When Tattoos Are No Longer Fun
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We received an email last week that we’d like to share from “Sherri” (Not her real name):
“I’m worried that my younger brother has become a tattoo addict. It started off innocently enough. I even helped him to get his first tattoo when he was visiting me in Berkeley. He thought it was a very California souvenir, and he was eighteen, so I thought if I couldn’t stop him, I might as well help him, and besides, what’s the harm?
Even then, though, I inspected the tattoo parlor with an eagle eye; making sure that it was clean, that the needles were new, and that they used autoclave sterilization. Having grown up in the eighties, I was bombarded with AIDS fears, and I wanted to make sure that little brother didn’t catch something because of a dirty tattoo needle. The parlor passed inspection, the tattoo, was applied, and he left California proudly sporting a snake tattoo on his shoulder, and I thought nothing more of it.
Now it’s almost ten years, and five tattoos, later. I wince whenever he shows me a new addition to his body art gallery, and I hope that he’s as careful with his choice of tattoo artists as I was for him. These days there’s the risk of getting Hepatitis A or B, and AIDS still lurks about in the background like an old movie monster; almost comfortingly familiar, yet still scary as hell. Yes, reputable tattoo artists can make sure that they use the latest sterilization techniques, and I have met some who are almost religious in their cleanliness. Yet still, there’s that nagging thought in the back of my mind; that blood-borne pathogens can find an opening through the smallest of cuts, and from the times that I’ve seen tattoos being applied, I can tell you that blood is definitely a component of this art.
With the advent of reality shows in tattoo parlors like “Miami Ink” and actors making body art trendy, tattoos are more popular than ever, and I wonder how many people have gotten a nasty disease in the process of getting a tattoo. I do think that tattoos are safe, if they’re done correctly and sanitarily. Yet I wonder about tattoos done by amateurs, or as a favor to a friend, or even of a drop of blood falling where it shouldn’t in a carefully run parlor. I’ve thought of getting a tattoo myself many times, but every time I’ve chickened out when I think of the risk involved. The next time my brother shows me another tattoo he’s acquired, I’ll do what I always do: tell him it looks great, and hope for the best. “
One thing Sherri should remember: Sometimes even the most rebellious young person thinks better of a particular tattoo he got when he was more impulsive. If her brother ever decides he regrets his latest tattoo, removal options are available.
10 Things to Consider Prior to Getting a Tattoo
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If you are thinking about getting a tattoo, take a moment to consider your answers to the following 10 questions. You will be glad that you did.
1. Is the tattoo artist experienced? This is perhaps the most important thing to consider before hiring any one particular tattoo artist. An experienced professional will be knowledgeable in the proper cleansing of equipment, which is an absolute necessity, and also how to create designs that the customer will enjoy.
2. Will the tattoo image be as important to you in the future as it is right now? For instance, if your tattoo will be in celebration of a love interest, are you absolutely certain that person will be there 10, 20 or even 50 years from now?
3. Why do you want to get the tattoo? Is it because you want to or because someone else wants you to? Is it to fit in with a crowd or possibly a love interest? If you are making any type of permanent marking on your body, including a tattoo, you will want to be sure that you are doing it for the right reasons.
4. Are you prepared to deal with possible consequences that may arise out of getting a tattoo? This may include an infection or severe soreness of the skin at the site of the tattoo. In addition, surgery will be the only way to later remove it if you should ever change your mind.
5. Do you have a design in mind? If you don’t, stop by the local tattoo parlor and ask to see some samples of what is available.
6. Can you afford the tattoo? The larger the tattoo, the larger the cost. Even the smallest tattoo can be expensive, especially if you are on a budget. Before deciding to get the tattoo, make sure that you know how much it will cost and make arrangements to have the full payment ready on the date of it’s application.
7. Do you have a fear of needles? If you do, tattoos may not be for you. Either this or you will have to find some way to put the thought of it out of your mind. A lot of people have a fear of needles and perhaps the best alternative is a temporary tattoo, which are made to look quite realistic these days.
8. What type of tolerance do you have for pain? There is no other way to say it, but getting a tattoo is painful. It does involve needles and you should really consider your level of tolerance before signing up for a tattoo.
9. What will you do if you ever decide to have it removed? Can you afford the cost associated with surgery? The only way to remove a tattoo is through surgery, which can be very expensive. Unless it is for medical reasons, most health insurance policies will not cover the cost of a tattoo removal. This means that the patient will often find themselves with 100% of the financial responsibility and, before getting a tattoo, you should make sure that you will be financially able to handle any future medical procedures that are associated with a tattoo.
10. Are you prepared to treat the area as recommended to avoid infection? This will likely involve keeping the tattoo site covered until it is able to heal properly and keeping it clean in the way that the tattoo artist or physician recommends.
This article is to be used for informational purposes only. The information contained herein is not intended to be used in place of, or in conjunction with, professional medical advice. Before deciding on getting a tattoo or having one removed, the patient must consult a licensed medical doctor for medical advice and/or to determine the best course of action for his/her individual healthcare needs.
Tattoo Ink Removal and Ink Removing Creams
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So you got a tattoo and now you have decide it wasn’t for you; but how other then laser surgery can you get tattoo ink removed. Recently the market has arisen for tattoo ink removal creams. Obviously, less painful and not requiring surgery these are becoming more popular in the world of tattoo removals. So how do these work and are the creams worth the money?
Firstly, you have to take into account when it comes to cream products to remove tattoo ink. Like most things in life, this can be a case of you get what you pay for. Some of the less expensive products may work, but research shows many do not. Some say these creams work, well others claim they made no difference except on the pocket book. Do you research about the various creams on the market, read through the testimonials and see what customers have to say about the products before you purchase. There is nothing more important than proper product research. No matter which one you look at you need to know how exactly these creams work to remove your tattoo.
The tattoo removal cream works to slowly force the skin to break down and peel away. It pretty much is forcing the skin to age prematurely and will slowly fade the tattoo away from removing layers of skin more rapidly then they should be naturally shed. Of course, the majority of these creams involve harsh chemicals that are quite literally damaging your skin and forcing to break down and peel away before its time. It would be like exposing yourself daily to a sunburn which you peel away to get rid off. Though it is probably the most inexpensive way to remove a tattoo is could cause some serious issues due to the chemicals involved in the process. Your skin may blister and burn during this process and it can take a fair amount of time dependant on the colours of your tattoo. After all, the cream is composed of acids. Not something to take lightly.
No matter the reason you are seeking tattoo ink removal, do your research, as previously stated you often get what you pay for and if you can endure the blisters and pain of the cream then all means go with the inexpensive choice. Do your research and seek which removal method is best for you and the type and colour of tattoo you have.
Tattoo removal is a serious process and often tattoo removal takes longer than deciding to get one and which one to get. Before you make that decision, you may wish to learn more about what tattoo removal entails. Educate yourselves now and then make an informed decision.
A Little Tattoo History and Why Tattoo Removal
Tattoos have become a part of our American culture over the past few decades. There is an estimated 10 million Americans that have at least one tattoo, and at least 44,000 tattoo studios in America. Tattoos are a great way to express yourself. Having a tattoo may have seemed like a great idea at the time, but things change. We find new loves, new jobs, and new tastes. So if the remnants of your past choice of tattoo no longer compliment your present, its time to think about tattoo removal.
One half of all people with tattoos have considered removing them. Besides the obvious reasons of removing tattoos for career enhancement, there are other reasons why many people elect to remove tattoos. As skin ages, tattoos tend to fade and deform. A tattoo that once was shown with pride may lose its attractiveness and, in some cases, even become an embarrassment. Even a change of weight can change a prized tattoo to something less than appealing.
Here are a few things that you should know about tattoo removal, before you get the tattoo:
Laser Tattoo Removal
-Lasers can get rid of most tattoos without scarring.
-It will take 6 to 12 laser treatments to completely remove a tattoo.
-The toughest body parts to remove tattoos include the ankles, hands and fingers.
-Older tattoos with less colors are easier to remove.
-Lasers, surgical excision, and dermabrasion can all be used to remove tattoos.
-Laser removal of tattoos can actually be a bit painful.
Removing a tattoo is no easy process and an important point that people should understand BEFORE getting a tattoo. It is much easier to get the tattoo than to remove it. Here are some of your tattoo removal options:
Tattoo Removal Options
-You could get your tattoo covered by a new tattoo that may need to be around 50% bigger to effectively hide the existing tattoo.
-Laser treatment is the most common method. The process contains wavelengths of light are used for different pigments. The laser beam then passes through the skin and is absorbed by the ink. Once the ink breaks down it can be removed by the body’s lymphatic system.
-If the tattoo is too deep or too small for laser treatment, the skin with the pigment can be cut away and the edges sewn together.
-Dermabrasion literally rubs the tattooed skin away with an abrasive tool, over several treatments. If the tattoo is deep, a skin graft may also be necessary.
-Versapulse laser, offering a quick procedure for removing unwanted tattoos. This laser is a low energy laser which can minimize the risk of burning.
-Tat Gone ink removal. After several applications, some see a huge improvement.
Price of Tattoo Removal
Tattoo removal is definitely not cheap. A tattoo that costs $40.00 to have it put on can cost $4500.00 to have removed by laser, taking a year or more. Plus, it would leave a scar shaped like the tattoo that would not tan.
Tattoo Removal is a long process. Sometimes the process of tattoo removal is longer than the process of selecting the tattoo.
When someone first thinks of getting a tattoo they usually only think of how neat colorful it will look on them. Many people do not think of the repercussions that getting a tattoo can have. You should really think of everything that a tattoo means before getting one because it is meant to be permanent.
Tattoos are not readily accepted by everyone everywhere you go. People will look at you differently if you have a tattoo, it is not right but this is the truth. If you plan on having a professional career in a corporate environment you might want to think twice about getting a tattoo. If you still decide to get one you might seriously want to consider the placement of it. You should select a portion of your body that will always be covered up by clothing and never be seen while you are at work. If you do not heed these words of advice you might discover that you are a candidate for tattoo removal since it has begun to interfere with your life.
One of the most common misconceptions with tattoos is that people believe that if they do not like it later in life they can just have it removed. While this is true to an extent it is not all that simple. Many believe that since the tattoo can go on so easily the tattoo can come off just as easily. This is not the case by any means. Tattoo removal can be quite complicated and is not always successful. The success of the procedure has to do with a number of variables. The colors that were used for the tattoo can play a large role in the success of its removal since colors like black are more easily removed than colors like green or red. The reason is that the darker colors absorb the laser pulses better than the lighter colors.
Laser tattoo removal is not a pleasant procedure to have done. It is a serious medical procedure that must be done by an experienced dermatologist. The procedure can be quite painful and is often described as feeling as though tiny drops of boiling water are being splashed on the area of the skin that is being treated. The real annoyance is that sometimes it can take more than one session in order to have the tattoo removed. Removing a tattoo is much like getting a tattoo in the sense of time. The larger the tattoo is the longer it takes to have it removed.
One other very painful fact that isn’t physical pain is the cost of having tattoo removal procedures done. It can ranged anywhere from several hundred up to the thousands depending on the size of the area being treated and the detail of the tattoo. Medical insurance will often not cover tattoo removal procedures so this makes having a tattoo removed impossible for some people. Since the procedure is considered to be cosmetic, insurance companies classify it as unnecessary and therefore the cost is solely on the person to have the tattoo removed. You should always know all the facts about tattoos before getting your first one and should be prepared to have it your entire life.