Results and Review of TCA Patch Test

It's now the next day and the areas where I did the patch test are now pinkish brown as what the insert of the TCA peel kit stated. It also feels like a nasty sunburn and it feels a bit rough and dry to the touch. There are some parts of it that are swollen but it's manageable. I will drink another anti-inflammatory later.

So far, the TCA is working as how it should work based on the instructions given and what I've researched on the net. It burned my skin just right--just enough for it to peel a few layers of my skin. I've seen some pictures of other people's TCA peel on their tattoo and they look like really nasty burns that might even scar. I think that they didn't dilute the solution and used the full 100%-ouch! When it comes to TCA, I believe using a weaker solution like I did (around 40-45%) is the way to go. Some people are just too impatient with this process and want quick results. But they should know that a stronger solution doesn't mean the tattoo will disappear faster too. They don't realize that this acid in very potent solutions can cause 3rd degree burns (higher risk for infection) and scarring. I've read this post of a guy who did a TCA peel on his toe and had an infection. And when he went to a doctor to treat his infected burn, the doctor even considered amputating his toe if the infection wasn't controlled. Lucky for him it didn't turn out that way. So in other words, this procedure isn't a joke and should be done in the utmost care.

Another important thing to take not of too is the ratio of TCA and water put in the vial. It's easy to get carried away with the amount of water and TCA to put in the container but it's best to take note of the amount placed just to have a consistent formula for future peels. If a solution works on your tattoo then it's good to know how you came up with it instead of just relying on guesswork all the time.

The only hassle for me with this procedure is that it's placed on my foot (upper right side) and the after pain would make it uncomfortable for me to wear shoes. Though I think the friction/rubbing of my shoes on the burn wouldn't be too bad for the burn--just uncomfortable. I think it would still be okay for me to wear socks and my gym shoes and workout. But I guess no kickboxing for now.

I am also going to do a full on TCA peel a few days from now (while avoiding the patch test area). The reason why I'm not doing this now is that I have a lot of errands to do and I need the full use of my 2 feet lol. It would be such a hassle for me to walk around town while nursing a burn on my foot--the area hurts the most when the TCA is newly applied, but on the next day it doesn't so much anymore.

NOTE

I am really excited to see the results of the first peel. I believe in this process so much because I know that it works in one way or another. My basis for this was from my friend's experience with a nasty sunburn (as in from the sun) on his tattoo. The next day, some parts of his tattoo got blisters. I didn't see him again until a few months later and when I saw his tattoos again the parts where the blisters were didn't have any ink at all! Like it was never tattooed to begin with. The other areas of his tattoo became faded too. Actually, I was really hoping for that kind of results (blisters-2nd degree burn) on my patch test but considering that it's on my foot, I was glad because then it'll be impossible for me to wear shoes. If the tattoo was on my arm or any other part that wouldn't be pressed on by clothing or what not, then I'd be fine with blisters.

I'm expecting that the intial peel would fade my tattoo a bit but I'm not expecting magic to happen. Once again, the key to this is patience, patience, patience. Sigh.