Just because tattoos are meant to be permanent doesn’t mean they have to be. Tattoo removal methods have been around for many many years. Of course, the more primitive methods tend to be much more painful and more likely to cause severe scarring, but they actually get rid of the tattoo itself fairly well. Even so, there are other options out there that one may wish to try. Some are more expensive but more effective, while some are cheaper but may not work for everyone. If financially limited, it may be worth it to try one of the cheaper methods of removal.

So what methods are there to remove a tattoo?
1. Laser Tattoo Removal. Laser tattoo removal is one of the more expensive methods, is also painful, but is generally very effective with less risk of scarring. However, there are some limitations to laser removal. Black-ink tattoos tend to be removed the easiest with this method, while colored tattoos tend to be more difficult. This method also takes a number of repeated sessions and can take a while for the tattoo to finally be removed.

2. Dermabrasion. Dermabrasion uses abrasion to remove layers of skin and eventually the tattoo. This method is effective, but is painful and has a risk of scarring (think of taking sandpaper to your skin). There is also salabrasion, which is the use of a salt/water mix to remove layers of skin in the same fashion. However, both run a higher risk of infection if they are attempted at home.

3. Removal Creams. Tattoo removal creams have also become popular over the years. Creams, however, are a product for which results seem to vary quite a bit. Some people see great results while others don’t seem to see any. Of course, if financially burdened, it may be worth giving a tattoo removal cream a try before spending too much money on a surgical method of removal.

4. TCA. TCA is a skin peeling agent used for cosmetics. Some people claim that repeated use of this substance can fade the tattoo and eventually completely remove it. This method can be performed either at home or by a doctor. If attempting at home tattoo removal, a small area of the skin should be tested first to be sure there is no allergic reaction and dilution and usage instructions should be followed to prevent harm.

5. Tattoo Cover Up. A tattoo cover up is another option. This is simply covering the unwanted tattoo with another tattoo. This is actually one of the cheaper methods, but it may be useful to fade the current tattoo slightly to help with the cover up.

6. Excision. Excision is a relatively simple surgical procedure used mainly for smaller tattoos. The idea is to just cut the tattoo out and stitch the surrounding skin together and allow it to heal. This method is definitely not recommended at home and can lead to scarring.

These aren’t the only tattoo methods out there, but they are some of the more popular ones. If the tattoo absolutely has to be removed, then it may just be worth it to go with one of the more expensive methods like laser removal since they tend to be more effective.

Other source:

http://depts.washington.edu/skinsurg/laser_surgery/tattoremoval.html
http://goaskalice.columbia.edu/tired-my-tattoo-where-do-i-go-get-it
http://www.utsouthwestern.edu/utsw/cda/dept16409/files/90271.html

Kat Von D is an American tattoo artist, model and television personality. She is best known for her work as a tattoo artist on the TLC reality television show LA Ink, which premiered August 7, 2007, in the United States and November 11, 2007, in the UK, and ran four seasons. (source: wikipedia)

Kat also inking Lady Gaga, as well as how she became a world record holder. Here’s the video about Kat’s talking about tattoos

Getting a tattoo can be a great way to mark an occasion or a moment that people can remember just when they look at it. A tattoo is a piece of art that will remain sculpted on a person’s body for the rest of their lives. Hence, it’s important be extra careful in selecting a tattoo design when creating it. Once the tattoo is completed, it’s important to take good care of it. Aftercare for tattoos is a method that involves procedures for maintaining tattoos after they are completed. This procedure ensures that the tattoo that is created, maintains its design and colors for a lifetime.

Before getting a tattoo, one must be sure why do they want one? Does it mark an occasion or does it symbolize something in their lives or maybe is it just for the sake of getting one made? If these questions are answered, then the next step would be to select a design. The tattoo artist can also help in picking one. It’s also important to pick a tattoo artist with a good reputation. Good artists offer good solutions for aftercare for tattoos. It’s not just about designing tattoos but also taking care of it.

Tattoo artists usually make their client feel comfortable to prepare them for the tattoo making process. They usually talk to the client about how they would go about making the tattoos and whether the tattoo would take one session or multiple sessions. They offer right tips on aftercare for tattoos. To make the tattoos, artists today use nitrile gloves and sterilized equipment. This ensures that the client does not get infected. Tattoo machines are available in various forms today, from two needle to five needle setup, depending on the shading that has to be done. After the tattoo is made, it is covered in some form of bandage or covering, as the skin is sore. The covering has to come off within an hour so that the skin can breathe and heal. After removing the bandage, the tattoo needs to be washed using only warm water and anti bacterial soap. After it’s washed, a soft cloth should be used to damp it. An ointment can be used to keep the tattooed area cool and help it heal. Too much ointment can cause the tattoo or the skin to suffocate.

After care for tattoos include protecting the skin from the sun and extreme cold. The heat of the sun can cause skin tanning and thereby creating soreness. However, extreme cold temperature is helpful in healing the skin, but it can cause a frost bite. Some more traditional forms of ointment are also helpful in healing the skin, for example cold fermentation. People sometimes think that creating a tattoo is the end of the process. The point is that getting a tattoo made and then maintaining it is a lifelong process. It’s a beautiful piece of art and it needs to be taken care of properly.

Women always want to be sexy with their tattoos. Who can blame them. An ink on the female’s skin should be an expression of her feminine and strong side which makes her sexy all the way. And when it comes to expressing these qualities, these are the top three choices:

Flowers have always been a symbol of a woman’s beauty. It never fails to shine on her skin, whether it be a red rose, a cherry blossom perhaps or the delicate hibiscus. There are tons of floral varieties and there is always that perfect flower that can match and exemplify a female’s inner feelings and personality. Of course, location always matters. And the thing with flower tattoos is they look great no matter which part of the body they are placed at. Whether it be a lotus hiding on the hip, an orchid blossoming on the rib cage or a floral vine circling on one’s ankle.

Butterflies have always been another original favorite and it still is on the rage up to now. These creatures undeniably make an amazing and meaningful tat piece. They have gorgeous colors, interesting wing patterns and symbolical meanings. The journey they went through before becoming a butterfly has always been a symbol of rebirth, change and transformation. These are traits that women can always relate to and identify themselves with. That is why, butterfly tattoos would never get tired of fluttering on a woman’s skin.

Star is one of the most universal symbol and at the same time, a favorite tattoo image. The thing with stars is their simplicity and versatility that make them one of the most sought after tats. Not to mention, with the flexibility of the design, one can almost attach any meaning to it. They can be tattooed as a single star, in groups or as shooting stars. They would look amazing whether in black or white or in colorful hues. Best part is, they do not prefer any body part for them to look appealing. A single star on the wrist would be noticeable and even two stars on the foot can have the same effect.

Sexy and feminine tattoos are the way to go if you want to get the most out of your ink. Don’t forget, make the meaning significant and personal to you as well so you would not regret in the end.

Getting a tattoo is not a decision you should go into lightly as it will be with you until you die or get it painfully removed. So please do your research first. These are the top 5 mistakes that many people have made and have regretted it ever since.

1. Tattoo is Too small or too bi
Trying to get the Sistine Chapel tattooed on the back of your hand just isn’t going to work, much the same as a tiny tattoo on a huge guy would just look silly. The tattoo needs to be incorporated with your anatomy and size and scale makes a big difference. You may have to ask the tattooist to enlarge or reduce your design a number of time before you are happy. When the tattooist puts the stencil on your body check that you are happy with the way it looks when you move, as the design can distort incredibly on some parts of the body and this needs to be taken into consideration.

2. Have Spelling Mistakes
I know you love tattoo but sometimes people just make them wrong! Always double check the spelling mistakes!

3. Getting a name of a boyfriend or girlfriend
I too have fallen into this trap it felt so real and perfect at the time I got the tattoo and was dutifully warned by the tattooist that it was not a good idea but alas I said go ahead. Little did I know that in as little as one years time I would be heart broken and single.

4. Being Impulsive
Yes tattoos are fun and they can be quick and you can get a little adrenalin rush for getting some new ink, but you will get an even better effect if you plan the tattoo and it has real meaning for you. I wanted to get one tattoo every year and would go into a tattoo shop and pick something from the tattoo flash art as a matter of impulsive “must have” all of these impulsive tattoos have now been covered

5. Getting it Cheap
Oh boy! Instead of thinking how cheap you can get it done instead think of how long this tattoo will be with you. It is really important to look at the tattooists portfolio and see if it is of a quality that you would be happy to wear. Shop around for the best tattooist you can find or go to a tattoo convention where you will see the best of the best in action so you can see what to expect.

Also see my other post: Bad Tattoo Mistake Pictures