. Not that I want to wear low-cut tops to church, but I seriously can't even wear regular tops. No tank tops, no v-neck shirts even. I'm always scared to death that someone at my church will see it. Some of my friends there know that I was into witchcraft, but not everyone needs to know, and it would be soooo embarrassing. I've been to the point where I considered heating a spoon or something and searing it off. I would much, MUCH rather have a hideous scar than this awful tattoo. I'm getting married in three months and I had to buy a dress completely unlike what I wanted because the neckline has to cover my tat. I'm in tears all the time over it and I just hope something will work. I don't have a job right now, so that just makes it worse. It's really tough. Jbro, I'm about to come visit you in Ill. to see your guy, ha ha. This is terrible, and I just hope that this hydroquinone works. Good luck to everyone! T

Answer by Jennie
Submitted on 8/7/2004
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I have been trying Compound-W for the past week, and what it does is kill the top layers of skin so you can almost peel them off with a bandaid! So far, my tattoo, on my toe has become more vivid, only because it is now more exposed!!! I am going to the store right now to get the palmers and apply it directly on. I will let you know how it works! I noticed that when I peeled a layer of skin away yesterday, there was some color with it. I will die if this actually works, something so simple. Note, I have two tattoos, one about 1.5x1.5 inches on my big toe and one about 1x 1/2 inch, which is where I am applying the Compound-W. I know from my past it works great to get warts out, layer by layer, so what do I have to lose? I am trying it in a small area just in case damage does occur.

Answer by Mellie
Submitted on 8/10/2004
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You've all helped me so much. I've read every entry on this site over the past couple of hours and feel so much comfort from you all. We were young and idealistic, weren't we? Granted, many of you are still very young. I'm impressed yet saddened that some of you've come to the same conclusion that took me 10 years to reach, but in only days or weeks. I really thought I was cool for a few years. That is, until I wanted to be taken seriously by ANYONE...professionally or otherwise. If I had a dollar for every time some sleeze looked at me like I was a hooker just because my arms are tattooed, or for every parent who steered their child in a different direction after seeing me, I could afford all the tattoo removal products on the vulturous market! In case you're interested, I got my tattoos from a fantastic artist who did an incredible job. People who take the time to inspect the artwork closely say they've never seen such a beautiful tattoo. So I should be happy, right? The problem is that the artist is also my ex. He never pressured me to get them. In fact, he asked repeatedly if I was sure I wanted them. I was SO sure! I thought he'd HAVE to love me forever after that. Pretty pathetic, huh? Well, now I'm older, married to a great guy who doesn't mind, perhaps even likes my tattoos, and the mother of a beautiful baby boy. Yet the past haunts me every day! I have no ill feelings toward my ex, but my life is so different, so much happier and healthier. I just don't want to be forced to relive the "bad old days" every time I look in a mirror, see someone staring at me, or have to wear long sleeves in 115 degree heat (I live in the desert). So I sympathize with everyone...so much! I suppose that since this thread is about removal I should mention (although, it seems way less important to me now than knowing I have all you brothers and sisters out there) that I've had 10 laser treatments on a couple of my smaller tattoos (the sessions were only 15 minutes, so there wasn't even time to get to the big ones), at a total cost of $1200, and I now have really faded but still painfully obvious tattoos. In fact, I wish I'd just left them as they were (much though I didn't want them), because now they just look like really old, poorly done tattoos. At least before, they were pretty! I'm not at all convinced that more laser treatments will completely remove them. I have lots of bright aqua blue, purple, yellow, and red. At the rate the removal was going (I gave up about a year ago), it could have easily taken 30-40 treatments, or more! And it looked to me like they would just continue to fade and fade little by little forever, never really being gone. I can't put myself through the continual disappointment anymore. I'm waiting for medical technology to make some serious strides forward before I spend more money and endure more pain. Until then, I'll wear my long sleeves, deal with the suspicious stares, and work on my inner self-esteem as Petey (I think) or the flames guy mentioned. At the risk of sounding totally cliche, perhaps we're meant to learn something (something bigger than just 'tattoos really aren't that cool') that only HAVING these tattoos for a while can teach us. For example, they are a nifty social filter, effortlessly removing many narrow-minded individuals from our paths. Perhaps many of us wouldn't be happy climbing the corporate ladder, anyway. ...or perhaps I'm just trying to make us feel better... Anyway, thanks again you guys. I'll be visiting this site again to see what else pops up.

Answer by Jessica
Submitted on 8/10/2004
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I think tattoos can be a great for some but when I was younger I got a poorly done tat drunk in Vegas (classic story, I know). Anyway, I waited 5 years and found a highly recommended artist for a cover up and it is beautiful. But the birds that were supposed to be mirror images are completely off center. After waiting so long for the art, to have it not turn out the way I specified and paid for has left me very disappointed. Another cover up is not and option so I'd like to fade it as much as possible and either find an artist with a ruler--ha ha...or just leave it be depending on the fade. Lou, wondering if u r for real about the skin doc's 7% hydroquinone...any scarring, blisters ect?...really completely gone in 10 months?

Answer by Jbro
Submitted on 8/11/2004
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Hey everyone.. its been awhile since Ive posted on here.. But Im doing great..If you thinking about getting lasered.. your on the right track.. make sure you go with the Palomar ND: Yag. (www.palmed.com) .. They remove all colors and color combinations of tattoo ink very effectivley.. and they arent very expensive for one to purchase, making it possible to charge customers better prices. I pay about $100 every 6 weeks.. to have a 15x15" on my back, my whole left arm from upper elbow going onto my hand.. a band on my right wrist, a 4x4" on my right leg, and a 3x3" on my upper left arm.. a hundred freain bucks mang.. Ive had one treatment so far.. and I am going on monday for my second.. the first session faded them all at least 50% .. the blacks are now light greys.. the flourescent yellows and blues are now also light greyish tones.. and a couple of the other ones were done in indian ink and are jus a few tiny little dots now .. thats all thats left of them.. This laser is THE SH*T!! Dont goto a dermatologist.. try and find a actual TATTOO ARTIST that does laser removals.. you have alot more success.. hence they see it as a "utility" .. or a "tool" pretty much required for tattooing.. they are more focused on blowing that tattoo up to get good results.. and they make it cheaper to have done than to actually get the tattoo.. This is how it really should be if you think about it.. if anybody is near southern Illinois and wants to get in contact with these people.. I can hook you up.. email me at shad0wbl1tz@yahoo.com .. As far as after care.. Ink Fixx is the best stuff out there.. Its basically cocoa butter oil and some other good stuff .. whether you are using it on a fresh tat, or using it for after care for your laser treatment.. its perfect.. it healed up the spots where that idiot in kentucky MELTED off my skin in those couple of spots .. (he was an idiot and Im in the process of suing him..) .. But dont get me wrong the place here in Illinois does a wonderful job and they are helping me out ALOT. Good luck everyone .. Im here to help everybody I can.. Peace, Jbro

Answer by Wouldn't-have-done-it
Submitted on 8/27/2004
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Hey guys. I had full permanent lip color done in what was supposed to be a "very natural shade" and it turned out to be candy-pink and very heavy. I just went in four days ago to have it fixed, and just made it worse. Now my lips have a bright pink outline and brown dots on the insides and pads of my lips. I'm miserable. I've ordered Tattoo-off and will post pictures. I pray to God this gets this horrible mistake off my face. What a stupid place for me to put a tattoo. I'm too afraid of scarring for the laser. If it was my arm, maybe, but not my face. Well, I've talked long enough. I should get the Tattoo-off next week and I'll post back to let you guys know how it's going. So glad to have found this site! Thanks, Nika

Answer by RmdT564
Submitted on 9/6/2004
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Like everyone who's posted or read here, I have a tattoo that I want to be rid of for various reasons. First and foremost, I think its really ugly. Like an idiot, I had my cousin's boyfriend, who is an amateur artist, tattoo me. It's not horrible and he did a decent job, but it's just really ugly. The design wasn't what I wanted. It's a red, circular tattoo, about 3 inches in diameter, with my astrological sign (libra) in the center of it. It's on the back of left leg, about 8 inches above my ankle. I ordered tat b gone but after coming to this site shortly after, I canceled the order immediately. Laser isn't an option from what I read because it won't take out color. So I thought I would be stuck with it forever. Well after reading about the "Walgreens" method, I figured there'd be no harm in giving it a shot. So I went and bought St. Ives medicated apricot scrub, a brush to really scrub it in, and the Palmer's eventone fade cream. I glob on it pretty thickly and then put plastic wrap and tape it closed. I do this at night, so that I can sleep with it on. In the morning, I wash off the area and put on a moisturizer. Now, I don't want to get too optimistic so far, but I can see a little bit of fading and it's only been 2 days. There are much lighter areas to it. Granted, I never looked at it much because I hate it but I do notice some very minor changes thus far. I plan to keep up this method for at least the next month. I will keep everyone posted on the success of it. I think the fact that it was done by an amateur may help because it may not be as deep. Who knows. Since most of it is red, it worries me a bit because red seems like a tough color to "get out." I figured the way I'm doing is the exact method of tat b gone, just not their exact formula. But I'm hoping what I'm using will be successful. Good luck to everyone in the removal of their tattoos.

Answer by Genae'
Submitted on 9/27/2004
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OK. I have some answers for all of you. I've tried it all. Over the past 5 years.... I've tried it all!!! Tat-b-Gone, Dermasal and TatGone INK work for some people, not all. We are all different. All have different body chemistry.Between myself and my two friends we did our own reviews. This is what we started with and concluded with. Trial one: We all went to my girlfriends uncles tattoo shop to get it tattooed into our skin. It did fade all three of our tattoos... but the fading was different on all of us. Next we tried Tat-B-Gone. It worked on one of my friends but not on me or my other girlfriend. Next we tried Dermasal. That stuff hurts, burns, stings... But I seen some results. Well, as for my girlfriends they gave up. I didn't! I had a tattoo that was 12.5 inches long on my arm by 9.5 inches wide. There was purple, red, green, yellow and black in it. Not to mention that it was a cover up. What I decided to do was: Step 1: I used to Soothing spray from the Dermasal Step 2: I used to salabration solution in the jar from the dermasal Step 3: I used over the counter 2% Bleaching cream (Hydroquinone) slathered a medium layer of the cream over the tattooed area and used plastic wrap to cover the tattoo completely. Then I covered it with gauze and secured it over night. It kept the cream on all night long. PRESTO~ The only thing is when you start to notice major cracks slow down on the medium layer of hydro- just put a fine layer, in the morning and don't cover with plastic wrap... make sure you let it absorb so you don't get it on your clothes. Good luck to you all!!! Happy Removal!

Answer by Sherida
Submitted on 10/18/2004
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hey all... there hasn't been any postings in a while on this site.. but here's my story (and my questions)... When I was 16 I got a 3" by 3" heart, with a banner and my ex's name in it. Of course, to my luck, we broke up very soon after (the reason for my desperation to remove it). At age 18, I got one laser session just to remove his name, and it scarred. At age 19, I got it covered with an ugly "biker chic" tribal (as I call it). Now, at age 20, I saw the dr. westfried from Brooklyn, and he gave me stri-vectin for the scar and told me he would laser it, but his prices are too high for me to afford right now. Anyway, I read this whole forum, and I have to say that the hydroquinone pretty much convinced me (mostly, b/c of the low price). My three questions are: 1. Regarding the 7% hydroquinone prescription, is it harmful to your skin? (any side effects?) 2. I've been getting mixed messages about how long to do it (ie. 3 months then stop, continuously.) 3. Why hasn't any one posted sites with pictures of their progress?

Answer by suze
Submitted on 10/21/2004
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Hi, Don't use tatbgone! It does not work. I have had 16 lasertreatments, but was still left with a couple of ugly tattoos. ( they where only lighter) Than i used tatbgone for 5 month. It did not do what they promised on their website. The photo's are totally fake, if you ask me... Well, today i visited my doctor, and hydroquinone can damage your health badly!! They don't sell stuff here with hydroquinone, it's forbidden here, because it can cause cancer!!!!! Please don't use it! I was stupid enough to try it, because i was desperate.( not so smart to use something first and then going to a doctor..) I went to the docter this late, because i had no money to buy more of this stuff and i wanted a prescription for hydroquinonecreme, so i found out that it's harmful. I got a free sample of Thiospot. That does the same as hydroquinone, but cannot harm you the pharmacist told me. Tatbgone only wants to use your desperateness to get rich!!( that's my opinion) The pharmacist said that hydroquinone probably only works for other skin problems like hyper pigmented skin spots. It works on melanin in your skin, and if you stop using it, it can come back too. If it has any influence at tattoos at all, nobody knows.. I will try thiospot. Maybe it will work. It does not affect your health. http://www.pharmacypartnership.com/derma_thiospot.htm http://www.integro.nl/artikelthiospot.html http://www.mankind.co.uk/Thiospothowitworks.asp Good luck to you all!! Suze ( i don't work by Thiospot or something..., just desperate too with my tattoos..)

Answer by suzanne1976@eudoramail.com
Submitted on 10/21/2004
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Hi, Don't use tatbgone! It does not work. I have had 16 laser treatments, but was still left with a couple of ugly tattoos. ( they where only lighter) Than i used tatbgone for 5 month. It did not do what they promised on their website. The photo's are totally fake, if you ask me... Well, today i visited my doctor, and hydroquinone can damage your health badly!! They don't sell stuff here with hydroquinone, it's forbidden here, because it can cause cancer!!!!! Please don't use it! I was stupid enough to try it, because i was desperate.( not so smart to use something first and then going to a doctor..) I went to the doctor this late, because i had no money to buy more of this stuff and i wanted a prescription for hydroquinonecreme, so i found out that it's harmful. I got a free sample of Thiospot. That does the same as hydroquinone, but cannot harm you the pharmacist told me. Tatbgone only wants to use your desperateness to get rich!!( that's my opinion) The pharmacist said that hydroquinone probably only works for other skin problems like hyper pigmented skin spots. It works on melanin in your skin, and if you stop using it, it can come back too. If it has any influence at tattoos at all, nobody knows.. I will try thiospot. Maybe it will work. It does not affect your health. http://www.pharmacypartnership.com/derma_thiospot.htm http://www.integro.nl/artikelthiospot.html http://www.mankind.co.uk/Thiospothowitworks.asp Good luck to you all!! Suzie ( i don't work by Thiospot or something..., just desperate too with my tattoos..)

Answer by Dr J
Submitted on 10/27/2004
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There is some interesting stuff here. I am looking into getting a Laser tattoo removal machine and came across the creams (tatbgone, Tat-off). My first impression is that they are a rip off. The "tattoo removal institute" web site is clearly done by the same people who did the tatbgone site (interestingly their recommended product). Hydroquinone works by interrupting the production of melanin - the natural skin pigment. I see no reason for it to fade a tattoo. However some people on this site seem to think they have had good sucess (will look into it further). Salt scrub is a medically recognized treatment - but you wont do mine without some kind of anaesthetic. It is simple mechanical removal (like dermabrasion) and you just have to go deep enough - if you can stand the pain, Home done jobs may be more superficial and possible to treat. Wart remover (podophyline) just poisons the skin and if goes deep enough could work. Go too deep (with any method) and swap a scar for the tat. Lasers have improved over the last 10 years. Older lasers or poor use will have increased risk of scar. Most lasers only have a limited range of colors they are good for, so more than one laser may be needed. Newer brighter colors are possibly harder to treat. Some colors are plastic based (rather than metal oxides or carbon). I have not found any medical science on their treatment.

Answer by Tracy
Submitted on 11/9/2004
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Hi everyone. I've spent the last couple of days reading every single posting on this site, and I'm glad I did. I was all ready to buy tatbgone with my next paycheck, and now I won't waste my money without doing a lot more homework on all the methods of tattoo removal. I have an appointment scheduled Dec. 1st at a cosmetic surgery center for a free consultation for rejuvi. I'm going to find a place that does free consultations for the laser removal as well. I'm very tempted to try the Palmer's hydroquinone cream with the apricot scrub. I'm hopeful that because mine is so small I would have success with that method. I also plan on asking my doctor, who I trust and have known for years, what he thinks about the various methods, and if he'd prescribe a hydroquinone for me. My tattoo is a small red heart (only about 1x1)on my lower abdomen. It's outlined in black and has a black F in the middle of the heart. As you can guess, the F is for my old beau. It was a silly thing to do, but of course I'd thought we'd be together forever. No sense in beating myself up over doing it- I just want it removed. One thing is for sure- I'm doing the most research I can and not committing to anything until I feel confident in my research. Having the tattoo wouldn't bother me as much if I wasn't with a guy now who I am so in love with. He's crazy about me too, but I know having a tattoo on my body with my ex'sinitial bothers him. I keep a band-aid on it all the time. I initially thought I'd just get it covered up, but he's mentioned me having it removed. After reading some of the postings here, I'm even skeptical of a cover-up. It's kind of sad not being able to feel comfortable being completely naked in front of him because of this tattoo. Thanks everyone for the input and the time. I'd appreciate any suggestions for a tattoo of my size and color. Tracy

Answer by Julianne
Submitted on 11/12/2004
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When I was 15 years old I got a med. sized home made tattoo done on my lower back, when I was 17 I got a cover put over it. I now have three huge roses that are very off center in the small of my back, about 8in. long and 6in. tall, all brightly colored! I had a consultation at a laser tattoo removal place in Las Vegas, and the lady said she thinks she can remove the red and the black fairly easily but the green leaves and vines will be a lot more difficult. At $300 a pop I'm looking at about $2500 to $3000 over time. But I hate my tattoo so much I feel this is my only option. I'm only 20 and I am so self-conscious and depressed over this and I can't imagine living like this forever! I don't believe that the creams people are using really work, and I don't want more ink in my body. But I'm VERY scared of what my skin is going to look like and if it will scar, If any one has had a LARGE multi-colored or green tattoo removed by laser PLEASE share your pictures and story! E~mail any pics to Julianne381@yahoo.com

Answer by SaVeD !!!!
Submitted on 11/16/2004
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InFlames and Petey : THANK U GUYS SO MUCH !!! i was about to buy TatBGone but thought i'ddo a final check on forums before I placed my order. I read this whole forum from top to bottom. I think I speak on behalf of all the people reading this forum, when I say that your honesty about your trials with various products has been much appreciated !! I have two tats on my back - neck and lower back. I suppose its not so bad as i dont see them but coming from an Asian background; a girl having tats is considered bad/whore-like/porn-like. My only reason for having them is because i love art and work in an art related field. but i had them done secretly and i cant bear to think back to the face of my parents when they saw them accidentally. they felt disgraced and i was told to wear bandaids to cover them up when i'm out with family members in case anyone saw. i feel like i've disgraced my family and i just want them gone!!!!!! :(. I'm 22. Anyhoo I will try out Petey's method just to see for myself the results. I will keep u guys posted as soon as i get started. just need to find a drugstore that sells these types of chemicals ( i'm in europe). Lastly: no matter what anyone thinks or says it is the person inside you that is beautiful and having a tat doesnt make you what you are or what they perceive you to be.i have to remove my tats for the sake of my parents honour otherwise i would keep them :)

Answer by black_rose
Submitted on 11/18/2004
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Hi there :o) I got three tattoos when I was 15...yeah, I know, stupid, hanged around the wrong crowd...anyway, one of the tats was the name of this guy (boy, was I S-T-U-P-I-D) which I had surgically removed 4 years ago. It left a scar, ofcourse. But a year later, I had dermabrasion on the scar itself, and now, it is barely noticable, nobody can notice it unless I tell them and point at the spot where it used to be (upper arm), so maybe this might be a good alternative to lasers, creams, etc? At least u get rid of the tat, later u worry about the scar...which sounds like a good deal if u REALLY want to get rid of the TAT. Now I'm left with this other tat I want to remove(my 3rd tattoo is the last one I got, and I like that one), but I'm kind of afraid of surgery, because it is on my right breast, and skin there is very sensitive, thin and prone to severe scarring that even dermabrasion won't make less... I've read all the responses, and I'm not sure what to think...lasers sound most reliable to me, but I cannot afford that kind of treatment since I'm still in college :o( What should I do?!

Answer by imposter
Submitted on 11/19/2004
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hmmm, seems like these creams are just like the miracle penis enlarger crap that bs people are pawning off. I found an article on about.com that mentioned TatBGone and tattoo-off. http://tattoo.about.com/od/tatremoval/a/tatremoval.htm She mentions that a website at http://www.tattooremovalinstitute.com/ and that she suspected it was owned by TatBGone. Here is what I found: If you view source (HTML) you will see a few simularities (at least till they, he, sees this and changes it): - Both asp - Head info is the same format in both. - Both style sheets are identical: https://www.host-manager.com/stores/tattooremovalinstitutecom/styles.asp http://tatbgone.com/styles.asp - Both the embedded flash files call the same folder location and use the same format for title: <embed src="images/publicflash/flow.swf?line1=Tattoo Removal Institute&line2 <embed src="images/publicflash/boxes_final.swf?line1=Tat B Gone&line2 And if that is not enough, if you go to http://www.whois.net and enter both domains: tattooremovalinstitute.com tatbgone.com You'll see they are both owned by: Grant Baros /////////////////////////////////////// I don't know anything about the other creams but if tatbgone is the biggest contender then RUN! By creating this institute website the owner of Tatbgone is missleading people by attempting to be an impartial party. Honestly, until I see a website that shows me verifiable proof I am saving my coin. Where are the picture people who are boasting the results? Not this mini shot BS on their sites either. Oh and some cute info. I first found the tatbgone site well over a year ago and I emailed them. They had spelt tattoo wrong on their homepage. :)

Answer by tia
Submitted on 12/2/2004
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First off I want to thank folks for putting their lives up here for personal scrutiny and giving a bunch of good information. To Jbro, I feel for you, and I'm glad youre suing the laser manufacturors, however, i would also sue the establishment that decided to 'up the juice' on the laser and give you some "test" spots. Thats gross negligence, and at least in this country, is prolly gonna make you fairly compensated in a court of law. good luck with your lawsuit, and if you ever wanna chat look me up on aim (evlmaiden). to petey, thanks for the idea of palmers cream. im going to go buy it tonight and try it with st. ives apricot scrub (already have some of that). my question to you and the rest, though... i have one tattoo that wasnt done with real tattoo ink. it was done at a party (yes, stupid i know) with normal pen ink and a needle. please dont ask, im already extremely embarassed about it, but has anybody had any luck taking off "jailhouse" type inks? another thing.. i realize that these treatments with palmers cream (tatbgone, etc) only fade the ink... but does it remove it? While the skin is an organ, is there any links to the ink in the skin causing cancer or immune system problems? Nobody really considers the skin to be an organ, but its the largest in the body and im wondering what kind of weird effects im going to have now that i have poison under my skin just...sitting there. so, any luck with bic ink? and does the palmers help remove the ink or just fade it? -tia

Answer by tatman
Submitted on 12/13/2004
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I SELL REJUVI TATTOO REMOVER FOR ALL OF U WHO R INTERESTED IN DOING IT AT HOME FOR A FRACTION OF WHAT IT COST WHEN U GO TO A SPECIALIST, PLUS THE TIME WAITING IS HIDEOUS, I SELL THE REAL STUFF FROM THE MAKERS OF THIS, COMES IN A BOX AND HAS ALL THE INSTRUCTIONS, U GET PAIN AWAY BOTTLE, A LOTION IN THE OTHER BOTTLE AND THE REJUVI TATTOO REMOVER SOLUTION IN THE OTHER BOTTLE, EVERYTHING IS SEALED AND NEW IN ITS BOX, ONLY TATTOO ARTIST CAN GET THIS PRODUCT, SINCE I'M LICENSED I CAN ORDER IT, THATS WHY CUSTOMERS NEED TO GO TO A SPECIALIST BUT I CAN SHIP IT TO U FOR $400.00 , SATISFACTION GUARANTEED, THIS STUFF WORKS AND BRINGS INSTRUCTIONS WITH DIAGRAMS AND PICTURES, EMAIL ME AT REGNANT2@HOTMAIL.COM IN LOWER CASE LETTERS, IF U R INTERESTED, I RESIDE IN FLORIDA WILL SHIP ANYWHERE, THANKS

Answer by R.K.
Submitted on 12/16/2004
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I really don't know what to believe here. It seems to me alot of the people praising the products here are just botz. Owners of these companys that actually make the bogus products & trying to save their rep. Its so obvious, you sound like an advertisement! What I would really appreciate are some real people & real comments. If anyone can direct us to a legit product with legit testimonials & not this obvious PHOTOSHOP rubbish. If I had some real evidence I'd consider TatBgone or whatever. But again, to be honest, I think its a big scam! If these creams really worked they'd be multi-million dollar companies! The websites would look much more proffesional & it would be all over media! Just my opinion, hopefully someone can change that.. I really was hoping for a product that works so I don't have to invest thousands of dollars for lazer surgery. I was looking for alternatives & I was real excited to hear about these creams. but reading into it has been real dissapointing. I'm a huge skeptic & not easily fooled. I got my tattoos as a teenager, now I want to have a family & go to the beach without looking like a gangster & have other adults with kids throwing dirty looks at me. Its just one of those regrets that me & millions of others have. And the sad thing is.... some low class bastards are try to make a buck off of it! Karma must not be very kind to you.... BTW , if your young and considering a tattoo, DON'T DO IT. If you do, get a small one of not much significance. Life is a long one and in time you will regret it. Only took me 10 years to realize. And I still have many more of those decades to go! and for the search engines... tattoo removal creams , scam, rip off , swindlers, con artists, Tat B gone, tatbgone, dermasal, bad business, lol...

Answer by NINA
Submitted on 1/12/2005
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I HAVE A HUGE BLACK AND RED TRIBAL ON MY LOWER BACK. I DONT KNOW WHAT POSSESSED ME TO DO THIS BUT I AM DETERMIND TO REMOVE IT.I DONT HAVE THOUSANDS TO SPEND ON LASER AND I DONT WANT THE SCARS.I FOUND ON THE INTERNET A SOLUTION THAT MIGHT WORK. THERE ARE A FEW OPTIONS AND I ORDERED A BOTTLE OF TRICHLORACETIC ACID, WHICH IS A DEEP SKIN PEEL, SOME PEOPLE USE THIS ON THEIR FACE TO DO DEEP SKIN PEELS. I HAVE DONE RESEARCH AND PLASTIC SURGEONS USE THIS SOLUTION IN A DILUTED FORM ON A PATIENT'S FACE, THE SKIN IS SUPPOSED TO PEEL AWAY OVER A FEW WEEKS EXPOSING A NEW LAYER OF SKIN. WHEN THIS HEELS AFTER 4-6 WEEKS YOU CAN DO THIS AGAIN, EXPOSING A NEW LAYER OF SKIN. WHAT THIS DOES IS BRING THE TATTOO INK UP TO THE SURFACE, AND AS IT PEELS THE INK WILL FADE. THERE ARE SUPPOSED TO BE NO SCARS AND A 1 OZ BOTTLE YOU CAN FIND FOR AROUND $24. THIS IS THE THEORY, I WOULD RATHER SPEND $24 AND TRY THIS THAN SPEND HUNDREDS ON TATBEGONE WHEN THERE IS SO MUCH CONTROVERSY AND IS NOT EVEN GUARANTEED.WHEN I RECIEVE THIS BOTTLE I WILL DO A SMALL PATCH TEST TO SEE HOW MY SKIN REACTS, I WILL TRY THIS AND POST WHAT HAPPENS.

Answer by Blueridgechick
Submitted on 1/20/2005
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Look, dont waste your money with that stuff. Having a tattoo you hate sucks, I know first hand. However, if you want it gone, do it right. I had laser surgery on a black tribal and its GONE! I mean..GONE. Not a trace and I have NO scar. It took 5 treatments spaced 6 weeks apart and cost 350 a pop but WELL WORTH IT. Laser removal has come a long way and if you take care of the site as recommended by your dr, you will NOT have any scarring. The site where it was looks as if nothing ever happened. In my opinion, nothing short of a miracle. The fact is, in order to get rid of the ink molecules, they need to be broken down into smaller parts for the body to carry them away in the bloodstream. These over the counter products will NOT do that. Please dont be suckered into it.

Answer by eugenia
Submitted on 1/28/2005
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Hi Jason, I was really touched by your testimonials and definitely sympathize with you. I am happy to hear that it sounds like things are starting to work out. My friend and I both have about 2 in. outlined tats in faded black india ink, we are determined to lose this year. Mine has been lasered twice , once with a YAG, and once with the Ruby Red. The Yag raised it and it sort of "bubbled up" for several weeks but went back to normal with no scarring whatsoever and about 50% fading. I didn't see much difference from the ruby. Parts of it are completely gone, the rest is blurry and faded. Im gonna try the St. Ives cream and the Palmers for a while, but can u tell me the name of your guy in Southern Illinois, we are in southeast Missouri and it sounds like it could be worth the road trip. Thanks and how is everything coming with the lawyer?

Answer by thalia
Submitted on 2/10/2005
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well to me it is very obvious that alone is not going to penetrate the skin fast and deep enough.and i like to keep things very optimistic cause we can see from two very different perspectives of the spectrum we can be veery negative or we can remain hopeful that something outhere can actually help alll of us in our desperation. I know it sounds like it probably crazy but I got say to it like like it is. you know there's many ways of seeing this world but you never lose your faith that you will someday see the world with the same as you once did. So it's ok. I want to try different things to see how I'm going to take this things off but I never take off my spirit off, of one day living beautifully in the right place with the right people and everything . I know that I can't say all these bad things because I Know they're not right. But I love just thinking that just One day I will be the same person god created me to be. It's alll good. Just be happy be happy that you're alive. And pray to god and leave it in his hands because god is great and is not the hands of the doctor that will heal is the faith and entirety and belief that you have in the dear lord that he will help. So just pray and you will find the way and strength that god will send you, but always looks for ways to leave skin lookin preety don't do more things to destroy it think before you act, but I think lasers or Tatgone Ink is the best things out there that can actually halp us more that any regular creams. that you never know could be the regular over the countertop creams mom uses for the wrinkles. So don't give up just be hopeful that you're here on this green earth and that one day god will make everything righht after all your suffereing and be faithful.

Answer by Jo Mo
Submitted on 2/11/2005
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Hey everyone, I am probably one of the most sceptical people when it comes to buying things over the net but I have this tattoo on my arm and being a girl and not 19 anymore it is really getting me down. I feel like a biker! eek! I cant afford laser treatment so my only option is Tatbgone. I have placed my order and am waiting for it to be delivered. I promise you all, because I understand what is is like to get down about it, its terrible. I will let you guys know what the results are whether they are positive or negative. I will keep you all posted. I also have a digital camera and am more than happy to email through my pics but give me a few weeks to get going. I feel like the weight has been lifted off my shoulders knowing that there could be a solution to my drab, long sleeve wearing life! Take care and I will keep in touch! Jo UK

Answer by Bellabella
Submitted on 3/1/2005
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I have 3 tribal tattoos that I intensely regret. But I have 3 dilemas:1. I'm skeptical...2. I don't have money to burn and 3. I really care about what i put in and on my body b/c what u put on your body ends up in your blood stream!!!!---What i came up with might sound a tad stupid...but here it goes: Since I'm afraid of toxic synthetic ingredients-even if they faithfully work--if u care about what goes in and on your body-like i do---have an excision done (have it cut out-surgically)and then use maderma--or some kind of natural cream to diminish scars.My next problem-is that i have only medicaid for medical insurance. I know my insurance wouldn't cover a cosmetic procedure :-(!!!! Please help me out w/ any info on this. It might sound bazarr-but i think it's the smartest-and healthiest way to rid yourself of bad body art. I guess-going to a dermatologists office and just asking the dr. to do an excision would be the best thing to do---but i hate it when they have their new med students/or res. assist and/or do a big part of the job. i had a questionable (melanoma) mole removed a few months ago--well I'm rambeling on-b/c it's about 3am now--I'll get off of my tangent now!

Answer by mcs
Submitted on 3/4/2005
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about 8 months ago i went with someone to a tattoo shop so he could get a tattoo. i had no plans of getting one. on a stupid whim, i ended up leaving the salon with a rose on my forearem. i instantly regreted it. i mean that same day i knew i made a mistake. this has been the most horrible mistake i'vemade yet. i even went into severe depression because of it and had to be prescribed anti-depressant pills. i have tried so many ways to get this thing off my body. i drove almost 500 miles to a shop that does saline solution removal. about 2 days after that, none of the ink looked like it was coming out so i poured tons of salt water over and over the open wound. well that did the trick. about 75% of the color came out. all the red and green is gone, i'mjust left with a faded outline. the bad part is that it did scar some. after seeing a doctor and coming within minutes of having him cut, yes cut, the tattoo out of my skin, he got called to surgery and said i had to re-schedule. i thought that must be a sign, i'mnot spose to go that route. anyway, then i tried salabrasion. oh my goodness that hurt and i had a huge scab for like 2 weeks and could harldy move my arm. ok then, i tried something new i never heard of. i ordered a tca skin peel from ebay. i saw an ad that said this would work with repeated treatments. i'vedone like 3 i think and it does seem to be working. i'mreally surprised. parts of the black are actually gone compeltley. i hope it makes it disappear all together. this tattoo has been a living nightmare. i feel alot better after reading some of these posts on this page. i see that i'mnot the only one who's made this mistake and it's nice see that other people are understanding of how a mistake like this can affect your life.

Answer by Kimberly
Submitted on 3/21/2005
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I found this on the EWG cosmetic regulations site. Sounds like it it's active ingredient is not very safe. Even with the 2% FDA approval, I wouldn't risk cancer or a bone marrow transplant... this product and the use of this ingredient doesn't seem to have been around long enough to show what the long term effects and proven safety of it is so I just wouldn't use at all, even if it might make your tatoo fade. "Hydroquinone. The CIR determined that hydroquinone should not be used in non-drug cosmetic products that are left on the skin and not immediately rinsed off. The panel drew this conclusion based on studies linking hydroquinone to cancer and immune system damage that targets bone marrow. This review constitutes one of the few cases for which effects other than skin reactions informed the panel's conclusions. EWG identified hydroquinone on ingredients lists of 18 products left on the skin, most designed as depigmenters or skin lighteners. Based on the listing of hydroquinone as an “active ingredient” on ingredient labels, a requirement for drugs sold in the U.S., it appears that 15 of these products are sold as drugs, falling outside the purview of the CIR recommendations. Three products containing hydroquinone appear to be sold as cosmetics, not drugs, and therefore violate CIR recommendations (Table 1). The potential risks posed by either the “drug” or “cosmetic” versions of these products would be driven by the amounts of hydroquinone in the product, and by how readily hydroquinone is absorbed through the skin, a factor that varies based on product formulation and that is higher for products that contain alcohol (CIR 2003)."

Answer by Kimmie
Submitted on 4/28/2005
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If you decide that you don't like your tattoo - when it is still in the healing stage (preferably the same day). Then you can take and scrubb peroxide into it. Several years ago, I went and got a small band put around my pinky toe... I didn't like the way it looked immediately - so I went directly home and scrubbed it with straight peroxide and it bubbled up all the ink. Hurt - cause well - it was a fresh tat - but it totally went away! :) I am also looking at the 'tat b gone' and 'inkbusters' products to remove some older tattoos I have. Not sure what I think of all this...It may be worth a try... as long as it can't hurt. I would REALLY like to see someone's 'real' before/after pics though - or talk to a 'real' person that has seriously gone threw this. PLEASE EMAIL ME AT yourtattooremovalstory@yahoo.com - IF YOU REALLY have used the products. Thank you - Kim

Answer by James
Submitted on 5/13/2005
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Here's what I did: I have one full tattoo "sleeve" on my right forearm and some smaller stuff on the left forearm...these tattoos NEEDED TO GO...the bicep tattoos I liked and kept. They are not completely gone YET but 2 months into this and they are almost completely GONE. GO to Walgreen's or a drugstore and get two things. hydroquinone cream AND wart remover. wart remover is 17% or more Salicylic acid and both ingredients (hydro and sal acid) are found in TAT B GONE..what a coincidence...dont spend the extra money....my heavy BLACK and other wicked colored arms are not scarring..and the tattoos are almost completely faded all-together. if you stop using it the skin will produce your skin color pigment back the TATTOO HAS NO WAY OF PRODUCING ITSELF BACK, haha...so that means NO YOUR TATTOO WILL NOT REAPPEAR..it will get rid of the tatt pigment and lighten skin slightly during use around the edges of your tattoo, BUT the skin WILL get pigment back and um no...your skin did not memorize all the wonderfull colors and designs of your tattoo so it stays gone...if your skin could re-tattoo itself then that would mean it could in fact tattoo itself and all the tatt parlors would be hurting. im not responsible if you do something you should not or that has negative effects..this is just my story of what i did...

Answer by simulacra
Submitted on 5/17/2005
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After reading (extensively) the recommendation on this site I have thankfully decided to skip my TatBGone order. I have decided to go Petey's route with the Apricot Scrub, Hydroquinone Cream, and possibly the wort remover. I was able to pick up 5 2.7oz jars of the cream, one bottle of wort remover, and two jars of apricot scrub for $38.42 on www.familymeds.com. They even have free shipping. Here's my receipt. St. Ives Medicated Apricot Scrub 2 $8.58 *Tinamed Wart Remover 1 $4.39 Palmer's Skin Success Eventone Fade Cream Regular 5 $25.45 Free Standard Shipping $0.00 Subtotal: $38.42 Shipping & Handling: $4.95 Shipping & Handling Discount: - $4.95 Total Shipping & Handling: $0.00 Order Total: $38.42 Thanks to everyone for all the information and I'll check back in with some pics soon. Sim

Answer by Doc Ray
Submitted on 5/18/2005
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I have read all the comments on this forum. I am the Chief Chemist for a cosmetics company and I have been approached by a client asking me to make a tattoo removal formulation for him and manufacture the product. I have to decide whether to take the project or not. I and my company are only interested in marketing products that have benefit. After reading this forum it is not clear whether topical solutions and scrubs work or not. The known mechanism for hydroquinone is that it inhibits the skin cells from producing melanin. It is the melanin that gives the skin the dark appearance after sun exposure. The surface of the skin is dead, it is a horny protein called keratin, the same as in your nails and hair. It is easily exfoliated. The living part of the skin is underneath this and are skin cells that produce the keratin. Unfortunately it is into this that the tattooist injects pigment for a permanent tattoo. In South Africa hydroquinone was banned after it had been used at 8% or higher for periods of 2 years or longer and was blamed for permanent skin blotching on native African skin. It is not clear whether the hydroquinone did this or some other caustic substance that the patient did not tell the doctor about, as there does not seem to be any mechanism by which the hydroquinone can do this. In the USA the FDA has approved it for OTC skin lightening as long as it is not more than 2% and discontinued after 6 weeks. Higher concentrations require supervision of a dermatologist. It is not expected that hydroquinone would fade tattoos using the mechanism of inhibiting melanin skin pigment formation. However some persons on this forum have reported modest results with hydroquinone and these do not appear to be spamming as generic products have been mentioned. It may very well be that the hydroquinone has some other effect also such as stimulating the immune system we don't know. It seems to me that my only recourse is to get an update of all scientific research over the past 100 years that has been done on tattoo removal and thats the next step. Thanks for posting the ingredients of the Tat-B-Gone is it clearly an apricot scrub and hydroquinone solution although the botanicals may have some immune stimulating and anti-inflammatory effects also. to be continued...

Answer by Desperate housewife
Submitted on 6/18/2005
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I was reading some of these tutorials in the middle section, and it seems like people that work for these companies are slandering eachother and it just seems so fake. I don't know what to believe. It's not even really a $300.00 price issue for me at all. I just don't want to waste a year of my time and get my hopes up like most other people on this website. I guess if this message gets posted to the website then I know that anyone who wants to reply in the USA or the world for that matter can without having a problem. I couldn't submit anythin on the other website the institute for tattoo remolad thing. That told me all the posting that were on there were fake. It's like they hired 4-5 people to make up stories and type them to this website just to make people buy Tat B Gone. I will be so angry if I waste my presious time on a product that is bogus. I'm getting married in a year and have tribal on my left arm. How unattractive. The moral of this posting is to see if it get'sposted... That's all.

Answer by whiskey
Submitted on 7/7/2005
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My two cents on the "tatbgone" stuff... Someone mentioned the "before" and "after" photos being photoshop or other photo editing tricks. THE "AFTER" PHOTOS ARE INDEED EDITED and I can prove it very easily and quickly. I immediately saw two things that gave it away (I won't say what or they may go and change the pics). There was someone in defense of the fact that their website had no phone number...Yes other sites referred to such as Google or Yahoo DO have phone numbers, I have used them to speak with sales reps. Leave an email if you cannot locate the numbers and they will reply with one. Also if you do a "whois" lookup for the tatbgone website it comes back as being listed with the optional "privacy" feature. This is most often someone working from a spare bedroom in their home and do not want their home address given out, however, there are ways to find this info still if you know how. The fact that there is no way to contact them other than email and he/she does not want anyone to know who owns the domain name or the business address (if there were one) tells me to not send my money. To the so called product...they are not doing anything wrong, other than charging a very very rediculous price, variations of the same stuff can be gotten from walmart for about $10. The first step can be any gritty exfoliating product, the apricot scrub or I prefer the old "Lava" soap when it comes to exfoliation on locations which are not sensitive. This doesn't open up the pores as questioned, hot water would do that. It simply removes dead skin (household dust) or better yet partially dead skin (soon to be household dust) and leaves you with fresh skin to apply the cream, be sure to use something more gentle than lava soap for sensitive or tender areas like the upper or inner thighs, etc. For part two, you can use "Black and White" skin bleaching cream 2% hydroquinone unless the area you are working on will be exposed to the sun and then try something like "Skin Success" which has a sunscreen added to it. The third part can be something like cocoa butter, I use the stick form since, like the lava soap, it gives me something to hold on to when applying it. By the way, research has been done that shows NO difference in effectiveness between topicals with 2% and 4% hydroquinone. In all fairness to the tatbgone guy, I do not know if it works or not, I decided to do the same thing without getting royally screwed on the price when I saw they had fake photos and had their website domain "whois" information blocked from anyone who isn't internet savy enough to know how to obtain it...most companies want you to know they are legit, this one is trying every possible way to hide behind an email. If anyone wants to know the address, phone number and contact info which is hidden with the privacy domain registration, do some research, you can get it. I will not post that info here since it is very likely the guy's home address :) Good luck with all your unwanted tats..I regret all but one of mine (have several) and am trying this method. If it doesn't work, I will just give up on removal since most are in areas unseen by anyone other than my wife or doctor when I have to undress.

Answer by Lacy
Submitted on 7/28/2005
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Hi just wanted to let yall know that i have found a way to lighten tattoos enough to tattoo over them....Mederma. I was going to try Petey's method of lightening, but when i was at walgreen'sthe pharmacist suggested this. It has been working so far (of course there was minimal scarring from my bad tat so that could also account for this lightening). Either way..i've used it for about a week and a half and there are small circles of color that are missing (dark pinks) completely. Of course i put it on under a bandage similar to Petey's method. I'm very pleased with it..but i still plan on trying the Palmer's method. and this site was a huge help for me in finding solutions to my problem...so thanks especially to Petey.

Answer by deb
Submitted on 8/10/2005
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I first found the tatbgone website a couple years ago and I keep checking it out because they are still in business. But I will say that when I first found the site, I emailed them and told them they had spelt tattoo wrong.. I am also a web designer and found an article on About.com that mentioned them and some tattooremovalinstitute. What I found was that the headers and path information in the HTML were identical. Even the styles used were the same. The chances of that are very slim. We all can argue about their product for days, but the bottom line is there is no patent, and if this product even products 50% of the claims it makes, do you not think a company with the resources would research it to come out with their own product? At $300 I would think so. First infomercials then retail. After all this product is the basis of capitalism and if it's something that revolutionary then everyone would be clawing to cash in. Keep your money. Petey sounds like he may have something but check with your doctor first. What's worse a horrible scar or side effects or just living with the tat.

Answer by daintylady
Submitted on 9/3/2005
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Here's the problem: About 5 weeks ago I got a series of cat footprint tattoos up my right arm from my wrist to my shoulder. When I got home I realized they were the wrong shape. I should have looked at actual pictures of kitty footprints before I arrived. (MISTAKE #1) The artist showed me his idea first -correct shape- and I insisted he do it my way -incorrect- (MISTAKE #2) so it's not his fault. I was basically happy with the tattoos, but wanted to see if I could have them reshaped. A couple of weeks ago I went back to the tattoo shop to ask about the possibility of reshaping them. I brought in a picture and was told it would make them 'just a little larger' and would cost another $100. (The original cost $250.) He sent me home, said let it heal more and call for an appointment. Which brings me to yesterday. I called the shop yesterday afternoon and was told it would be six weeks to get an appt with the artist who quoted me the $100. BUT a guy was available who would do it now for $150. I thought about it a minute and said ok. (MISTAKE #3) I asked for a good 'freehand' artist. It would have to be a freehand job because there were so many footprints (14) and the change in shape would bring them closer together. The guy who started it completely fcked it up. He started at my wrist, and it would be impossible to cover that up. I FLIPPED OUT, sobbing and saying I should have left well enough alone... basically creating a scene in this busy tattoo parlor on a friday night. [It's a 'reputable' place. I researched the tattoo process/removal/patterns/etc. (shame I didn't research the shape of the tattoo I wanted!) This shop has had rave articles published in many of the top tattoo magazines and the man who owns it (Brandon Bond) was recently awarded tattoo artist of the year. I was THRILLED to discover this parlor was only 5 miles from my house!] Anyway, when I flipped out, this award winning tattoo artist dropped what he was doing, came over, comforted me, brought me water and then outlined everything so the other guy could fill it in. He covered the initial fck up, saying "right now we're basically looking at damage control" and while they are more the shape I want, they are HUGE!!!! Before I went in yesterday each footprint was about 1 inch tall and 1/2 inch wide. Now they're approx. 2 inches wide and 1 1/4 inch tall. They're very very close together, where the top of a toe is about a millimeter below the base of the next foot. I wanted kitty cat walking and got a cougar shuffling. Which is why I'm here. TatBGone and TattooOff looked too good to be true, so I began to search for sites like this one. I'm so glad I found you guys! I like the posts suggesting items you can buy at the drug store. Those have been the most helpful to me. As soon as this heals enough to begin I'm starting the apricot scrub (is medicated really better for this?), hydroquinone cream, vaseline, then wrapping it all up. Wart removal sounds insanely painful, but maybe it's just because the idea of putting acid on my day old tattoo. I think I'll avoid that route - don't need a MISTAKE #4. A friend of mine said the way to fix it would be to integrate it into a sleeve, but I never wanted to be the tattooed lady. I just want it over. I hoped to get another tattoo on my left hip next April commemorating surving a horrendous car accident on it's 10 year anniversary, but let's see how this goes first. At least winter's coming. Covering up by wearing long sleeves is more comfortable in the winter rather than in this 89 degree muggy Georgia summer. The footprints are solid black and I'm pale as can be. They really stick out. I suppose laser surgery would work well, as they're all black and done by a professional artist. Does anyone know if laser treatment works better on a new or older tattoo? Problem is I'm stone broke. I'm only able to work part time at Starbucks because of my injury in that car accident 10 years ago - severe head injury, epilepsy, etc. (Lost my career as a Litigation Paralegal, doesn't that suck}Laser is far too expensive for me. I'd like to try this 'poor man's tattoo removal system' first. Well, I've said my peace I guess. I'm so glad this board is here. Please give me any advice you can. Thanks, Lisa

Answer by Dr.Ross
Submitted on 9/11/2005
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HOW TO REMOVE A TATTOO YOURSELF Step 1: Use a quality exfoliator found in drugstores or a skin-care salon. This is to remove the dead layer of skin. If you wish to speed up the process or have a very stubborn tattoo, you can buy a callous remover tool that is basically a rough aluminum paddle that you can gently remove even more skin layers than an exfoliator could. (Clean and dry the area thoroughly) Step 2: Buy some fading cream from a drugstore that contains at least 2% hydroquinone (Brands I found were Palmer's Fade Cream and Esoterica Fade Cream, both with 2% and both about 5$ a jar). After step 1, rub in the fade cream really well, then apply again a good even layer onto the tattoo. This way the first application gets into the pores while the second "sits" on top of the tattoo'ed area. The hydroquinone is the active ingredient in step 2, and can come in higher concentrates with a perscription from your dermatologist. I also found a product online called "Lustra" that is made by the same people who make esoterica, it is 4% hydroquinone, but it is about 30$ a tube. Once again, if you have a stubborn tattoo, this may be the better choice. Step 3: This is a step that I don't find to be mandatory as it is mainly just a skin protectant to be applied after step 2. For this step though, you want to find a protectant product that has a moisturizer and sun-block properties. Simply apply it after step 2 is air dried. If you wish to cover the area, I recommend a piece of plastic wrap and bandage tape to keep it in place. This is not an overnight solution, but it does work wonders in the 3-6 month range. You want to do steps 1-3 twice a day everyday for the next 3-6 months to get thorough results.

Answer by Jason
Submitted on 10/8/2005
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You people are all retarded. Laser treatment is the only way to remove a tattoo, and there will be scarring, period. IF your not happy with it add to it or cover it up. If you just don't want a tat anymore, then go to a dermatologist and have very costly laser treatments. If its small enough you can have a procedure where a doctor puts a small balloon under the tat stretches the skin and removes the tattoo and sutures the stretched skin, leaving a very thin strait scar. Thats it there's no magic potion for removing tattoo's. Don't waist your money on the crap people are trying to peddle here or on any other board. Just plain retarded to think a cream or salt rub will do anything.

Answer by D
Submitted on 1/10/2006
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In response to those questioning whether Tat B Gone works. The answer is yes. But you have to have patience and use the product as instructed. After 7 very painful laser treatments (thankfully with no scarring) I went to a very reputable laser center in Portland, Maine, I decided to try tat b gone to remove residual ink. It works. It just takes patience. I plan to order more of the product and glad it was developed. Yes sometimes we don;t think about the life time effects of the choices we make but this can be corrected. If you do your research and find a very reputable laser center (not the cheapest one) you will not be scarred. And for those wondering about hypo pigmentation. The normal pigment returns one year after treatments stop. Hope this is helpful. D

Answer by overmytattoos
Submitted on 1/17/2006
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I tried the dermasal one...it's a salt rub and it hurts. All it did was make my skin raw and red... I'm looking into getting my money back, from what I've read about this product/company, I'm sure it will be a hard task to accomplish. Before I try the tatbgone, I'll try the much cheaper apricot scrub and palmers cream. Thanks, you guys have really helped me. I was getting very discouraged about my tattoos. I have one on each wrist, a half sleeve and one on the back of my neck that I want gone...if I went laser, I'd be looking at thousands of dollars, and years of treatments. Lovely. Ohhh, what an expensive "phase" I went through when I was younger! Bleh.

Answer by Britta
Submitted on 3/31/2006
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Hey everyone. I have researched hydroquinone, and I have discovered that IT IS TEMPORARY. It seems to me that it only bleaches the skin (epidermis) above the tattoo and does not actually remove the ink itself. My guess is that once you have stopped using the product for a certain amount of time the effects of the cream will wear off and your tattoos will be visible again. I would highly suggest that no one waste their money on these products. Think about it logically. How could it really be possible to remove something injected with a needle into your skin with a cream? It just doesn't make sense. I know laser treatments are expensive, but I really do believe that it is the safest, most sure way to remove a tattoo. I have my first laser appointment scheduled for this May. Good luck to everyone else!

Answer by Melissa
Submitted on 4/2/2006
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Hi everyone, I also have a tattoo I want to remove, but can't afford laser and don't want the scars. I was reading about the creams, and even if they take a year I think they might work. At least the Tattoo-off,or something like it, because of the natural ingredients. I have read that some essential oils can penetrate your skin to the dermis layer and promote new growth. Although there is no way I'd ever spend as much money as they are asking for any of those creams, its a big rip off, you can probably get all the stuff you need for less than $30. I am going to do an at home experiment. I am going to buy the medicated apricot scrub, an all natural skin lightener from the health food store with essential oils, some hydroquinone and aloe vera (i have a plant). I know there are also some chemicals in lotions that cause the ingredients to penetrate into the dermis. Which is bad, cause you don't want the stuff in your body, but for this purpose it might help the hydroquinone go deeper.Ill get back to everyone cause i don't remember what they are, i think its in some sunscreens. Has anyone tried using a rough scrub on the tattoo then putting hydrogen peroxide on it? Thats seems like it might lighten it a bit too. Or maybe also using a scar removing treatment along with it. Ill post pictures in a couple weeks to show if there are any results. My tattoo is of my husbands name and it has a moon water and seashells around it. It's pretty, but too big, and i don't like the colors. I am going to try to remove everything, but his name, so it will be easy to see if the rest is actually fading cause there will be something to compare it to. Melissa

Answer by Liz
Submitted on 4/12/2006
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I just wanted to state that I did research on Tat B Gone about 2 years ago. After visiting several forums the consensus was that Tat B Gone was in fact, Bleaching Cream - like African American's use to lighten their skin. So I bought a container of bleaching cream and apricot scrub at Walmart. It did lighten my tattoo but it was taking forever. I then realized that the primary ingredient in the one I used was Salicylic Acid. So, I went looking for a higher concentration of Salicylic Acid. I found that liquid wart remover, such as Compound W, has the highest concentration of Salicylic Acid. I've used this for quite a while now. I put it on about once every 3 days. It stings when initially applied. Using it once a week or twice a week will prevent scaring - Also, do not use the apricot scrub with the liquid wart remover. I've had excellent luck with this. I won't say that my tattoo is gone by any stretch of the means, but then again I haven't been good about continuing the process as regularly as I should. My tattoo is extremely faded. There is some discomfort - I'm sure some areas are worse than others...My tattoo is in a very sensitive area...If you want to write me you can do so at nyobnyob2003@yahoo.com I got my tattoo when I young and stupid...I'd love to have it removed and cannot afford laser, et cetera.

Answer by Destiny
Submitted on 4/26/2006
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I ran across this forum while trying to do some research on TatBGone. I was on the verge of purchasing it, however this forum has been very informative and I have purchased the Palmers Skin Success and have been using it for 2 days now....Will continue with this process until my next appointment to get my 6th lasar treatment. My tattoo has faded but after 6 treatments I thought that the results would have been more dramatic. The dr that I go to to get the laser treatments advised me to use a skin lightener cream with 4 % hydroquinone, which I paid $80 for at her office, but I broke out with a rash, I think it was because I used it before my skin was healed from the lasar treatment....Please continue with this forum because I want to keep you all posted with my results

Answer by DragonsDream
Submitted on 4/29/2006
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ok, the last post here is from '04, so not sure this will go through. during a period of deep depression, i had an existing tattoo "enhanced" (a black outline design). i immediately hated it & began researching several methods before deciding on laser. i decided my skin was too important to put chemicals with questionable results on it. i'vehad 3 treatments & its about half faded w/ some complete breaks in the linework. time is the enemy..we want it gone as quickly as it appeared!! with patience & proper care, the skin heals perfectly; other than what's left of what i want removed, the area bears no unpleasant appearance or feel. yes, it is pricey ($159/session), but i will suck it up & do it right, rather than risk skin ulcers, infections, etc. trying to save a buck. hope this helps.

Answer by bink_20020
Submitted on 5/13/2006
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I've been reading all of the responses you all have written. I am glad I found this site. I read the tatbgone promise and I Immed knew it was 2 good 2 be true.Reading your stories really made me go search for a simple removal process for my small tattoo on my forearm.The Hydroquinone product you all mention comes in 2% OTC ( over the counter) anything stronger and u will need a dr. RX . After reading most of your stories I don't think I have it as bad anymore. I have 7 tattoos but only 1 in a place that makes me choose to wear long sleeve shirts.I choose this because I am now 34 , I got the tattoo when I was 19yr. I am now the mother of 2 and I work at a Bank & where I have inter with prof ppl all day long. So I think My tattoo is unprofessional. I am african American so My skin is on the darker side. I have had pleasing success in fading my tattoo. I took the info u all submited and I added this and that and I'm pleased. The key word > fade & skin ....The answer for ppl with small tattoos is rt before u in all your responses. Ty everyone for your help. I wish u all success in your search as well

Answer by the blues
Submitted on 5/22/2006
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THis site is great,thank you all so much.I just got a tatto two days ago, i love it,except the color of my fairy, shes blue. i really want her to be a lighter color, like peach,pink and white. i need to isolate the blue and fate it enough to put those colors on.I was about to oder the tatbgone stuff, but now i know is a scam. i want to try the "walgrens"method. i just hae to wait till my tat is all heal, which i still plan on nursing it to a good health. Only thing is i don't know if we have those ingretings in canada. and did any one try petes menthod without getting any laser done? like just his menthid alone? when i do start it i will keep everyone updated, and will be postng pics of before, after and even the new color of her, if it takes or not.thank you all so much.

Answer by Kitten
Submitted on 5/25/2006
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I hated a tattoo i got a while back, and i thought about all the ways to peel layers of skin off. It doesnt hurt that much inless you have really sesitive pain, but suck it up because your tattoo will fade quickly. Take a really rough sand paper, and just sand your skin in till it is raw. Then put a vitamin E cream on it. When it is touchable rub it raw again. I have been sanding my tattoo for about 3 weeks now ,and it about 70% gone. I figure another couple weeks and i will be ugly tattoo free! Try it. its 5$ for sand paper. If the tattoo isnt completly gone i will at least been extremly faded leaving you with just a little bit left, to use a tat b gone cream or laser thing.

Answer by Lenny
Submitted on 6/1/2006
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Hello, All! I am a professional tattoo artist from Tampa, FL. At my shop: www.addicted2tattoos.com we offer TatGone Ink Tattoo Reversal. We are having excellent results with this product. I have removed 2 from my self and am making alterations on others for my clients. There are no overnight cures for removing a tattoo. Skin bleaching creams do just that, bleach the top layer of skin, they do not remove tattoo ink. Laser works, but as all have said here, it is painful, expensive and takes a long, long time. TatGone Ink does not change the skin color. It does not kill the hair folicles, like laser can. It does not leave scarring if it is put in correctly and is not picked at during the healing process. Healing takes 2-3 months between each session. Laser blasts the large ink molecules in the skin, and allow the skin to carry it away and cast it off through normal bodily systems. TatGone adheres to the ink particles in the skin and pulls them to the surface where they are trapped in the scab. As the scab heals, it pulls the ink out. We charge $50 for small areas, per sitting. $100 for up to 3" x 3" per sitting. Larger pieces should be done in sections. We pay about $150 for about 1/8 oz. of the medium that we tattoo in to remove the tattoo. For everyone's sake, think before you get tattooed. The largest trend in women's tattoos today is REMOVAL!! Does that tell you something? Yes, we can cover up tattoos, but remember that only black ink covers black, it is an art to design an appropriate tattoo to cover another and you should take your time, give the artist time to come up with the best design to suit the tattoo you want to cover. To remove the tattoo completely, consider going to a professional tattoo artist and ask for TatGone Ink. It is tattooed into the skin just as a tattoo is. It takes a while between visits for the skin to heal. It takes out all colors equally well, I believe from experience. But, it needs to be done by someone experienced with the medium and you must have PATIENCE!! Give the skin time to recover between each treatment. This method costs less, does less damage to the skin and has a lot less chance of changing the skin tone. Do it right if you want to do it, stop with the surface treatments for ink that is below the surface. Take care and come for a visit!

Answer by RTAN
Submitted on 6/13/2006
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HI EVERYONE well, i have this 3x2 tattoo on my ankle of a heart and 3 roses wrapped around it. I REGRET getting this...it wasnt something that i wanted but i guess i was talked into it by the tattooist. ANOTHER THING was that i don't think he was licensed and he did a horrible job. I wake up every morning and go to bed every night thinking about this tattoo and it upsets me and gets me all depressed. i've been thinking about getting it lasered off next spring but i'm kind of scared. Ive been doing alot of research on other ways to lighten up the tat by using creams. i'm thinking of buying the tatbgone sometime this month, and give it a try. what do you guys think?? ive also been reading everyones statements about the "walgreen" method, can someone explain that to me, maybe i should try that first and give it a shot...please someone help me out here!! i'm tired of having to cover this tattoo up, especially during the summer, i miss wearing skirts and shorts and capris!!...

Answer by ladysugnspice
Submitted on 6/16/2006
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Wow I'm so glad I found this site. I'm 29, caucasian, one tattoo on my left breast 4*4, one on my left arm all the way around and a good 5" diameter. The second is a coverup, full of gorgeous reds and blues, greens, pinks, yellows, oranges, purples, it's actually quite pretty. Oh I'm also a nurse, so I have to cover both well. Here's my doctors' take on all I've researched these past three months: TatBGone, Tattoo-Off, Dermasal, and all Hydoroquinone products have deleterious effects when used long term sp three months internally (if they penetrate the basement membrane especially); we give a medication structurally similar to help relieve muscle spasms. So please be careful what you are putting into your skin, the largest organ of elimination in the human body which is also absorptive. As for the TatGoneInk, my doctors have advised against any heavy metals (silver nitrate, nitrites, etcetera) injected into the skin as they are VERY hard on the liver. Please note that you will most likely have effects over the long term as the chemicals build up and the liver exhausts itself attempting to rid the body of them. Excision is opening your skin up for infection, and said infections can become systemic especially when left untreated, leading to toxemia or sepsis. Dermabrasion, saline abrasion, depending on the depth of skin removal can have the same negative effects as excision. Every method has its side effects; the safest on market is laser surgery WHEN performed by a physician with the correct laser. My doctors informed me this can be augmented by hydroquinone, and a prescription will give the highest dosage SAFE enough to be used as determined by the person and her/his physician, and again for no more than three months. No two bodies are the same, and ethnic skin can also benefit from the same treatment with differing doses. So I'm checking into laser surgery and asking my favorite doc for which dosage I need to start the fading process before during and after. These tattoos are HUGE but I'm still proud that I was able to sit through the pain of getting them... it's a little like having marks of a warrior. But in this day and age people want women wearing pink lipstick, not having courageous dragons and phoenixes showing our capabilities of rebirth! To whoever reads this and needs hope: know that with and without tattoos, jobs, relationships, wealth,... we all already are everything we ever need to be. Happiness is internal. Tats are just our creative way of expressing it! Put no one else's opinion above your own, keep hold of your own worth, and hold your heads high. We're warriors.

Answer by Spunky
Submitted on 7/6/2006
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I did some research on Hydroquinone and this is what I found: What is hydroquinone topical? • Hydroquinone decreases the formation of melanin in the skin. Melanin is the pigment in skin that gives it a brown color. • Hydroquinone topical is used to lighten areas of darkened skin such as freckles, age spots, cholasma, and melasma. • Hydroquinone topical may also be used for purposes other than those listed here. Hydroquinone (BLEACHING agent): For standard non-hormone induced hyperpigmentations. Hydroquinone usually reduces or removes hyperpigmentations very effectively. For the person who does not wish to have expensive or invasive procedures or only has slight hyperpigmentations - hydroquinone can be a good option. However, these products may not be suitable for your needs and they will also take longer than some treatment options. Hydroquinone is a melanin blocker. You may have heard it called "skin bleach" but in actuality it prohibits new melanin production as your body goes through natural or chemical-assisted exfoliation. These products can be obtained over the counter in weak strengths or by prescription from your plastic surgeon or dermatologist. Some formulations are even available on the Internet. Formulations of 4% used to be thought to be the best as irritation would erupt in higher strengths. This has been proven although strengths up to 10% are routinely formulated for patients. However it must be noted that higher strengths of Hydroquinone have caused hydroquinone-induced ochronosis (black speckling in the dermis) in patients with darker skins, and have even been banned in parts of Europe and all throughout Asia due to the belief that higher concentrations are carcinogenic.

Answer by Soupy2
Submitted on 7/18/2006
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Warning!!!! DO NOT ORDER TAT B GONE. Its a scam. I was looking at the website and was getting ready to order, already inserted all my information with my credit card, but then decided to not order this product. Well I closed the page and some how was billed for this product. 200 bucks. So I emailed them and told them I didn't mean to order the product and tried to cancel the order. They sent me an email saying they don't take returns and they can't cancel orders. It wasn't even 24 hours since the order went through. I then received a bogus email with a receipt that made no since and said that I ordered it at a different time. 841 to be exact. I don't even get to work before 10. So now i have to go to my credit card company to try and get this removed because the company won't do it. SO DO NOT ORDER THIS PRODUCT "TAT B GONE" its a major scam.

Answer by serenegoddess
Submitted on 9/19/2006
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I have read quite a few emails from women who are pregnant and who possibly might use creams and such to remove their tattoos. Please, keep in mind even herbal ingredients can cause problems or side effects, and use extreme caution when using while pregnant! I am currently studying aromatherapy, and have for about 3 years now, and there are many herbal treatments not suitable for pregnancy, as well as many other health issues. Please talk to your doctor or naturalpath before starting any treatments. This is my personal opinion, and I am not advocating nor dissuading you from using any of the products or procedures mentioned on this site. Just please, DO YOUR RESEARCH! Thanks...

Answer by unwanted tatoe
Submitted on 10/17/2006
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OK look i just got the dermesal stuff because looking at all th removers it seemed the best because t was made by a vitamen company an i was desperite ive used it once..., ive heard about the algreens method with the aplmers cream i want too no does taht work and if neone has had suces with dermaseel also my tat is very small and homeade, thereofre the ink is not nearly as deep so i think it will be easyer to remove is that acuurate??Ithink im going to continue with dermassel mto see if there is results. I think that lkike i said becaus it is homeade it will be easier to remove it is probably 1inch and a half by 1/2 inch so i woul d appreciate a ny feedback. Once again any headway with dermassel or if neone that nos what there talking about somewhat thinks it may remove an already faded small homeade tatoo... sorry abput the repetitive ness its late and i have to get up early thanks again

Answer by Brandi
Submitted on 10/23/2006
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Hi, my name is Brandi and I have just read the entire board posting. Took like 1 1/2 hours. Anyway, I have a tattoo that I got in hawaii that just sucked, looked like a big black blob. It's on my stomach and I was lying down and couldn't see what he was doing. BTW he didn't have any tattoos himself (indicator I know) SO I sued him and won for the cost of laser removal which was appoximately 2000.00 when I lived in Hawaii. I didn't get it done, spent the money on other stuff. (Wrong, I know) So now I'm ready for it to be gone. After reading, I am convinced TatBGone is a scam, but the apricot scrub and the hydroquinone cream seems worth a try. If that doesn't work (I'll give it time) I will try the tatgone removal system cause there is an artist in my local area that does it and swears by it. Anyway, I haven't seen one single picture on here, but some good information. Just yesterday I went and got a huge cover-up tattoo drawn on me, but I think now I have decided just to try to get it off! Thanks, and I will post some pictures if I get some progress!

Answer by turtletouche
Submitted on 10/30/2006
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I have had 6 laser treatments at Ł125 ($230) each time on a lower forearm tattoo done in 1987. It is black, red, yellow, green, purple, orange, blue. After 2 years it has faded to half the original shade. The black ink has virtually completely all gone BUT I am left with persistent orange, yellow, red and to a degree green that the laser just wouldn't touch. So....... rejuveni or www.e-raze.com seemed like the answer after doing loads of research. In my opinion creams and TatBgone type products just will not work because of the material science behind tattoo ink, its position in the dermal layer and its inability to be removed. Laser smashes the ink particles to allow the bodies system to take the particles away naturally and then you have the option of tattooing over the tattoo with a tattoo gun, re-piercing (puncturing) the tattoo and exposing the ink to the outside world once again!! Doesn't common sense tell you that by puncturing the skin and exposing the ink with thousands of needle holes whilst introducing a formulation very close to the original tattoo ink which bonds to the ink and then relies on the skins natural defence system to force the ink to the surface in the scab, a more likely way of getting rid of that tattoo? That is what I have done and to my excitement even after being told that tattoos with previous laser treatment respond less to the rejuveni method, the ink was being released during the treatment before my eyes. After 6 lots of laser and now this rejuveni I am very hopeful that I am going to get a very good result and perhaps need 2 more treatments to finish it off. I will keep you posted as I progress with Rejuveni. By the way if you live in Norfolk / Suffolk (UK) Joes tatto studio in Gorleston on sea is the local technician for rejuveni / e-raze.com where I had my tattoo treated. Good luck

Answer by LIz
Submitted on 11/9/2006
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Look, the creams with acid are going to make your skin peel over and over and over...when removing a tattoo, scarring is almost inevitable...i have been to talk talked to many plastic surgeons who have all said that colors such as blue, orange, red, green, purple etc. are non going to lose their color with laser surgery...Blacks, greys, and browns will, as those are natural colors that lasers are made to get the pigment out of (i.e. moles, freckles, age spots) Tat b gone cream is crap...it may fade your tattoo a little, but so will going out in the sun, or peroxide. My recommendation is REJUVI TATTOO REMOVAL. Rejuvi is a chemical that reacts with the pigments of ALL colors, unlike a laser, and actually REMOVES THE INK FROM YOUR SKIN, also unlike a laser (which only eliminates pigment) Rejuvi tattoo removal should be done by someone with training and experience in either tattoo art or permanent make up. The cost averages at about $250 per treatment, and most tattoos only need 3 treatments. Once the rejuvi reacts with the ink in your skin, they will both rise to the surface and form a scab (not pretty)...after a week or so, the scab will fall off. There is a 6% change of scarring, but if you don't get the scab wet or pick at it and apply "Bacitracin or Neosporin and maybe a Silicon scar fading patch from Walgreens, you aren't going to scar. Scarring depends on how well you take care of the area after the scab falls off. I'm getting it done this evening, and i will report back and possibly include a link where you can see before/after pictures. Listen to me, those creams don't work and you really shouldn't be performing chemical peels on youself...then you'll really scar and callous. I'm telilng you, just get the rejuvi procedure, especially if you have colors...if you have neutrals, try rejuvi before laser, because laser can make it harder for rejuvi to work but rejuvi doesn't affect the effectiveness of laser treatment!

Answer by mycrazyinsanity
Submitted on 11/28/2006
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Please, please, please be careful out there! Most of the skin bleaches being used to lighten and/or remove tats contain potentially dangerous chemicals. "Hydroquinone (C6H6O2) is a severely toxic and very powerful chemical used in photo processing, the manufacture of rubber and is an active agent in hair dyes. Hydroquinone or Mercury applied to the skin will react with ultra violet rays and re-oxidise, leading to more pigmentation and premature ageing. More product is then applied in an attempt to correct the darker blotchy appearance. These are the beginnings of a vicious cycle. By altering the skins natural structure and inhibiting the production of Melanin, it’s natural protection, the skin is more susceptible to skin cancer. Prolonged use of Hydroquinone will thicken collagen fibers damaging the connective tissues. The result is rough blotchy skin leaving it with a spotty cavier appearance." (From Pressbox.co.uk http://www.pressbox.co.uk/detailed/Health/skin_bleaching/_lightening_its_dangers_37431.html and Civant Skincare http://www.civantskincare.com/research.html?gclid=CJKd8o-g6YgCFRDAJAodglQKog) Also keep this high-school chemistry thought in mind; NaCl (sodium chloride, i.e.salt), and H2O (water) are products of NaOH (sodium hydroxide) and HCl (hydrochloric acid), which are both EXTREMELY CAUSTIC not to mention very dangerous and quite toxic with repeated exposure. http://www.webelements.com/ Look into other options first. Maybe a high quality home facial peel or mild dermabrasion (my friends and I used to joke about using half a lemon and salt to "scrub" the tat off!) As long as the product is safe for long-term use, it should be ok, although checking with your doctor or pharmacist if you have any doubts. At least you'd get softer skin for it! ;)

Answer by BadTat
Submitted on 12/5/2006
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Hi guys -- it has been 2 years since the last posting, but this conversation is the most relevant result in search engines -- meaning lots of people read this ... so I wanted to add my comments: Ok so what tatBGone (or any fading system) will do is gently slough the skin (Step 1) to get to the layers beneath where the ink is, at which point (step 2) it is extracted with saline. OR hydroquinone is placed inside the pores in order to help fade. I have read about a method used at home (not going to be as extreme as the blowtorch guy above!) but does cause some pain: Sandpapering down layers of skin, then applying salt to the wound to extract the ink. So as a sanity check, I am trying a method that has gotten me a few layers below the top layer with sandpaper but not all the way -- hoping this will expedite the exfoliating step of the procedure. Please note: If you are going to use sandpaper, please don't do it alone. It is going to hurt. It is going to bleed, and you may get faint or lightheaded! Then used medicated lidocaine spray to clean and stop pain. Then, used a bit of salt and wiped clean. (More medicated lidocaine to prevent infection). Then, have placed hydroquinone creme on top. Will try the plastic wrap method metioned above. Basically it hurts like hell, but I believe this expedited method will work. I will update here with results. Anyone who has used hydroquinone is encouraged to write back to this thread .... Good luck and be safe! P.S. looks like hydroquinone has been pulled from many drug stores in US ... better rush out and see what you can find. I found: "Genuine Black and White Bleaching Cream" by Beauty Creations Inc.

Answer by Nicole
Submitted on 3/13/2007
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In answer to Petey's comment about not wanting tats when you become an adult, I happen to be 32, almost 33 years old and have 4 tats. I will be adding to these over the next few years. My husband who is about to be 30 is in the military (13 years) and has about a dozen. Each of our tats have a specific meaning and relation for us. I know that many people have gotten tats that they regret, but don't assume Petey that only kids who don't know any better are the only ones who frequent tattoo parlors. I happen to be very proud of ALL my tats. My latest one is a dedication to America and being an Army wife that I got done on my ankle. I have no regrets for any of mine. When we go to get tats, my husband and I study them for several visits and make sure of what we are getting before a tat artist ever gets a needle into us! Again, I know some people here have tats that they might not have thought ahead about, but some of us are proud of our tats. It might help you to realize that Petey! And in case anyone is wondering, the reason I am on this site at all is because I was researching tat creams for a close friend of mine who wants two tats, one on each shoulder, taken off. She, like a lot of people regrets what was drawn on one, and the other wasn't done well. For that, I will let her know about Petey's posts about the stuff from Walgreen's and hopefully that will help her get rid of hers.

Answer by Lilg
Submitted on 6/30/2007
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I have this awful tattoo (always draws attention and it's very annoying) that was done when I was 16 (I am excused) never thought about it twice then.... Anyways, I've been doing laser treatments (once per year) it is very painful - expensive - and it keeps fading all year long... I've researched feedback and articles about the removal creams for months. What comes to my attention is there is no information about the negative feedback whatsoever. Nobody is giving any details of what hapened - how long they used it - why it didnt work ... Seems only skeptical - why others seem to have tried it and got positive results. Anyways that is my analysis and I've decided to finally order a 4 month supply of TatBGone. It does seem to have the best feedback. After 4 laser treatments - my tattoo is pretty faded, so let's hope it can remove what's left. I might be able to offer informed advice on which works better : Laser V.S TatBGone e-mail me at sunshine007girl@hotmail.com for further information about this product and its results.

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Question by Kevin
Submitted on 7/9/2003
Related FAQ: rec.arts.bodyart: Tattoo FAQ 9/9--Bibliography
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Does anyone have any info on this tattoo fade a way system called Tat B gone, says they have FDA approval and that over the course of months the tattoo will fade away with their treatment.Wondering if anyone has tried it.Sounds to good to be true.here is their link to check it out . http://tatbgonecom.

Answer by Suzanne
Submitted on 7/23/2003
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http://www.faqs.org/faqs/bodyart/tattoo-faq/part7/section-4.html Check this link! It's a warning about this kind of products, please read! Site from FDA.

Answer by JUAN
Submitted on 8/15/2003
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But the link and the warning that Suzanne wrote in her answer is an old case... ż?

Answer by MB
Submitted on 9/12/2003
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Well, I am 3 months into the treatment, and it seems to be working very well for me. I am desperate to get rid of my tattoo. My co-worker recommended it to me, and hers is almost gone. She has been using it for 7 months, though. Hope this helps! -MB

Answer by Nona
Submitted on 9/12/2003
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Tat b gone does NOT work. Don't waste your money. Go to a tattoo artist and get the tatgone ink or get lasers. This stuff is a total scam.

Answer by Mary Pat
Submitted on 9/15/2003
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Checked into that FDA thing. Seemed like someting else and way out of date-12-15 years ago, didn't think it applied to Tat gone.I tried it. Well my yellow bear is gone. Took 5 1/2 months. Now starting on my butterfly. I expect the same results, but will let you know if something different happens.

Answer by Snowe
Submitted on 9/15/2003
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I am wanting to try some of the Tat B Gone for some roses that I had put on my shoulder in 1991... I was wondering if anyone here has tried the stuff on red and green tattoos, as I hear they are the hardest (apart from white pigment) to remove... If anyone has pictures of their own tattoo they are removing, I'd really appreciate seeing them. Thanks!

Answer by kevin-y
Submitted on 10/13/2003
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undoubtedly,the fact is obvious that many people who had got tattoo/s or who would get tatoo on their body are/will be unhappy- due to the fact, it become boring to see the tattoo night and days. for instance i have got a big tatoo on my chest by a mauritian tattooist and now i want to remove the silly thing i done by the absence of my parents. perhaps many people like it and i also. but some of my relatives told me that it did not look so impressive and beautiful. so i am in doubt to use tat b gone-the fade away system,as there is no information which show the benefits of the cream and also i want to know what the cream contain about. thanks.

Answer by TATMAN
Submitted on 10/22/2003
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Tat b gone does NOT work. Don't waste your money. Go to a tattoo artist and get the tatgone ink or get lasers. This stuff is a total scam. Nona, what is TATGONE Ink?

Answer by John S
Submitted on 11/5/2003
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I gritted my teeth and purchased the 6 mo. supply. It only lasted about 4 months (the tribal I'm working on is kind of big). It is more that 1/2 gone now. Just ordered another 6 month which I think should finish the job.

Answer by clm-digger
Submitted on 12/9/2003
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Hi: I have also been considering TatBGone but am concerned about how well it works. Does anyone have before and after pictures they are willing to share?

Answer by jamie
Submitted on 12/17/2003
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Don't confuse the two: "Tatgone Ink" is different from "Tat B Gone." Tat B Gone is a cream that you can buy and use on yourself. Tatgone Ink requires a tattooist to tattoo the product into your unwanted tattoo. It is marketed to medical professionals as "Rejuvi." It requires 3 to 7 treatments to remove a tattoo. Some claim that Tatgone Ink is safer than laser removal, others say it doesn't work as well as laser removal.

Answer by tamboe77
Submitted on 12/26/2003
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I too made the mistake of getting a tattoo. For multiple reasons I also would like to have it removed. My first concern is I have somewhat sensitive skin. I also want to know if anyone can tell me if the area can still tan after bieng exposed to the sun. One more thing, how is it applied, it is a difficult process or lifestyle to adapt to. Thanks!

Answer by andrea
Submitted on 12/30/2003
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does anyone know if tatbgone can work on black skin? does it have a fading effect on skin-color or on the ink itself?? does it really work, how long did it take for you?

Answer by Rangel
Submitted on 1/8/2004
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I'm trying to research dermasal right now. I'm still not convinced that it works. The website does mention money back guaranteed, but I don't see a return address on their website.

Answer by ken pastore
Submitted on 1/11/2004
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I am going to order more tat b gone creams. I have a 40 year old black figured panther on my forearm. Last year I used tatbgone for about 6 months. It actually faded away some of the tattoo. I can tell it does work slowly, but because it was done by a professional tattoo artist he drilled ink in very deeply. Where he didn't the tattoo has faded. It might take me more than another year to completely eradicate this deformation, but I am will and going to buy 6 more months supply today. Good luck on your problems.

Answer by Hans H.
Submitted on 1/15/2004
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I ran into this site when I was looking for the Tatbgone website to reorder. After reading all this it seems that the people using the product are happy. All the other notes are from skeptics and people promoting other forms of tattoo removal. Well all I can say is that I am happy. I tried laser but this is easier and cheaper and I am getting better results then I even imagined.

Answer by KB
Submitted on 2/7/2004
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Be careful. A similar product, Dermasal, created by "Selmedica Healthcare" has a very bad reputation with the better business bureau. Check the link below: http://www.midsouth.bbb.org/commonreport.html?compid=1200382

Answer by yohon
Submitted on 2/11/2004
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hi all how is that tatbgone stuff i just had a dragon put on my back all black work it's fairly big a lot of dragon scales i no my skin takes ink very well and the tatto is all messed up i had it done at someones house insted of proffesional i was drunk stupid move i tryied to ask a tattoo artist if he could fix it he told me it was shot either get lazer or a cover up but if i get a cover up it has to be a really big piece he said so im looking at my options i can tell that he didnt dig to deep at some parts becuse there are parts of the head that is a little faded

Answer by matthew
Submitted on 2/18/2004
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Go to the drug store Walgreen's has 4 products with hydroquinone in them from 3 to 12 bucks I am going to give that a try first. Same active ingredient

Answer by kh
Submitted on 2/19/2004
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If you do a search on Hydroquinone you will find a lot more potential information and history on the product.

Answer by zxcv
Submitted on 2/25/2004
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I'm Currently using Dermasal (same as that tatbgone stuff) to fade the tattoo (making it easier to cover up)... No significant results thus far (tattoo looks to be dulling). However after each time we use the solution, the tattoo rises off the surface of the skin (seems to be doing something). Does this mean it is working? Is this good?

Answer by Dr Kip
Submitted on 2/26/2004
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I used Tat B Gone with very good results on myself. I was very pleased. I have now recommened it to some friends and they seem to be having the same positive results. I will continue to moniter their progress. I certainly would recommend it.

Answer by Jenny
Submitted on 2/29/2004
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I read all these boards before I went ahead and decided to try Tat B Gone for myself. I was sick of trying to hide my tattoo in the office, and i did not have the money to waste on a false product. Since I got a lot of info from you all, I thought I would "pay" you back, and let you know that Tat B Gone actually works. I am noticing great results using Tat B Gone. The colors are getting less and less intense, including the black. I have recommended it to some friends and they see results as well. You will not waste your money with Tat B Gone. -Jenny

Answer by Gauri
Submitted on 3/6/2004
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Does anyone have info on how Tat B Gone, Tatgone Ink and/or laser work on dark skin? I love my tattoo, but want it faded a bit. It is too dark and I wanted something a little more delicate. My skin tone is a medium brown and my tatoo is a dark-reddish brown. Any info would be greatly appreciated

Answer by Debi
Submitted on 3/8/2004
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I have been using Tatbgone for two and a half months, I have been noticing my tattoo fading and it seems like it will be a long process it is working! I would rather do this than pay 300 dollars a pop for laser like I have been. Just thought I would let you all know. I just don't understand how it works for some people and other it did not. You have to put it on 2x'sa day everyday and keep at it. I figure if you spent the money for it you should give it a change since tat b gone does not have a money back garuntee like Dermesel.

Answer by geminii
Submitted on 3/16/2004
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Hi everyone i just have 1 ques....Do any of the tattoo removal creams really work ? any documented info on the effectivness ?

Answer by BlueDaisy
Submitted on 3/18/2004
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make sure you do not EVER get pressured into getting a design that you arnt quite sure will pan out like you invision .thats my predicament now ,and here i am on the internet researching produts and different lasers to remove this hideous tattoo on my the back of my leg ,its only been about 24 hrs and every time i look down i want to cry .thank god i see it as kinda funny because it would have to happen to me , .ive really got alot of info on these products thanks to this wonderful website and realize im not the only one out there and there is hope !!!!! thank you thank you thank you

Answer by Holly
Submitted on 3/21/2004
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After much tedious research...I have decided to use the Tatgoneink product. I just had my first tx done yesterday. I will post images of how the progress is coming along. In the meantime, if you are considering using this product, go to the following really informative website (With great Pics) regarding this product.. http://www.dmcta.com/inkout2.html Good Luck Everyone In your Decisions..

Answer by wonderind
Submitted on 3/25/2004
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how can you tell if the ink is very deep into your skin? i recently got a tattoo done and now i want it out. based on what you guys have said i am going to try tat b gone..can anyone post any pictures of their faded tattoo? did it lighten your untattooed skin? if it did, did the color return? how long did it take for your tattoo to fade?

Answer by HUGH H
Submitted on 3/27/2004
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I tried Tat B Gone for 6 months too be exact now and have seen no difference! Maybe a bit dullness but thats about it. I regret wasting my money for such a product. I think Tat B gone is a complete hoax but hey...you never know unless you try right? I like the sounds of this dermasal product though . I only wish Tat B gone had a money back guarantee. I am disappointed with this product and am discontinuing using it. I think ill try the dermasal worth a try, if thats not the answer laser treatment will be my only option left.

Answer by BusyBee
Submitted on 3/29/2004
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Well, Hugh. My boyfriend tried dermasal and it left his skin raw and agitated. That stuff was just tearing up the upper layers of his skin, and for what? For nothing!! You can never tear up enough skin to get rid of the ink (or bear the pain of tearing it up). Only later did I find out that dermasal is a salt rub. Well, that explains everything! Now my boyfriend uses Tattoo-OFF, and I am noticing the difference!! It is also much better on the skin.

Answer by Sade
Submitted on 3/30/2004
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I recently(3 months ago), got a tattoo that the artist screwed up. It is very large on my shoulder and arm. The original layer of colour was orangey, then we tried covering it with blue-green, and it is not what I wanted. Does anyone have a similar tattoo experience, and what did you try to remove it, and did it work? So far I'm hearing that tatbgone is the best (other than laser). I really need advice on how much it actually fades the tattoo. Even if it fades it enough to re-tattoo a different piece of art over it. Also, does the age of the tattoo matter?

Answer by Caz
Submitted on 3/31/2004
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I've had my tatoo on the back of my shoulder for about 10 years and am dying to have it removed. Of all the rebellious things I did as a teenager, this is one of my biggest regrets! I am contemplating laser treatment but to avoid paid and expense, I'm willing to give Tatbgone a try. I only heard about Tatbgone a couple of days ago so decided to have a search on the web. I've found all the comments useful but no one has indicated whether they know if/how it affects black skin. Does anyone know whether it will make my skin lighter as the tatoo fades? Also, is there any distributors for Tatbgone in UK/England?

Answer by Bjoern2x
Submitted on 3/31/2004
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Can somebody help me? I need a tattoo remover for my girlfriends ugly tattoo. It have to be removed before the webbing...Do some of you know if i can get a cream in Norway??