Need This Tattoo Removed

Tattoos became very popular in the 90s, especially with college aged people. Anyone and everyone got tattoos from bankers to bikers. Many people regret getting a tattoo later on in life. There are many reasons some people regret putting another person’s name on their skin while others regret their tattoos because of what they stand for, such as gang tattoos.

What ever the reason for an unwanted tattoo, more people than ever before are searching for new ways to remove tattoos without the use of painful and outdated methods such as Dermabrasion.

This is a painful procedure in which the top layer of skin is sanded off. Or Excision where the tattoo is cut out and the skin is sewn up after. These two methods are extremely painful and can cause horrific scarring. They should only be used in extreme cases when there are no other options available. Even then it is advisable to think very carefully about going ahead with these procedures.

Lasers
Laser surgery for removal of tattoos is a procedure in which a beam of light is fired in fast bursts heating the pigment in the skin. This method will take 6-8 treatments for removal and 7-10 days after treatment for recovery time. Beware that some of the inks used for tattoos can react with this treatment causing permanent dark spots that can't be removed.

Burning sensations may be felt, along with minor scarring to the area where the tattoo was, although a small scar is less of a concern than a large or offensive tattoo. The cost per treatment will range from $200 to $2,000, depending where you get the procedure done.

Intense Light Therapy
Intense light therapy is very new procedure in which an intense light much like the light a laser is uses. Gel is applied to the skin, then a laser wand emits pulses of light to the area. Intense light therapy is less painful than laser therapy.

It is believed to be far more effective, requiring fewer return visits and less chance of scarring. But, intense light therapy is far more expensive than laser therapy. Many clinics charge up to $10 per pulse. You do the math!

Removal Creams
There are many do-it-yourself tattoo removal creams available. Some of the more popular ones include Tat B Gone and Tattoo-OFF. These methods have mixed results some people are happy with the results and comment that the product has faded their tattoo drastically, while others argue that the results were minimal to none.

It really depends on the person, their skin type and how old the tattoo is. Tattoo removal creams are not damaging to the skin and will not leave scars or burn marks. The average price for a 2 month supply is around $125, depending on the cream that you choose and where you buy it.

Fading and Cover-ups
Some other cheap solutions that can offer varied results are fading the tattoo using saline. This option can be useful if you have a faded or old tattoo. Saline solution, which is a lot like hospital grade salt water is tattooed into the skin where the tattoo is situated.

The cost of this option will vary depending on the tattooist you choose. Cover ups are a new tattoo drawn over an old one to cover it up, bear in mind that darker colors can’t be replaced with lighter. This can be a very cheap method of swapping a tattoo you don't like for something less difficult to live with. When choosing this option be sure to get an experienced tattooist, that has done cover ups before.

Conclusion
The best way to avoid being burdened with a tattoo that you don't want is to simply not get one! Sadly, for those who already have one, the best advice is to research your options and decide on the best method of removal that will fit into your budget, and cause the least discomfort. Be aware that no method is 100% effective.

-By Tim B. Miller