Modern Methods of Tattoo Removal

For most of the tattooed population, our tattoos are something we would never dream of parting with, and not just because of the cost involved. According to recent surveys though, up to about 17 percent of 

 tattooed Americans have considered a tattoo removal. So how exactly do you remove a tattoo anyway?

 

 

There are many reasons that someone might decide to get a tattoo removed. Perhaps the tattoo art wasn’t done right or doesn’t look the way it’s supposed to. Or maybe it includes the name of an ex, or has some affiliation with a group to which you no longer belong. Whatever the reason, removal is definitely a longer process than the original tattooing itself was. Here’s what you need to know:

There are a few basic methods of tattoo removal, and these include a cover-up, excision, dermal fading, cosmetic cover, and laser treatment. A cover-up is basically a new tattoo used to cover an old one that you no longer like. Many people who have multiple pieces of body art and simply wish to cover a name, lettering, or a small element of a tattoo they dislike choose to get a cover-up. These are generally on par pricewise with regular tattooing, though they may involve slightly longer healing and more sessions than the original tattoo.


 

Excision is surgical removal, which is currently used in conjunction with skin grafts primarily for larger or multi-layered tattooing that would be very difficult to remove via laser. In this method complete removal is of course possible in one fell swoop, but it can be costly and is likely to leave some type of mild scarring when used for larger areas.

Dermal fading includes methods like dermabrasion and fading balms, which either slough off the top layers of skin repeatedly or soak into them in an attempt to fade inks out through the epidermis. These practices generally take several months or years to reach their full effect and for most users will fade a tattoo, but not completely.

 

Cosmetic cover is a temporary method applied when necessary to hide the tattoo rather than actually remove it. In recent years this has come to include everything from various makeup products, to flesh colored microfiber sleeves, and even skin colored temporary tattoos that work in layers to hide ink like a band aid.

And finally, laser removal, is the most effective and widely used form of tattoo removal for those who require permanent fading. This type of service has evolved tremendously since the 1980s and currently uses primarily Q-switched type lasers to penetrate the dermis and break down ink molecules. These broken down particles are then absorbed by the body, allowing for a gradual fade of the tattoo. For most tattooing, more than one session will be required, and though costly, results are generally very pleasing. Because the laser will use different frequency pulses to target different colors of ink, certain hues are easier treated than others. Blacks and darker blues and reds will be easier to fade than lighter greens, yellows and oranges, and soft purples. With most laser removal procedures, topical anesthetic will be used to alleviate some of the discomfort (which is often compared to being snapped with a rubber band), and there is low risk of permanent scarring.


 

With all of these options available in the modern era, those who need to “fix” their tattoo art can certainly rest easy with the idea that “permanent” isn’t entirely, well, permanent

Body Art Bridging the Generation Gap

I’m in my twenties, and like a lot of twenty-somethings, I have a few tattoos.  The really cool thing though?  So does my mom.  Plus, she got hers after I got mine.  Pretty sweet, right?

For a lot of us who went through school during the 90s, our generational anthem was probably Will Smith’s “Parents Just Don’t Understand.”  We wanted to spend hours at the mall, and our parents said no.  We wanted to dye our hair blue, and our parents said no.  But when we wanted a tattoo, a lot of our parents actually didn’t say no.  I know my mother didn’t.

My mom wasn’t a biker babe, or a hippie, or anything like that.  In fact, she worked in insurance, but when my sixteenth birthday was coming up and I told her I wanted a tattoo, she wasn’t just okay with it, she was actually going to pay for it as the best birthday present ever.  We even checked out several tattoo parlors in the area looking for pricing estimates and feeling out artists.  The thing is, everywhere we went, the story was the same: no ink on minors, period, the end.

I live in the state of New York, and tattooing the under 18 set just doesn’t happen in my area, unfortunately.  So I ended up having to wait for my tattoo, and once I got it, I decided to get a couple more as well.  My mom’s skin was still blank though (they tend to frown upon visible tattooing at some insurance agencies).  It wasn’t until she retired early in her fifties that she got her first tattoo, and just like me, she quickly wanted more and ended up with a few extra.

 

My step-father has a few nice ones too, and he didn’t start getting inked until he was in his forties.  I also have several siblings who are tattooed, and in today’s world, I guess that just makes us the average American family.  Anyways, the point is, my mother was just like every other mother.  She watched as I crossed the street, interrogated my friends when I was invited to parties, and always made sure that I ate my vegetables.  There were a lot of things she just didn’t understand, but the beauty of tattoo art was never one of them.

Modern Piercing and Tattoo Subculture

In the United States and other Western countries, there is still some stigma attached to piercings and tattoos. Those who are modified are sometimes scrutinized as participating in illegal activities, being sinful, or just generally “up to no good.” In Japanese culture though, the tattoo, especially when coupled with piercings, is held to an entirely different kind of social discrimination. Tattoos are associated with the Yakuza, the Japanese mafia, and represent an element of power, illegality, and fear.

Strangely, this connection in Japanese culture, despite being deeply rooted, is a fairly recent phenomena, as the criminal gangs that eventually formed the yakuza didn’t come into existence until the Meiji era (beginning in the 1860s). Prior to this time period, criminals were tattooed as a punishment and to make them easily identifiable, and once the Meiji government abolished this practice, those who were branded with visible tattooing were segregated from society. Even today, some public bath houses, hotels, and other establishments refuse entry to those with visible tattooing.

For its part, horimono (traditional Japanese full body tattooing) is a unique and beautiful art form that requires years of practice and skill training to perfect. Unlike contemporary Western tattooing, real horimono, done in a method sometimes called tebori, is generally performed with several needles at once, creating a softer, more gradated, and water color-like appearance. The needles are arranged in rows at the end of a long handle and either thrust or tapped into the recipient’s skin. The American method of reproducing the fade technique common to tebori often uses a western style tattoo needle split down the center once or twice, sometimes referred to as a “fade needle.”

Piercings, which also became a symbol of power and status in connection with more contemporary gang and criminal activity, are in some ways also frowned upon, although not as much as tattooing and brands. In modern society, piercings show a strong connection with the gothic and rock music subculture, as many Japanese singers and musicians both male and female wear highly visible facial piercings. Some of the most popular amongst this grouping are piercings of the ear cartilage, navel, and lower lip.

Dragon Tattoo Designs

 

Dragon Tattoo Designs - Dragon Tattoos can represent anything from strength to luck. Dragon tatts are great and beautiful and have its place in history as well. These style of tatts are culturally defining and look very exotic. This is a great choice for a tattoo idea.

Japanese Tatto Designs

Japanese Tatto Designs - Japanese tattoo designs and other kinds of oriental tattoos are often popular in the west as well. Oriental tattoos are stylish and can represent something that no one else (unless they are oriental) may understand. Japanese tattoos make great tattoo ideas and can be very beautiful.

Zodiak Tattoo Designs

 

Zodiak Tattoo Designs - Zodiak tattoos are also extremely popular. Zodiak tattoos are a great symbol of who we are. Those who practice and follow astrology often find this style of tattoo a winner. Whether your looking for a Pisces tattoo, a Leo tattoo or an a Gemini tattoo everyone can find a style that they can relate too.

Celtic Tattoo Designs

Celtic Tattoo Designs - Celtic Tatto designs are also one of the most famous kinds of tattoos. Celtic Tattoos symbolize the celtic genre and are often a very intricate weave as with all celtic designs. Most often seen is the Celtic Cross tattoo. Celtic tattoos are a great tattoo idea and there are literally unlimited choices for the kind of tatt idea you are looking for.

The Tribal Tattoo Design

The Tribal Tattoo Design - Tribal Tattoo designs have its roots from early cave paintings. Many cultures from the Mayans and Aztecs to the early Egyptians used tribal tattoos. They have many meanings and represent a number of ideals. Tibal Tattoo Designs are great because they hold much deep inner meaning and can symbolize everything from strength to purity. There are literally thousands upon thousands of different kinds of tribal tattoo design ideas. Discover which one is right for you.