Safest Tattoo Removal Methods

People get tattoos for a range of reasons. Some get it as a form of art, a religious symbol, a mark of identification to a clan or a group, or simply to remember someone by. Even though the process of getting a tattoo takes elaborate effort, time and sometimes, a great deal of money, a tattoo, though painful, also serves as a permanent reminder of something to the person. Tattoos can sometimes be elaborate in design, some with a design that covers their whole arm, called a “sleeve tattoo”; some can be as simple and almost insignificant like an alphabet or a word. While tattoos are meant to be permanent, due to technological advancements there are now methods for tattoo removal.

While the procedure of getting a tattoo can be considered terribly painful to some, the removal of a tattoo costs more and is considered more painful than getting one. The most common form of tattoo removal is through the use of lasers. In the 1960s, it was first reported, through experimental observations that short pulse lasers emit light that significantly reduced the visibility of the tattoo. Through the 1970s and 1980s, further testing with argon lasers and carbon dioxide showed only limited success and it seemed that tattoo removal was impossible and impractical. However, in the late 1980s, a type of laser called Q-switch lasers was introduced and saw remarkable success in the art of tattoo removal.

Q-switch lasers use a powerful ray of light that breaks down and shatter tattoo pigments that are then absorbed by the body almost as naturally as a sun exposure would. Though tattoo removal by this method is remarkably successful, there are side effects. Since the amount of heat used by these lasers is significantly hot, patients who wish to get their tattoo removed almost always end up with scarring and slight burns. The extreme heat also causes a lot of pain to the body and some patients end up quitting halfway through the procedure.

Q-switch lasers are also less susceptible to colored tattoos and are only mostly efficient with black tattoos, while tests lately have shown successes in removing colored tattoos by altering the wavelengths of the laser energy given out, removal of colored tattoos take a considerably longer time. Q-switching also takes several visits to the tattoo removal clinic to remove even the smallest amount of tattoo and this ultimately puts off many from getting their tattoos removed.

In January 2009, a company in United States developed InfiniInk, a tattoo ink that offers a permanent ink like all other tattoo ink but also promises an easier and faster tattoo removal, if the person decides to get the tattoo removed. Though only available in black ink currently, InfiniInk promises removal of up to three times faster as experiments and studies along with clinical trials have shown that upon laser application (like Q-switching) for removal, InfiniInk leaks the ink out of the body for quick removal. This option definitely prevents a high amount of scarring and promises a lesser deal of pain.

For those who do not wish to get their tattoos removed via laser, there are more unconventional methods, like covering an unwanted tattoo with a newer one, a process tattoo artists call “cover-up”. This method employs the artistic brilliance of tattoo artists. Some work around the older tattoo to build upon the newer tattoo, others use darker tones to “hide” the unwanted tattoo and tattoo over it. If the older tattoo is still dark and thick, lasers are sometimes used to break down the pigment of the tattoo, making it lighter and easier to tattoo over the unwanted piece. This option is viable for those afraid of scarring their bodies from traditional laser methods of tattoo removal or looking to cover the tattooed names of their old flames so as to not anger new lovers.

For former gang members who are willing to change their lifestyle and be rid of their gang tattoos though, there is still hope. While tattoo removal is still an expensive procedure, some governments and jurisdictions are willing to completely foot the bill for the removal of gang tattoos, a sign of the ex-member willing to change for the better. With the support of jurisdictions and governments alike, more research will definitely be poured into a better removal method for tattoos and eventually, costs will be cheaper and lesser pain would be involved

So, for those looking to remove their tattoos, pick your poison. You could either get it removed through means of laser techniques or simply cover-up your old tattoo with a newer one. The decision all lies upon you!