Tattoo Gallery

One of the worst parts of getting a tattoo is that it is such a commitment. Deciding to get a display of ink on one's body is sort of like getting married. You may fall madly in love and want to jump into permanence, but time passes and you may realize that you have made a mistake.

In the case of an unfortunate marriage, there is always a divorce as an escape hatch, and in the case of an outdated or unsightly tattoo, there is always a removal route. What was once an object of art may become something you no longer want displayed on your body

Here are 10 things to know about tattoos and their removal:

1) Tattoos are permanent. It might be a good idea to try out a design in henna, which is temporary and will disappear over time, before taking the plunge of ink permanence.

2) A needle feeds ink into skin in a manner similar to needles and thread sewing cloth. Make certain that the tattoo artist wears gloves and uses clean tools in order to curb the risks of HIV, Hepatitis and Tuberculosis.

3) An autoclave should be used to sterilize all the equipment and a new needle should be used each time.

4) Be sure that the person applying it is licensed by either the state or local authorities.

5) Creams and do-it-yourself methods are usually not effective and sometimes can cause infection or irritation.

6) A dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon may be the physicians of choice for removal, as they have the highest levels of skill to perform this procedure.

7) Dermabrasion is one method to remove the ink. With this method, an abrasive rotary tool is used to remove the upper layers of skin in order to remove the ink pattern.

8) Microdermabrasion is a method similar to dermabrasion although it is more subtle and only suitable for designs that aren't very deep or intense.

9) Laser treatments are often effective. This entails high beams of intense pulsed light which are aimed at the area in order to break down the tissue and inked design. Newly healed skin would be free of any remaining pattern. Several treatments will usually be necessary to completely remove the tattoo's visibility.

10) Surgical removal is another option. With this method, a surgeon cuts away the pattern and then stitches the remaining tissue back together. There will be a scar remaining in the region, but the skin will be free of the dye. Scars fade as time goes on and are often preferable to the old tattoo.