Tattoo Removal - complete guide to Tattoo Removal

That Celtic armband tattoo or the name of your favourite football team emblazoned on your chest may have been a great idea at the time but not any longer. It may have been a youthful impulse or a dare but has become a source of regret as you have got older. People have tattoos for a variety of reasons such as a youthful impulse, the result of a stag weekend away or as a sign of their affection for someone. But what happens when you decide that you no longer want that tattoo. You may think that a tattoo is for life but that isnt always the case. Tattoos can be removed but some are easier to remove than others. This is due to such factors as the type of tattoo, the size and colours (pigments) used. So, a large, brightly coloured tattoo will be more difficult to remove than a small, monochrome one.

If you have a tattoo or several examples of body art which you no longer want but dont know what to do then this site can help. This complete and easy to understand guide to tattoo removal will discuss the various treatments available, the risks and benefits, and the costs.

History of tattoos

Tattoos have been around for much longer than we think, in fact, they go back thousands of years. They can be seen in many cultures across the world and have been adopted by both men and women. We may view tattoos as a fashion statement or a statement of individual identity but others see them as a marker of belonging to a certain tribe or group. They were associated with the outsider; of someone who was on the fringes of society (and the law) and therefore unacceptable to normal society. But things have changed. Tattoos are worn for a variety of reasons and by all groups in society. They convey a meaning or make a strong statement; show an allegiance to a group, e.g. football team or are appreciated for the expressive art form that it is.

Popularity of tattoos

Tattoos have become increasingly popular and there are some wonderful examples of body art on show. From a single, small rose above the ankle to a full length dragon on the chest, the choices are endless. Some people choose to have just the one tattoo whereas others view their body as a canvas and display all manner of artistic creations.

Tattoos were traditionally seen as the mark of a rebel, of someone who liked to challenge authority and live life on the edge. They also formed part of certain macho cultures such as the Navy, motorbike gangs and prisons. Tattoos were also seen as a symbol of working class masculinity. However, tattoos can be seen on people in normal, middle class occupations such as lawyers, doctors, teachers and other professions. Another new aspect is the increase in the number of women who choose to have a tattoo.

From teenagers to people in their 60s, there appears to be no shortage of devotees of this highly decorative body art. Some tattoos consist of a single colour, i.e. black and are relatively discreet whereas others contain several colours and are highly ornate. A tattoo is basically, a design produced from coloured pigments which are injected into the skin. A tattoo is usually permanent so it is often a case of thinking long and hard before having one done. On the other hand, there are people whom decide to have one on the spur of the moment.

Good and bad tattoos

Unfortunately, there are good and badtattoos. There are many professional tattoo artists who and deliver a great looking tattoo but there are others who do not. A bad tattoo can be the result of using a home tattoo kit or an inexperienced or unlicensed practitioner. It can look crude and amateurish and may even lead to skin infections or a blood disease such as hepatitis. A goodtattoo is one that has been done by a licensed and reputable tattoo parlour and looks aesthetically pleasing. If you have a badtattoo then one option is a cover-up. This is basically changing the tattoo to a new one or completely changing the tattoo. Cover-ups are discussed further in our treatment section.

Reasons for tattoo removal

People have many reasons for wanting a tattoo removed. These include a sense of embarrassment at what was a youthful impulse; dissatisfaction with the tattoo as it fades and loses its shape; feeling that it would prevent you from being promoted in your chosen career. The last point is particularly relevant in todays uncertain economic climate and an increasingly competitive jobs market. People are looking to stand out from the crowd but a tattoo isnt necessarily the best way of doing so. Unfortunately there is still prejudice towards body art and whilst attitudes are changing there are companies who look upon tattoos as less than desirable. If your tattoo is small and hidden under clothes then it is not a problem but tattoos which are highly decorative and visible may cause you problems. If you are finding this to be the case then tattoo removal is the answer.