Tattoo Removal Tips

One of the less painful and cheaper alternatives to the tattoo removal process was to simply “cover up” your unwanted tattoo, with another.  If done correctly, the original tattoo will morph into the new tattoo and technically be unseen.  But success of this process will depend heavily on the size, style and colors used to mask the old tattoo.  Some tattoo shops will still use some laser tattoo techniques to break down the pigments in order to lighten up the old ink, making the “cover up” more flexible.

In 2008, a poll asked people if they ever experienced regret towards their tattoos.  In the United States, 17% of the people who took the poll answered yes.  Further, the reasons of regret ranged from, receiving the tattoo at a young age, to the permanency of tattoos leaving the feeling of being marked for life, to people changing their mind and realizing that they don’t really like the tattoo as much as they first did when they got it.

Overseas, the people who answered with some regret were slightly higher at 19%.  Another survey conducted during a ten year span from 1996 through 2006 indicated that the majority of individuals received their tattoos from their late teens to early twenties, and more than half of the patients were women.  10 years after the procedure, many women’s lives had changed.  These women cited that social pressures from a new job, clothes and significant events such as weddings and having a new born were all motivations to seek out tattoo removal procedures.

Tattoo removal has been performed throughout the history of tattooing.  Over time the process of removing tattoos has seen many changes in progressions. Although tattoos are generally considered to be something permanent, there are times where tattoo removal treatments are able to remove unwanted tattoos completely.  Unfortunately the cost, pain and time that go into removing unwanted tattoos will typically be greater than the cost, pain and time it took to apply the tattoo.  For those that may have gang affiliated tattoos, some states will help pay for the removal of gang related insignias.

Laser tattoo removal has become one of the most popular options to ridding your unwanted tattoos.  But prior to the laser technology, dermabrasion, salabrasion were some of the only alternatives.  Each of these processes required a heavy scrubbing to the skin with chemicals.  Over time, alternatives for these painful scrubbing techniques have led to tattoo removal by laser.  This process removes the tattoo pigments with a specific type of laser.  Its more accurate, less messy and is able to remove black and darker colored inks much more effectively.

Tattoo removal creams have become more popular over the past few years as people look for painless alternatives to remove their unwanted tattoos.  But the question needs to be asked, how effective are the fade creams?  Hear what some dermatologists commented on the issue of tattoo removal creams below.

According to many dermatologists and medical professionals that deal with the skin, the most effective and widely accepted method for tattoo removal today is through the use of laser technology. The other method for removing tattoosl involves the use of the many topical creams available today. These creams are intended for use by individuals experiencing tattoo regret; however, they are not promoted largely by dermatological professionals.

According to the FDA there is no scientific evidence that any of the tattoo fade creams actually produce positive results. There is also the possibility of an allergic reaction taking place, depending on the person and their skin sensitivities.

However, all that being said, many people do claim to get good results with the cream products. Two of the more popular are made by Wrecking Balm and Tat B Gone. Successful tattoo removal takes into account many variables: the person’s skin type, age of the tattoo, ink color, how deep the ink has penetrated the skin and more. Because of all these factors some people have just the right combination where the cream products successfully fade their tattoos quite well with no adverse side effects.

There are significant benefits to the tattoo removal cream products. They are a lot less painless than laser removal; there is a lot less chance of scarring, the cost is considerably less; they can be used in the privacy of your own home. Many people wanting to get rid of tattoos seem to be trying the tattoo removal creams first to see if they work. It’s the “you never will know until you try” attitude. And why not….If the results are unsuccessful then they can always resort to the laser method.

Some individuals use these creams as a two step process, utilizing both technologies.  This is being done in an attempt to fade or lighten the tattoo prior to laser removal. The thought is that if it works it will lessen the number of required laser treatments, which will reduce the cost. But just as before there is no guarantee that this will work for everyone.

The best advice is to always consult a medical professional or dermatologist that specializes in this area before using a tattoo removal cream.

Tattoo Removal has made several advances over the last few years.  Instead of ridding the unwanted ink from your body by way of sanding and acid, new technology has provided a much less painful alternative.  Today, the most common procedures involve fading creams and lasers.

But before you pick up your phone to make an appointment, there are still some things you need to know about the tattoo removal procedure.  These tattoo removal advancements are great but they do come with some drawbacks.  Fade creams are very popular, due to its safety, ease of use, availability and convenience.  However, their effectiveness of removing your unwanted tattoo remains a question.  Lasers tattoo removal on the other hand, provides quick results and are relatively safe.  However, they come at with a high price tag, may be uncomfortable during procedures and can potentially cause scarring.

How painful is laser removal?  That is different for each person, because every person has a higher threshold for pain.  It also depends on the parts of the body where the tattoo being removed is located. Areas like the toes and feet can be much more painful than other parts of the body.   The feeling having a tattoo removed by lasers is said to feel like a rubber band snapping over and over again in a very concentrated area.  To minimize the pain, some people prefer to have a topical numbing cream applied over the tattoo prior to the treatment.   The laser procedure actually goes pretty fast-just takes a few minutes for each visit.

The cost of having a tattoo removed with lasers will vary depending on the size, the type and color of ink that was used, how deep it has penetrated the skin, age of the tattoo and skin type.  More than one application is normally needed.   After each treatment you will need to give several weeks for the wound to heal before returning for follow up visits.  For complete removal it can take anywhere from just a few visits to more than a dozen.   This is only meant to be an estimate, but a 3 inch square tattoo, requiring 9 visits, can cost between $800 and $1,000.

Scarring associated with laser tattoo removal used to be more prevalent than it is today.  This procedure does not come without its risk for scarring, and you should always consult a dermatologist or medical professional first, but with the newer lasers the risk for scarring is much less common today.  The one factor that comes into play with scarring is the skin type of each individual.