Reasons for Tattoo Removal

Did you ever think the day would come when that once incredible tattoo that turned heads or expressed deep emotions about the (now despised) love of your life would someday need to be removed? What was “to die for” 5 years ago, is now literally causing you untold embarrassment, a poor self-image or the possibility of losing a job today and it’s got to go.

If you feel that way, you are not alone. It is estimated that more than 10 million people have at least 1 tattoo and a busy physician who specializes in tattoo removal says that about 50% of those who get tattoos later regret them. Embarrassment, poor self-image or potential loss of a job is just a few of the reasons people opt for tattoo removal.

Regardless of the reason for pursuing tattoo removal, the good news is you don’t have to wear a tattoo you no longer want and you do have options for getting it removed, either partially or completely.

Options for Tattoo Removal

 Laser Tattoo Removal: (This is a medical procedure and it is important that it is done by an experienced laser tattoo removal expert i.e. a dermatological surgeon who specializes in tattoo removal.) This is the most common method of tattoo removal today. It works by focusing on the ink with pulses of highly concentrated laser light that breaks the ink into tiny pieces and these tiny pieces are then cleared away by the body’s own immune system. It usually requires multiple treatments depending on the size and colors of the tattoo and whether or not you’ve had that tattoo covered up with another at some point. The more treatments you have the more likely there will be damage to your skin, resulting in painful scabs that can eventually lead to scarring. However, with advancement in technology, that is less and less likely to be an issue. It can be painful (some describe it as feeling like they’ve been sprayed with hot grease). It can also be an expensive way to remove a tattoo, again depending on the size, color and kind of ink used. However it has been shown to have good results, with a high customer satisfaction rate.

Light Therapy through Intense Pulses or IPL: This process of tattoo removal uses high intensity light in a similar way laser light is used but with less trauma to the skin. A gel is applied to the skin and then a wand through which the light passes pulses on the area being treated. It is less painful than laser treatments and may be more effective with fewer treatments needed. The down side is that it is more expensive – $10 per pulse. Yikes!

Dermabrasion: For this tattoo removal process a small portion of the tattoo is sprayed with a solution that freezes the area and then the skin is actually sanded to remove the surface as well as the middle layers. This will cause some bleeding and the skin will peel. The sanding can be very painful, especially if the tattoos are large. For most people dermabrasion can usually remove a majority of the tattoo but not always.

Salabrasion: While this tattoo removal procedure is centuries old, it is still a method that is used today by some. A local anesthetic is injected around the tattoo and then a solution of ordinary tap water and table salt is applied. Then an abrading apparatus – like the one used in dermabrasion – or something as simple as a wooden block wrapped in gauze is used to vigorously rub the area. The idea is that it will cause the tattoo to fade – eventually. When the area becomes a deep red color, a dressing is applied.

Excision (cutting it out): This is a surgical tattoo removal procedure where the tattoo is cut out from the body. A local anesthetic to numb the area around the tattoo is injected into the skin and the tattoo is then surgically removed. (This procedure would not be recommended for very large tattoos obviously.) The edges are then brought together and sutured. This process of tattoo removal causes minimal bleeding, which can be quickly and easily cauterized. In some cases where the tattoo is somewhat large, and bringing the edges together would cause significant and obvious problems, a skin graft may be taken from another part of the body.

Tattoo Removal Creams: For those who want to avoid the pain of other procedures and/or don’t want to spend their life savings (or there is no life savings) in order to remove their tattoo and thus any remaining tangible sign of what was probably one of the least smartest things they’ve done in their lives, this could be a realistic option. The effectiveness of creams is debatable but there are testimonies of those who were very pleased with the results, especially because they still had a little money in their bank account when it was over. This procedure will require patience, as the minimum amount of time it will take is 2 months – and then much longer depending on the size and the colors of ink used.

Expected Results: 

Regardless of what method you choose for your tattoo removal, some scarring or variations can be expected. The healing time will depend on the size and depth of the tattoo, the procedure used and the individual themselves. The more information you can get ahead of time, the more likely you are to know what to expect and the more likely you are to be satisfied with the results.

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In ancient Egypt, getting a tattoo seemed to be an exclusively female practice and mummies found with tattoos were usually dismissed by the (male) excavators who apparently assumed the women were of “dubious status”, described in some cases as “dancing girls”.  The female mummies found, however, had been buried at Deir-el-Bahari (opposite modern Luxor) in an area associated with royal and elite burials.  One of those women, it was later learned, was actually a high-status priestess named Amunet, as revealed by her funerary inscriptions.

Although it was long assumed that tattoos worn by the women in ancient Egypt were the mark of prostitutes or were meant to protect the women against sexually transmitted diseases, there are some experts in the field who believe the tattooing of those women had a therapeutic role and functioned as a permanent form of amulet (magical protection against evil, disease or trouble) during the very difficult time of pregnancy and childbirth.  The fact that the patterns of distribution with the tattoos were found largely around the abdomen, on the top of the thighs and the breasts would certainly support this belief.  

During pregnancy the net-like pattern of dots applied over the abdomen would expand in a protective fashion in the same way bead nets were placed over wrapped mummies to protect them and “keep everything in”.  A tattoo of the household deity Bes at the tops of their thighs would again suggest the use of tattoos as a means of safe guarding the actual birth since Bes was the protector of women in labor and placing him at the tops of the women’s thighs would be a suitable location.  These finds would certainly explain tattoos as a purely female custom in ancient Egypt.

Throughout history, whether male or female, tattoos have served a variety of purposes. In addition to amulets and protection against evil, disease or trouble, they have been declarations of love, signs of religious beliefs, adornments and even forms of punishment. In some cultures they identified social status or were used for ritual or tribal markings or rights of passage. (3)  The cultural significance and importance of tattoos to people around the world has been evident from the famous discovery of the 5200 year old “Iceman” to our current culture today both in the west and around the world.

Those seeking to get a first or new tattoo are growing daily and it is estimated that 40 to 50 million Americans alone have tattoos.  Tattoo regret and the desire of tattoo removal is also growing and some estimates run as high as 50 percent of those who receive a tattoo will eventually have a desire to seek tattoo removal.  Tattoo removal can be more painful then when the tattoo is applied and tattoo removal cost can be quite expensive.  Today, there are removal options such as, laser tattoo removal, tattoo removal cream or a simple tattoo cover up.

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Facial Tattoos

In the Maori culture of New Zealand, a culture well known for its focus on facial tattoos, the head was considered the most important part of the body, with the face embellished by incredibly elaborate tattoos or “moko”, which were regarded as marks of high status.  Those tattoos were unique to each individual, so much so that they contained specific information about their status, rank, ancestry and abilities.  Because of this, the tattoos were accurately described as a form of ID card, passport or a kind of bar code for the face.  Tattoos of warriors were given at various stages of life, thus being a rite of passage of sorts.  They were also regarded as enhancing their features and making them more attractive to the opposite sex.

The Maori women also tattooed their faces, though the markings tended to be concentrated around the nose and lips.  At one point Christian missionaries tried to stop the procedure but the women argued that the tattoos around their mouths and chins prevented the skin from becoming wrinkled and kept them young.  Obviously the missionaries backed down as the practice was apparently continued as recently as the 1970’s.

Extensive facial and body tattoos were used among Native Americans, such as the Cree.  There is also evidence for facial tattooing found among mummified bodies of a group of six Greenland Inuit women around A.D. 1475.  1000 years earlier, a tattooed female mummy was found on St. Lawrence Island in the Bering Sea. However, her tattoos of dots, lines and hearts were confined to the arms and hands.

Facial Tattoo Removal

Tattoos are designed to be permanent and having a tattoo in such a visible place as your face can lead to embarrassment, loss of job opportunities, etc.  Unlike the Maori culture where facial tattoos are not only the norm but culturally encouraged for the reasons mentioned above.  Our culture accepts tattoos for primarily decorative purposes only and even that can be frowned upon.  To tattoo one’s face in our Western culture can cause a variety of problems for an individual, the least of which is tattoo removal.  Having a tattoo inked on your face may not be the wisest decision you will ever make.  Many tattoo artists in today’s culture simply refuse a customer’s request for a facial tattoo.

It is estimated that close to half of those who get tattoos today live to regret their original decision and seek a tattoo removal.  Can you imagine the regret that may come from having permanent ink injected deep into your facial skin?  Getting a tattoo removal can be expensive and can be painful.  Imagine having to put tattoo removal cream on your face, or laser tattoo removal.  How about having your face sanded, layer by layer?  Can you imagine the cost of tattoo removal and the time and care that would be needed?  How about blistering or even lasting scars?  Tattoo artist are simply using their wisdom when they refuse to tattoo a customer’s face because of the regret that may come and the difficulty of tattoo removal.

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Religion and tattoos have had their differences over the years.  Today it is certainly not uncommon to see individuals in churches throughout the world wearing a tattoo.   What are the positions of the major religious organizations today?

Jewish Positions on Tattoos
Orthodox Jews, in strict application of Halakha (Jewish law) believe Leviticus 19:28 “You shall not make any cuts in your body for the dead not make any tattoo marks on yourselves: for I am the Lord.”  Part of that interpretation of the reading of Leviticus is to apply it only to the specific ancient practice of rubbing the ashes of the dead into the wounds; but modern tattooing is included in other religious interpretations.
Having a tattoo, in most sectors of the religious Jewish community, does not prohibit participation and even with a tattoo, full participation in all synagogue rituals is allowed.  One may also be buried in a Jewish cemetery with a tattoo. 

In stricter sectors of the Jewish community, however, a narrow application of the Halakha can be applied and someone with a tattoo can be forbidden from being buried in Jewish cemetery.  Many communities, most notably the Modern Orthodix, accept laser tattoo removal as repentance, even when removed post-mortem.
Reform and Reconstructionist Jews neither condemn nor condone tattooing.

Christian Positions on Tattoos
Christians often have cited Leviticus 19:28 as a verse that prohibits tattoos.  The New American Standard Version of the Bible states, “You shall not make any cuts in your body for the dead nor make any tattoo marks on yourselves:  I am the Lord.”  To many it may appear that the passage disallows any markings of the flesh, to include modern-day tattoos.  However, it is likely the passage refers specifically to the form of mourning that was common in the Middle East at that time.

Muslim Positions on Tattoo
The majority of Sunni Muslims adhere to the belief that tattooing is religiously forbidden (along with most other forms of permanent physical modification).  They base this belief on Sharia (or Islamic) Law and the view arises from references in the Prophetic Hadith which denounce those who attempt to change the creation of God (Allah) in what is seen as excessive attempts to beautify that which was already perfected.  The human being is seen as having been ennobled by God (Allah), the human form viewed as created beautiful and the act of tattoo would be a form of self-mutilation.

Tattoo Removal
If you are considering tattoo removal there are several methods available today from surgery, laser tattoo removal, tattoo removal cream and a simple tattoo cover up.  Tattoo removal costs varies tremendously between the alternatives as does the effectiveness of each method.

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If you are thinking of tattoo removal, you are not alone, especially if you’re a woman.  Two comparative studies done by Myrna L. Armstrong, RD, EdD, of the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center found that more women than men wanted their tattoos removed. Interestingly, some women discovered once they got their tattoo that societal support for them was not as strong for women as it is for men, even in our contemporary society.

Even though more women then men seem seek tattoo removal, the reasons given by both men and women are similar. The top 6 reasons given by both men and women for tattoo removals are:

58% just decided to remove it
57% suffered embarrassment
38% had lowered body image
38% new job/career
37% had problem with clothes
25% experienced stigma

Above all, the main reason given for tattoo removal in either sex was because they had a “shift in their identities” and wanted to get rid of their past, whether the past included an ex-love’s name, being part of a gang or because they no longer think having a tattoo is as cool as they thought it was when they had it put on.

It’s interesting to compare the reasons many people get a tattoo with why they have it removed. The study sited above showed that those same people who were seeing a dermatologist to get their tattoo remove, originally had it put on for the following reasons:

44% wanted to feel unique
33% wanted to feel independent
28% wanted to bring attention to a particular life experience.

The purpose of this article is not to evaluate the maturity or the wisdom of those who got tattoos or to discuss whether or not getting a tattoo was the right way to go about achieving their goals.  Rather it is to say that it is not uncommon in the least for many people who got a tattoo – for what ever reason – to later regret it and to have it removed. In many cases, having the tattoo removed can show greater maturity and wisdom than the initial decision itself.
Having said that then, there is no reason not to remove a tattoo unless the method one chooses to use is too cost prohibitive – such as laser tattoo removal.  There are less expensive methods and all should be equally explored prior to making a decision.  However, for most, the tattoo removal cost, and in come cases the pain, are a relatively small price to pay to have the burden lifted of wearing a tattoo you now seriously regret.  Methods of tattoo removal are many, such as, laser tattoo removal, tattoo removal cream or a simple tattoo cover up and of course tattoo removal cost is a factor to consider.

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Whatever your reason for removing your tattoo, if you’re short on time or money, laser tattoo removal or the tattoo removal cream probably isn’t for you.  But not to worry, you’ve still got some viable options to choose from.

CLOTHING
If temporary tattoo cover-up will work for you at this time there is always the obvious option of clothing. A long sleeve shirt, blouse or jacket will normally do the trick. Tattoo cover sleeves called Tat Jackets (sleeves that comfortably fit your arm) are something that’s working for a lot of people who want to preserve their tattoo but know it’s frowned upon in certain circumstances.  Tat Jackets come in black and flesh color and are cool, breathable, lightweight and flexible. Perfect for warm weather.  You can find these sleeves at InkArmor or WestCoast911.

MAKE-UP
If your tattoo is located in places other than your arm, you’ll obviously need another method to cover it up.  Tattoo cover-up make-up works well for that.  There are several great make-up products available that are specially formulated to completely cover-up even the darkest of tattoos.  A good make-up will not only do that but it will dry quickly, and be very water and smudge resistant – even if worn for hours.  You simply use the skills you have to apply your current face make-up and guys who don’t understand the basics of using a foundation brush, blending or feathering will have to ask for a little help!

RECREATING YOUR PRESENT TATTOO
Maybe you don’t want your tattoo entirely removed but you’re no longer happy with the one you have.  (Or your new girlfriend Kate isn’t too thrilled with the idea of looking at “Sarah” everyday.)  If that’s the case, you can avoid the expense and pain of having it removed and get a fresh new design instead! Simply have your old tattoo covered up with a new one.  Many tattoo artists are becoming quite skilled in doing this type of tattoo cover-up and can help you come up with a design that you will be much happier with.  The price is usually that of a regular tattoo and when done correctly your old tattoo will be completely invisible, reduced to a memory (like your old girlfriend).

There are some limits to be aware of such as you can’t cover up something black with yellow.  A dark tattoo will need to be covered with something dark.  Areas with ink on them obviously need to be covered, so a design with too many spaces and blank areas may not work.  But with a talented tattoo cover-up artist, the end result will be a cover-up tattoo that looks as good, if not better than the original.

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With all that said about tattoo removal cream, it might make you wonder why everyone wouldn’t be choosing this method.  While many are and are happy with their decision, others aren’t so sure if that’s the way to go. The best way to make a decision as to what’s best for you is to be as informed as possible prior to entering in to it.  Hopefully, this will help.

How does the tattoo removal cream work? 
It should be said that no cream will “remove” a tattoo.  Rather tattoo removal cream is actually a fading cream that may eventually cause the tattoo – and the surrounding skin – to fade.  Seldom, if ever, has it been shown to remove the tattoo 100 %

The tattoo removal cream is rubbed into the tattooed area numerous times before it is absorbed by the skin to the layer where the tattoo ink has been injected.  The tattoo removal cream creates a chemical reaction that basically destroys the chemical bond the ink has formed with your skin.  This reaction causes the ink to be broken into small particles, foreign to your body, which stimulates the immune system to remove the foreign particles.

Tattoo removal cream may take several months to fade or lighten any tattoos.  This method requires a great deal of patience and perseverance.  It will also require consistency in applying the cream faithfully.  It should be noted, though, that all options, other than surgically removing the tattoo, requires much of the same.  (And surgical tattoo removal has its own set of challenges.)

Is the tattoo removal cream safe?
Just because this method is relatively free from a number of issues that challenge other options, does not mean that it is necessarily safe.  Many of the ingredients in these creams are shown as “high risk” on cosmetic safety databases and have unknown side effects.  Testing for allergies is important before using any sort of topical ointment and is highly recommended.

What is the cost of the Tattoo removal cream?
The price of most of these creams varies from $50 – $125 for a jar that lasts about 1-2 months.  Manufacturers of these creams usually recommend monthly purchases for 3-12 months, with daily applications required.

Finally,

Several people will use tattoo removal cream, not to remove their tattoo but to lighten it significantly prior to laser removal in order to minimize the pain, time and cost of that procedure.  Or to facilitate greater success for a new tattoo to be placed over an older one.

Like all other methods of tattoo “removal”,  the success of tattoo removal creams depend on the size, color, type of ink used and the age of the tattoo.

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Regardless of how you feel about your tattoo, you’re at a place where you want to remove it so you’re checking out your options.

Laser Tattoo removal is the most common method of tattoo removal used today.  Other than the Intense Pulsed Light Therapy (IPL) it is the most effective way to remove a tattoo without surgery.  (The IPL is often too costly for most people.)

Laser tattoo removal is often chosen not only for its effectiveness but also because it is a bloodless, low risk, method with minimal side effects.  It is done on an outpatient basis usually requiring several visits depending on the person’s individual health status, the size, color and age of the tattoo and the type of ink used. The color of ink used is the most important determining factor.  A different laser is needed for each color used and certain colors are much harder to remove than others.  Black is the easiest and turquoise the most difficult because there isn’t a laser that targets that color very effectively.

Are you a good candidate for laser tattoo removal?

That depends on a couple of things, the color of your skin and where your tattoos are located.  Individuals with fair skin and superficially placed tattoos on the arms, chest, buttocks or legs are the best candidates.  People with dark skin and/or tattoos on their ankles, fingers or areas where there is less body fat will most likely have more difficulty and the results will be far harder to predict.

It is highly recommended that before you begin any laser tattoo removal procedure that has the potential risks (even though minimal) and uncertainties that tattoo removal does, you consult a professional and reputable tattoo removal specialist (preferably a dermatologist). The more you understand the process and the probable outcome, based on your specific circumstances, the more likely you are to know what to expect and thus be satisfied with the results.

How does laser tattoo removal work?

Laser tattoo removal (Light Amplification by the Stimulated Emission of Radiation) works by focusing the pulsing laser energy directly on the tattoo to break up the pigment (color) in the tattoo.  Once the pigment is broken up, the body’s own immune system takes over and works to carry those broken up particles out of the body.  Each session can last anywhere from 5-30 minutes, depending again on the specifics of the tattoo. The sessions are scheduled from 6-12 weeks apart to give the body plenty of time to remove the particles safely and successfully.  It may take several months to a year to completely remove a tattoo using the laser tattoo removal method.

Is it painful?  Will I have scars?

No one is likely to tell you that the process of laser tattoo removal is not painful.  Most people describe the process as feeling like they’re being splattered with grease!  Local anesthetic (either an ointment or an injection) is an option for those who think they may need more than a bullet to bite on.  Just keep in mind using anesthetic could up the cost of each session anywhere from $60 – $100 dollars.

The more treatments you need the greater the chances you have of seeing more damage to your skin as a result of painful blisters and scabs that can eventually lead to scarring. Following the procedure, the doctor will apply an antibacterial ointment and dressing to the area to minimize risk of infection.

(Some tattoo removal specialists highly recommend you lighten your tattoo as much as possible with tattoo removal cream prior to laser tattoo removal in order to increase the effectiveness and minimize the negative effects of the laser treatment.)

Is laser tattoo removal expensive?

The pain of laser tattoo removal can often go beyond the physical for most people. For some, the pain might be felt in the pocketbook as well.  Each session can range anywhere from $150 – $850 per session depending on the tattoo.  A large tattoo with lots of colors may cost thousands of dollars to remove and it is highly unlikely that even at that price, the service will come with a 100% money back guarantee.

Once the decision is made to get a tattoo, there is never an easy or inexpensive way to remove it completely.  However, laser tattoo removal is an option used by many, often with a high level of satisfaction at the outcome.

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