Archive for Visual Art
Tattoo Removal-what are My Choices?
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Tattoos in the past essentially were permanent and if you wanted to get rid of it you could either have it changed to look like something else, learn to live it or find a new girl friend/boy friend with the same name as the previous one. Sometimes we regret that decision made under the influence of tequila shots, Jell-O shooters or that hot two week love affair. Due to recent technology advances there are now some better options on what method to be used to get rid of that tat. All tattoos have different characteristics so removal techniques must be tailored to suit each individual case.
Professional artists usually penetrate the deeper layers of the skin at more uniform depths. This allows methods that remove broader areas of inked skin at the same depth.
Amateurs cannot duplicate the uniformity of depth so lesser skilled tattooists usually apply ink at more varying depths making removal much more difficult.
If you have decided that for some reason, you just gotta get rid of that body art, the choices are:
1. Laser Surgery
2. Intense Pulsed Light
3. Dermabrasion
4. Surgical Excision
5. Salabrasion
6. Removal Creams
7. Cover-up
Laser Surgery
Laser surgery is considered the most effective non invasive, bloodless removal alternative. A high-intensity laser beam is targeted on the imbedded ink by a surgeon where he directs high intensity pulses to break up the pigment. The laser is applied with micro-second lasting pulses and it takes about 200 pulses for a small tattoo. The laser energy causes the tattoo pigment to vaporize into smaller particles that are then removed by the body’s immune system. Laser surgery is relatively low risk, pain free and effective with the least side effects. Multiple treatments are normally required. Expect to experience minor pain similar to the original tattooing experience. The lasers high energy vaporizing the ink under your skin will cause sensations similar to specs of hot grease. It usually takes more than one treatment which only takes a few minutes.
Intense Pulsed Light
Intense Pulsed Light Therapy is the most recent development in tattoo removal. This method uses high intensity light instead of lasers’ to vaporize the ink. After applying a gel a wand is aimed at the tattoo that emits high intensity light pulses. One the plus side this method is less painful and more effective but is much more expensive than laser removal.
Dermabrasion
Basically dermabrasion consist of freezing the removal area of skin and the top layers are sanded off to remove the inked area. This is done with a high speed rotary sanding type device. You will need at least a local or some other type of anesthetic, hey; you are getting your skin sanded off! There will also be some bleeding and a dressing will need to be applied. After the affected area heals the scarring will depend on an individuals own body and what the location on your body the tattoo was on.
Surgical Excision
Surgical Excision is nothing more than having a dermatologic surgeon use a scalpel to remove the inked skin and closing up the wound with stitches. This is ok for small tattoos on certain parts of the body. It is even possible to remove larger areas and graft skin from other parts of the body. Again you will need an anesthetic to numb the area but scaring will be limited to the sutured area and is usually minimal. This method results in the most complete and immediate removal of tattoo ink.
Salabrasion
Salabrasion is the oldest and crudest tattoo removal technique. I has been used for a few hundred years and is still occasionally used today. Local anesthetic consisting of tap water dipped in table salt is applied on the tattooed area. An abrading device like the one used with dermabrasion, or an even something simpler like a wooden block wrapped with gauze, is used to scrape the area. After the tattooed area gets deep red, it is covered up with bandages to heal. This is the preferred method selected by the biggest and baddest biker dudes and those lucky few who can drive nails through their hands and not feel it. If you are seeking a professional for a tattoo removal and he mentions the word Salabration, see how fast you can find the nearest exit and hope he hasn’t already locked the doors.
Tattoo removal creams
Removal creams have varying degrees of success much of which is dependent on the individual tattoo characteristics, depth of ink, type of ink and individuals body chemistry. Before spending a large amount of money for surgery you may want to try a removal cream if you can accept fading as opposed to complete removal.
Cover-up
So you changed your mind and for some reason you just do not like your latest tattoo but don’t necessarily want to get rid of it but just change it to something else. A tattoo cover-up job can be much less painful and cheaper alternative to removal. You just gotta find a skilled tattoo artist who can help you redesign the image into something you like and have him do the modifications. It is amazing what a talented artist can do to completely change a tattoo. Just make sure that you find an artist that is experienced in doing this and ask to see pictures of some of his modification jobs.
It doesn’t matter what removal method you use there will be some type of scaring or color variations. The most important thing is to consult with a physician that specializes or has extensive experience in removing tattoos. Good luck and remember that the best way to avoid these removal methods is to be very careful and selective when deciding to get that tattoo in the first place.
Go to www.tattoozfind.com to find the right tattoo. Find a large free image gallery along with extensive tattoo information and resources. You may consider taking one for a test drive before making it permanent.
Tattoo Removal
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Everyone does something in their life that they regret, and one of those things could be a tattoo, or part of a tattoo. There are many reasons that a tattoo may not work for you anymore. Probably one of the most popular reasons for tattoo removal is that you got a tattoo that reminded you of someone you loved, but that isn’t the case anymore. Or perhaps you thought the idea of a cobra coiled around your neck seemed cool when you were 18, but now you are having trouble getting an office job.
Whatever the reason is, you have a problem, but there is a solution. Tattoo removal has advanced over the last few years and now there are several options available, depending on the size and placement of your tattoo, your tolerance for pain, and of course your budget.
Laser Removal
Using lasers to remove a tattoo is one of the most common methods available today. The laser works by concentrating a beam of light on the tattoo, which breaks up the pigment into tiny fragments which are then absorbed by the bloodstream.
It can take quite a few treatments to fully eradicate a tattoo, and each treatment will penetrate deeper into the skin, causing scabbing, blistering and of course pain. With advancements in technology the resulting scar is minimal, but it of course varies by treatment.
This type of treatment isn’t easy on the pocketbook though, with each session costing $250-850 and up to ten sessions required.
Intense Pulsed Light Therapy
IPL is one of the newest types of dermal enhancement out there, and offers a superior tattoo removal method than lasers. IPL uses high intensity light pulses much like lasers, but also uses a gel to focus on the area being treated.
This method is said to be less painful than lasers and is also more effective, meaning that less total treatments are required. On the flipside IPL treatments cost quite a bit more than laser, up to $10 per pulse, meaning that the overall treatment likely is going to cost more.
Other Methods
There are still a few older methods of tattoo removal around, but for the most part they have been replaced by laser and light therapy since these new methods are more effective and less painful. Dermabrasion is still one method available, which basically scrubs away the top layer of skin, or the tattoo wearer could opt to have the tattoo cut out and the skin sewn back together. As you can imagine these methods cause significant scarring.
Removal Creams
Various companies offer creams that are said to remove tattoos; however most of their claims have gone unproven. These creams are supposed to gradually fade the tattoo over several months. While not cheap ($125 for a 2 month supply) they are certainly more affordable than laser or IPL so they may be worth a try.
Do your research before you commit to a product, and try to find out if you can get your money back if it doesn’t work.
Saline
If you have an older tattoo you may be able to get it removed or at least faded by having a tattoo artist use saline to tattoo you with saline. Basically the saline is applied with the tattoo needle where the old ink is. While this is not a guaranteed method, it costs less than most of the other removal options, but you may have trouble finding a tattoo artist who does this.
Cover Up
If none of these options seem good to you, you may want to consider simply having your tattoo covered up with a new tattoo. The tattoo artist can work with you to find a design that you like that masks the unwanted elements of your old tattoo, and the price is usually the same as getting a new tattoo so it is easier on the wallet.
Keep in mind that there are limitations to a tattoo cover up. You will not be able to cover a black ink tattoo with anything other than black ink, but lighter tattoos have more options. Make sure that the tattoo artist you choose is experienced in covering up tattoos and can show you pictures to prove it.
Lower Back Tattoo Designs
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Nowadays lower back tattoo designs are hardly an original choice these since about one fifth of women who do have a tattoo have one on their lower back. It is difficult to see young women without a lower back tattoo and has become so common that the derogatory term “Tramp Stamp” has come about. This term is usually applied to those young women in low cut jeans and crop top showing off a generic tribal tattoo design.
It’s easy to understand why the they are so popular. There are a few places on a woman’s body that can be thought of as sensual. Many any consider the most sensitive areas to be the the neck and the lower back. The ease with which you can hide your lower back tattoos has resulted in increased popularity and they have a tantalizing and sensual appeal to men. Unlike other areas of the body, the lower back is completely covered up by a shirt. You can show your tattoo off when you want which is ideal for those who may frowned upon for having a tattoo on display in the workplace.
There is a wide variety of lower back tattoo designs and styles. Some of the more popular include-
Flower Designs are a popular first choice for women and especially in the lower back area.
Dolphin Tattoos also look good on the lower back and can be especially cute. Other cute tattoos include butterfly tattoos.
Tribal Designs are the most common lower back tattoo designs that you see on women. The most popular tribal designs include Star, Sun and Celtic styles. Many tribal designs are inspired by styles from Polynesia.
Dragon Designs are reserved for the more adventurous and always look fantastic.
If you decide on a lower back tattoo design then make sure you follow this advice. You must wear loose fitting pants to prevent any unnecessary rubbing against your new tattoo throughout the healing process. Make sure to wear something loose when you do visit the tattoo artist as it will make it easier to do the job.
It sounds obvious but research the tattoo you want to get and if there is any doubt in your mind about getting it then find another design that you are totally happy about. Tattoo removal is expensive and painful. Don’t get a lower back tattoo design because all of your friends have one or just because it is in fashion right now.
When you finally decide on a lower back tattoo design be sure that it is unique expression of yourself and that you will be delighted with it for the rest of your life.
Why not check out this resource for lower back tattoo designs featured in this Squidoo lens. Visit the Pictures of Tattoos lens. Choose from thousands of lower back tattoo designs in every style.
Original article source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Lower-Back-Tattoo-Designs-For-Women&id=1881654
Tattoo Parlors: How to Find the Right One for You
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Getting a tattoo is a lifelong commitment, plain and simple. While you might be excited to get your ink, take your time to find the right tattoo studio and artist for you. Tattoo removal is not nearly as advanced as some make it sound, and it’s not very reliable. So what you get today could be with you for decades. Make sure it’s an informed decision.
1) First and foremost, do your research. There’s no sense even looking into the tattoo artists or the cleanliness of the environment unless the parlor itself comes highly rated. This is much easier than it sounds, as you’re not really trying to find the best parlor at the stage; instead, you’re trying to weed out the worst.
2) Ask around. Chances are that your friends and acquaintances have tattoos and you can ask about their experiences. Of course, if their tattoos are awful, don’t bother asking! Surprisingly, even strangers are open to talking about their tattoos. After all, they are visible, so their owners want them to be noticed, and they’re impersonal enough that few people take offense to questions. And it’s a great way to meet people to boot.
Once you have personal recommendations, do some web searches for each of the specific parlor names. Search for phrases like “tattoo-shop-name complaints,” “tattoo-shop-name problems,” etc.
Your local independent paper is another good source of referrals. Tattoo shops very often advertise in these papers, and if the ads are long-running, odds are very high that the shop is favored in the community.
3) Do your safety checks. Once your list has been narrowed down, visit each of the shops. At this point you are interested in safety and cleanliness.
Are the tattoo artists wearing gloves?
Do they wash their hands between tattoos?
Are people smoking in the shop?
Is the parlor licensed?
Is the parlor clean?
Do the artists pull their needles from the autoclave (sterilizing equipment) prior to each tattoo?
Does the parlor use single-use materials, such as inks, ink cups, needles, etc?
Do the artists shave and disinfect each client?
Are spray bottles and other hand-held equipment wrapped in plastic bags (prevents cross contamination)?
4) Find an artist. If you’re satisfied that the shop is clean, it’s time to look for a specific artist. This is a matching process. While most artists are very versatile, if you’re looking for a skull tattoo, wouldn’t it make more sense to get it from someone who specializes in skulls? Often by looking through the art books in the parlor, you can get a feel for the style of each artist.
When you meet the tattoo artist, they should be friendly and helpful. They get a lot of window shoppers, so don’t expect them to be bubbly and excited to meet you, but they should still be accommodating. They should never try to talk you into getting larger or more intricate tattoos. Any artist who has been in business knows that the most satisfied clients are informed clients. Experienced tattoo artists will usually offer their opinions and guide the process, they should never push you
If you feel that you are being pushed into something that you don’t like, or if the artist is dismissive of your questions, you might need to move on. Many experienced artists prefer working on intricate, large designs, so you might just fall under their radar. Not to worry: there is someone out there perfect for your tattoo.
5) Don’t price it. Never, ever, under any circumstance, comparison shop for prices. The cost of your tattoo is the absolute last consideration that should enter your mind. This tattoo will be with you for a lifetime. Trust it only to the best shop you can find and don’t let price affect your decision.
Likewise, don’t settle for any old design you find in their books. With the abundance of tattoo designs available in online galleries, there is no reason you can’t find the perfect tattoo for your skin.
Tattoo Lettering Test Drive – How to Try on a Tattoo Before You Buy it
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Choosing a tattoo is difficult. If it isn’t, you have not done your homework. Too often, newcomers will stroll into their local tattoo parlor, pick up a few books or checkout the artwork on the walls, and thirty minutes later sit down in the chair for their session.
This is crazy! Call it short-sighted, or having too much faith in tattoo removal technology (dubious odds, at best), but for something that will be on your body for your entire life, you really need to take a few steps back, slow down, and take your time making a design choice. Here are a few steps that you should consider taking so that you don’t end up with a visible reminder of your bad decision.
Choose your location first: where you get your tattoo often has an impact on the style that you choose. For example, a tattoo that looks good on your lower back likely has a far different style than one that will be placed on your shoulder. Start with the location.
Next choose your design: first narrow down your selection into a style of tattoo that you like, and then narrow it further by finding several designs within that style that appeal to you.
Test drive your design: get some professional transfer paper — this is the paper that tattoo artists use to transfer designs from their books to your skin. Trace the design onto the transfer paper, optionally using a lightbox for assistance. Then have a friend transfer the design onto your skin and fill it in with fine-tipped permanent markers in the appropriate colors. It doesn’t have to be perfect — you just want to make sure the size, style, and colors agree with you.
Sleep on it: now just take your time, continue observing your test tattoo, and trying on different designs. You can see, with a high degree of accuracy and realism, what that tattoo is going to look like on your skin. If you don’t like, just scrub really hard and try again with a clean canvas! Eventually you’ll find a perfect design.
Additionally, if your tattoo will include a lettering style, don’t limit yourself to what you see in the parlor’s books. There are literally thousands of freeware fonts that you can download and install on your computer. You can use a graphics program (even a free one like gimp) to add the lettering to your tattoo design of choice, and then transfer it to your skin with the rest of the test tattoo. Like the design, you’ll eventually find a font that is perfect for your new tattoo.
To some, this sounds like a lot of work, and that’s true. But this tattoo will be with you for a lifetime, so you will want to do your research. Use a tattoo finder to locate a great design, browse through the many free fonts available online, and test drive all of the promising tattoo designs before you ink them permanently. Your effort will be rewarded many fold in the years to come.