Did you get a tattoo when you were younger but now you can’t stand the sight of it? Don’t panic! Whether you undergo a laser tattoo removal procedure to remove it or try another technique, it’s worth knowing that a botched or unwanted tattoo can always be covered up or improved if you seek the help of a qualified professional.
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Tattoo removal
Tattoo removal is, without a doubt, the most radical technique. In this case, the tattoo artist’s goal is to completely erase the tattoo. The professional uses a laser to do this which, little by little, removes the ink that sits under the skin. Depending on how deep the tattoo is and the colour of the pigments, you may need several sessions at a minimum interval of two months.
Just like with all other techniques that exist, there are both advantages and disadvantages to this. Although modern techniques are a lot safer and the result is a lot more aesthetic than techniques from the olden days, such as dermabrasion, also known as a skin peel, in which the surface layer of skin is peeled off to make way for a new, smoother layer of skin to replace it, it should, however, be noted that having a laser tattoo removal procedure to remove a tattoo can, in some cases, cause small hyper- or hypo-pigmentation scars.
As another Gentside article has previously explained, depending on the area where you are having this procedure done, it can be quite unpleasant. Bony areas (such as the tibia, behind the ear, wrist or the ankle) are particularly sensitive.
In terms of the price, it’s not exactly cheap and not all doctors necessarily charge the same amounts. Some start at around £50 for a single session plus the cost of the initial consultation with the dermatologist. But others can skyrocket to up to £350-400 per session. As is also stated in the article, how you pay for this treatment can differ depending on the type of laser used.
Cover it up
If you don’t want to completely remove your tattoo and think you may be able to fix it, you could always get another tattoo in the same area to either cover it up or improve it. This technique allows you to camouflage either the whole tattoo or just certain parts with a design of your choice.
However, you should always bear in mind that your new tattoo will generally need to be a lot bigger than the original if you are planning to cover it up completely. As Graphicaderme explains, you may also not have a lot of say in what colour you get either, because this will depend on your original tattoo as well. Your new tattoo will also need to be realistic and a plausible option with regard to your original tattoo. If you are looking for a bit of inspiration, there are lots of examples of tattoo cover-ups available on the internet.
Communication is key
Before making a decision, take some time to think about it properly and don’t hesitate to talk to different specialists who will be able to give you advice. To make sure you don’t end up regretting your decision again, try to be as clear as possible about what you want from the very beginning, tell them if you have any concerns and you shouldn’t end up disappointed!
