Tattoo Designs

If you walk into a tattoo studio, you can easily see that there are virtually no limits to tattoo designs.  Most studios have a plethora of books, posters, and stencil samples;  and, as the work of a tattoo artist is much more than simply putting designs on a person’s skin, most are very skilled and very talented artists in general.  Nearly anything you can visualize, either by description or in a sketch, can be made into a unique creation by those who practice this form of art.  While many customers prefer a tattoo which is either quite simple and basic, such as one’s name or initials, or a design which is totally unique and special to them, there are a number of styles which are widely popular.

Tattoos of Native American designs is one of the most popular.  While most people who do not have direct information about tribal significance may simply select a design which looks good and appeals to them, traditional Native American artwork is by far the most often chosen in this category, as it symbolizes the Native American culture in general.  However, for those who are knowledgeable, designs can be produced which symbolize tribal affiliation.  If this is what a person prefers, it is a good idea to first do a bit of research to learn the difference between the tribes and which ones use which symbols.  For people who have Native American ancestry, this is an excellent way to both learn about and display pride in one’s heritage.  One’s name can also be made into a tribal design if you or your artist has the knowledge to do so.

Oriental designs are also quite popular.  Most tattoo studios have a large variety of these, ranging from intricate artwork to smaller symbols.  Some of those which are chosen most frequently include the Chinese symbols for luck, prosperity, eternity, harmony, and love;  the zodiac signs are also popular.  Although these designs may appear simple, and do have a rather unobtrusive effect, it takes a considerable amount of skill to draw them properly, as the thickness and thinness of the characters is very important.  If you are looking for something which is stylish and tasteful, an Oriental design will have that effect.

For those whose religious beliefs are an important part of their lives, a tattoo of a religious symbol can be a permanently-displayed expression of this.  Religious tattoos range from the most basic small crosses to large artwork depicting Saints and Jesus to nearly everything in-between.  While most religions tend to frown on the subject of tattoos, they are represented in large varieties nonetheless.  You will probably see crucifix tattoos and Star-of-David tattoos, despite the fact that the traditional religious belief is that one should not get tattoos.  For most modern people, even those who take their religious beliefs very seriously, getting such a tattoo is not seen as violating religious standards, but a matter of pride in what they believe.

Celtic designs often appear in tattoos, also.  From the most basic designs which everyone understands, such as shamrocks, to the intricate Celtic cross which fewer recognize the original meaning of, this culture has produced a wide array of beautiful artwork that can be used in tattoos.

Most people have some idea what they like, and each person’s individual preference is no more difficult than finding it or having your artist create it.  Whatever your background, interests, lifestyle, you are sure to find a tattoo design that appeals to you and is special to you.

Tattoo cover ups

Much thought should be put into getting a tattoo as it is a mark for life.  The design should be something that will not be outgrown or outdated.  Regardless of how much thought is actually put into it, sometimes the tattoo ends up needing a cover up.

Cover ups are done for several reasons.  One of the most common reasons is to give the tattoo a fresh, new look. Tattoos that have faded over time can be touched up to make it look as if it is brand new.  Newly applied crisp lines can clean up any blurring around the edges.  Additional color can be put on to brighten up the design.

At times, the original tattoo needs brightened up due to fading but can be achieved with the addition of more color and design aspects.  A black tattoo can be brightened up by adding more detail as a background in color.  Many colors can be applied over the old black ink with a nice effect as well.

Tattoo cover ups are often done when the previous design is no longer accurate for the customer.  For example, a woman may have a tattoo applied sporting the name of her boyfriend.  Years later, the relationship no longer exists but the tattoo remains for life.  Cover ups can completely change the look of the tattoo making parts of it that are no longer desirable appear to have disappeared.

Tattoo cover ups are needed when the original tattoo is of poor quality.  Prison tattoos are often presented for cover ups.  Tattoos that were done by amateurs are also commonly covered up.  These old tattoos are often small or done with thin lines that are easily covered.

Even when there isn’t a previous tattoo, a cover up is still needed at times.  These are the cases when scars are to be covered with art.  Millions have tattoos applied to cover scars that they no longer wish to see or feel they aren’t very pleasing to look at.  Unless the scars are large and have caused extensive damage to the skin, typically a cover up can be done.  Even on very large scars, many good tattoo artists can still design something to work with.

When a tattoo cover up is required, it is most important to search for an excellent and talented tattoo artist.  A tattoo artist who can design a great picture for the original tattoo is good.  A tattoo artist who can design a tattoo to cover up an existing tattoo with a new and different design is the kind of talented artist you need for a successful cover up.

Most tattoo artists do not have samples of cover ups they have done on display.  To see these you’ll often have to ask specifically for them.  Pay close attention to the detail of the cover ups and compare the old tattoo to the new.  A large solid tattoo should not be applied over a smaller tattoo as the old one will easily show through.

Although tattoos are permanent, they can be covered up and touched up.  Touch ups have been reported as being a slight bit more painful and often repeat visits are needed to fully complete the design.  The option is there, however and if an excellent artist is found the end result should be stunning.

Tattoo

We’ve all heard stories of people getting a communicable disease from an infected needle at a tattoo shop.  People have been reported for becoming very sick from unsanitary tattoo parlor practice.   Many people get tattoos every day; however the news only reports those incidents that go wrong.

So how can we know what are the real potential effects of getting a tattoo?  We do some research.  Talk to the tattoo artist about your concerns. Make sure the parlor you are going too practices sanitary measures, sterilizes equipment and uses new needles for each and every customer.

The CDC, or Center for Disease Control reports that if cleanliness and sanitation are maintained, then the transmission of communicable diseases isn’t likely to be widespread.  Many specialists have determined that commercial tattoo parlors are quite safe but prison tattoos are where the problems are occurred.  Another problem is encountered with amateurs and those who do their own tattoos.

The Food and Drug Administration has said that the colored ink used in tattoos technically isn’t legal as it hasn’t been approved by them for use.  However, problems have not been reported with the colored inks aside from minor cases.

One type of minor case may include a reaction to the ink.  These theoretically can occur in anyone with any tattoo, but does occur more with the colored ink.  Delayed reactions are possible and may not happen right away.  Some dyes in the ink are created with cosmetics and other chemicals that are not approved for being injected into the skin, creating a reaction.

Infections at the tattoo site are rare but do happen.  Tattoo parlors that are unclean and do not practice good sanitation measures are reported to have the highest incidents of reported infections.  The FDA does not regular tattoo shops so it’s easy for these places to get away with these practices.

Because of unsanitary shops, the APT, or Alliance for Professional Tattooists formed in 1992.  Membership isn’t required but is encouraged among tattoo artists.  Seminars are provided throughout the year for continuing education for the tattooists. Sanitary measures are regulated and encouraged to members of APT.  Tattoo parlors that can prove membership are more likely to have a reduced risk for tattoo site infection.

Hepatitis C is a scare to many who are considering a tattoo.  This is a disease carried through the blood and is transmitted through infected needles.  Tattoo shops that reuse needles put the customer at a higher risk.  These are become few and far between, however as most parlors today use disposable or single use needles.

Overall, tattoos are relatively safe.  As mentioned before, we only hear about the bad news on television when someone has contracted a disease or infection for a poorly taken care of tattoo facility. If the parlor practices proper sanitary measures, risks are diminished.  All equipment should be sterilized between each customer.  Needles should be used once before disposing of them.  General cleanliness of the facility itself is always a key aspect to watch for as well.

Positive Attributes Of Tattoos

Considering how widespread the negative reputation is of tattoos and people who have them, one might wonder if there is anything positive about tattoos, and if it is reason enough to get one.  You undoubtedly have heard plenty about the problems, attitudes, risk factors, etc., so perhaps you would also like to consider the opposite point of view in order to help you make the best decision regarding whether or not getting this type of artwork is right for you.

First, let’s examine some of the reasons why getting a tattoo may not be a good idea.  If you’re the type of person who tends to do things impulsively or if you’re considering a tattoo based primarily on someone else wanting you to get one or not wanting you to get one;  these factors will very likely result in you regretting your decision at some point in time.  If getting a tattoo is not solely your own decision for your own sake, and a decision which you have put careful thought into making, you will probably end up wanting to get it removed later on.

If none of those situations fit you, and you’re considering getting a tattoo, hearing some things which are good about tattoos may assist in your decision.

Some people simply like art;, if you are one of them, a tattoo may be the type of art you are looking for.  In that there are essentially no limits to what kinds of artwork can be made into tattoos, you’re sure to find something which will suit your tastes.  You can consult a tattoo artist to assist you in making the best choice for the artwork which you will like the most.  Tattoo studios routinely have huge selections of tattoo art on posters and books;  your artist can tell you which forms he is most familiar with and practiced in creating.  If you have a unique design in mind, all it usually takes is a rough sketch or even a description, and most artists will be happy to create a custom-made design for you.  Tattoo artists are almost always very skilled artists in general;  you will be happily surprised at how intricate and professional their work can be.  If you want beautiful, unique art which is both yours alone and permanent, a tattoo is the way to go!

Do you have something to say, something you wish to share with the world?  If so, a tattoo may be the answer you’re looking for!  Whether you opt for wording, or a design which has some type of special meaning to you, a tattoo can be one of the greatest forms of self-expression.  You can choose something that is very clear to everyone who sees it, or, in contrast, can have something which is purely symbolic.  We not longer have to settle for temporary expression on t-shirts, tattoos are permanent;  and they are available to almost everyone everywhere.

A tattoo can also be a permanent memorial.  If there is someone or someplace that you wish to honor, a tattoo can be a wonderful way to do this.  Contrary to occasional opinion, memorializing a person or a place with a tattoo is generally not morbid, and is not usually sad;  instead, it focuses on one’s subject in a positive light.  In addition, a tattoo of memory does not necessarily have to be about a person, it can also be a unique symbol of a place, a time, a situation, that you wish to always keep in your memory.

If you have decided to get a tattoo, and have positive reasons for wishing to do so, all you need to do is visit a nearby tattoo studio and allow your vision to be turned into a reality.

Tattoo Removal

A tattoo is meant to be permanent.  Unfortunately, what a person might want today may not be what he or she wants two or twenty years from now.  Both the procedure of and cost of getting a tattoo are relatively minor in comparison to having it removed at a later date.  It may be wise to consider these facts before visiting your local tattoo artist with design and cash in hand.

Two of the most commonly used methods for getting rid of an unwanted tattoo are also two of the most unsatisfactory.  The first method involves removing a piece of skin from a less-noticeable part of your body, and grafting it on top of the tattoo.  This odd form of “plastic surgery” covers up the tattoo, but generally leaves scar tissue, as the skin is not in its normal state.  Another popular method is to simply go to a tattoo artist and have another design tattooed on top of the unwanted one.  With this method, the black outline from the original tattoo will be noticeable through the new one;  the larger the original, and the more black ink it has, the more difficult it will be to cover it.

A surgical method which is equally if not more unsatisfactory is called dermabrasion.  In layman’s terms, you can think of it as going at your skin with sandpaper.  Even when this method is performed by a licensed physician, you will likely decide that the resulting scar is worse than the original tattoo.  The reason for the scarring is that removing a tattoo by this method means going through the tattoo and the underlying skin.  The scarring left by this method will leave that portion of your skin a much lighter color and a different texture than the surrounding skin.  Of all tattoo removal methods currently in practice, dermabrasion is the method which will leave the most noticeable scarring.

Excision rarely presents a satisfactory alternative, either.  As its name implies, the excision method of tattoo removal consists of having the tattoo surgically cut out of the skin, and the surrounding skin then sewed back together.  The scar may not be as noticeable as one from the dermabrasion method, but the rather gruesome excision procedure itself more than makes up the difference in terms of a procedure which you will probably not like going through.

A variety of creams are sold for tattoo removal.  Tattoo artists state that they are a waste of money and time, as they do not work.  Whatever new concoction is sold under the guise of being a sure method of getting rid of a tattoo, a potential customer should keep in mind that since the tattoo is not simply on the top of the skin but deep into its layers, over-the-counter creams sold for this purpose will do little if any good.  The chemical peel method which uses trichloroacetic acid produces some degree of results, as it actually removes the layers of the skin.

Currently, the use of lasers is one of the most common methods of tattoo removal.  It is not as simple as it may sound, however.  First, depending on size and details of the artwork, removal by laser can take up to ten sessions in order to achieve a degree of results.  One source states that each session can cost between $250-$850 per session.  It has been said that the laser removal method can be quite painful.

The most recent tattoo removal method is Intense Pulsated Light Therapy.  Although it is considered to be less painful, and produces better results than removal by laser, it is also much more expensive.

The most common sense way of looking at the subject is that if you’re planning to get a tattoo, you should plan on keeping it.  None of the methods currently available for tattoo removal are guaranteed to produce satisfactory results, and those that show any amount of success in the final results are quite expensive.

celebrities love tattoos

It is not really surprising to learn that many celebrities love tattoos, nor is it surprising that those who are in the public eye and in the media have quite a significant influence on the American population’s fascination with tattoos.  The stars have tattoos, so all of their fans want tattoos also.  For celebrities, age is not a factor;  older stars as well as the younger ones have them.  We know all of these people–  but how much do we know about what unique styles of artwork they have?

One of America’s most longtime popular movie stars, Robert DeNiro, has appeared in movies sporting numerous tattoos.  Whether or not his fans realize that they are only accessories for his films, the fact is in real life Robert DeNiro has only one tattoo, that of a black panther.  Another actor who shows off many tattoos in his movies is Johnny Depp;  all of his, however, are real.  Bruce Willis also has a few tattoos;  most notably the symbol of his movie “Die Hard.”

Tattoos have long been in style with musicians.  Former teen idol Justin Timberlake has a guardian angel, amongst others.  Rapper Eminem has more tattoos than can be counted, including his daughter’s name and his own.  The wording on Keith Urban’s wrist, “Omni Vincit Amor” is Latin for ‘Love Conquers All;’  he also has an eagle on one arm.

Some sports celebrities also go for tattoos.  Michael Jordan has his fraternity symbol tattooed above his heart, while Dennis Rodman is a virtual canvas of artwork.

Not to be outdone, many female stars also show various degrees of artwork.  Young actress Drew Barrymore is essentially a canvas full of tattoos;  it is said that she created most of the designs herself.  Reese Witherspoon is more subtle, wearing only one small star tattoo which is rarely visible.  Pamela Anderson has a variety of tattoos also, the most notable being the word ‘Mommy’ on one finger, which reportedly used to read ‘Tommy.’  Spice Girl Victoria Beckham has five stars to represent each member of her family, her husband’s initials, and the traditional Jewish phrase ‘I am my beloved’s, and my beloved is mine.’

Some of today’s supermodels also sport tattoos. Kate Moss, Christy Turlington, and Stephanie Seymour all have these permanent forms of fashion accessories.  Most supermodels who opt for tattoos show fewer and smaller designs than celebrities in other fields.

While many celebrities have had tattoos for a very long time, the popularity of tattoos amongst stars has been increasing, both in the number of celebrities who have them and the number of tattoos that they have.  A very few have only one tattoo;  more and more are taking on a large number of tattoos as well as more and more visible tattoos, using skin as a canvas for nearly unlimited varieties of permanent artwork.

As celebrities show off their tattoos, and this is picked up by the media, it presents an ever-increasing influence for their fans, especially amongst the younger generation, to want to do likewise.  As with anything else that stars do in the public eye, their influence with tattoos helps this form of artwork become more widespread, more popular, and more acceptable to most of the American population in general.

Celebrities and Their Tattoos

When deciding on whether or not to get a tattoo,the first thing to think about is how the tattoo will be a permanent mark on the body.  The next thing to consider is what the preferred style might be.  Most tattoo parlors have samples of previous designs that can be altered to suit the customer.  But what many people enjoy is sampling and mimicking what many of those whom we idolize might have already had created.

Today, celebrities influence much of what is done in society.  Clothing styles, hair dos, things to eat, places to hang out and, yes, even tattoos are often influenced by many celebrities.  There are more famous people that have tattoos than what has been originally thought.  Some may be quite surprising.

As many people know, Angelina Jolie is one of the most popular tattooed actresses today.  She flaunts over a dozen tattoos, each with their own meaning. Angelina Jolie is such a fan of tattoos that there are always plans for more in the future.  In fact, she’s made the tribal dragon tattoo the most popular among women.

When it comes to tattoos and famous actresses, it’s certain that Pamela Anderson’s name will be brought up.  The arm band was made popular almost entirely due to Pamela Anderson.  She also put an emphasis on the barbed wire tattoo as it’s one of her most well known marks.

Mike Tyson sports a facial tattoo that is of Maori influence.  While the tattoo didn’t exactly cause a boom in applied facial tattoos, it does prove interesting among tattoo enthusiasts.

Johnny Depp is one highly acknowledge actor for having tattoos.  He’s decorated with over twelve known tattoos all with stories behind them.  Depp’s tattoo on his right bicep is the most well known.  When Johnny Depp and Wynona Ryder were together, he had “Wynona Forever” tattooed on his arm.  When the relationship ended, it was modified to say “Wino Forever.”  A good example of why tattoos should be thought through before taking the leap.

A group tattoo was made for those actors in the Lord of the Rings trilogy.  Each actor received a tattoo of the word “nine” written in Elvish script.  Tattooed on different areas of the body, and a first tattoo for some, each member now has a permanent mark commemorating the making of the movies.

Other movie celebrities where we will find many tattoos to admire or copy include Drew Barrymore, Julia Roberts, Gillian Anderson, Alyssa Milano, and Christina Ricci.  We can also find tattoos in music artists such as Billy Idol, Eminem, Henry Rollins and Brittany Spears.  Kobe Bryant, Dennis Rodman, Anna Kournikova, and Stone Cold Steve Austin make up just a few of the sports models that flaunt their own ink.

This is just a sampling of a few of the tattoos that are likely to be found among celebrities.  These people are acknowledged and admired for their style and personalities.  Many of them have caused booms in the tattoo trends throughout the years with special emphasis on designs that closely resemble their own.  It’s not unusual or unheard of by tattoo artists to receive requests for a tattoo that looks just like one sported by the hip celebrity of the times.

Tattoos

One certainly does not need to be a sociopath in order to get tattoos, nor does the appearance of a tattoo mean that a person is one.  However, numerous studies have shown that most sociopaths do indeed have tattoos as being one of their strongest common factors.  In addition, a well-known crime writer stated in an interview that every single one of the many serial killers he had spoken with had had multiple tattoos.  For many people, tattoos hold no negative connotation;  for those who already have serious personality defects, tattoos are often a very visible symbol of it.  For those in the latter category, everything about tattoos has an entirely different purpose and meaning than it does to the majority–  why they feel the need to get them, and what they represent.

Psychologists tend to refer to tattoos as “body modification;”  and most have both very strong opinions and knowledge about how tattoos are connected to those who are in the minority.  On the most clearly defined side, psychologists state that for those who already exhibit signs of personality defects, tattoos are but an extension of their anti-social personalities.  It is said that these types of individuals who engage in drug use, promiscuity, and violence, merely make tattoos a part of that particular lifestyle.

Psychologists state that these traits, coupled with tattoos, are linked to subclinical psychopathy.  In clearer terms, for this segment of the population, getting tattoos is yet another means of “thumbing one’s nose” at society, and of displaying one’s sense of self-importance.  As one of the foundations of sociopathy is to refuse to adhere to what is generally considered to be acceptable behavior. given that tattoos still have some degree of negativity associated with them, they are of special allure to those who already have serious personality problems.  For these people, acquiring tattoos is primarily an aggressive means of defying what is conventional.

In using tattoos in this manner, one also presents a “tough” image.  The problem with this is when one uses what to most people is relatively harmless to portray a sense of toughness, it is rare that the individual in question will stop at artwork.  For one who connects tattoos with toughness, aggression in his behavior is also a very real possibility.

While this fact is relevant to sociopaths in general, and cannot afford to be overlooked, it takes on an even darker side for those who commit serious violent crimes.  In research regarding serial killers, a much worse connection comes up about tattoos.  Continuing with the factors already evident in sociopaths, there are the additional factors of causing bodily harm and of refusing to let go.  In plainer terms, these types of individuals gain tattoos–  often by their own attempts–  both as a means of expressing hatred and as a means of permanently holding on to the objects of their hatred.

On a slightly lesser but still important scale, as most of the individuals who fall into the categories of sociopaths and violent criminals were subjected to severe abuse in childhood, it is relevant to note that it is not unusual at all for them to display, in their adult life, tattoos with the name or some representative symbol of their abusive parent.

When facts like this are taken into consideration, even if much of the population isn’t aware of it, it’s no wonder tattoos have such a negative reputation.  While it is true that most people in the United States of America choose to get tattoos for no negative reason and no underlying motives whatsoever, learning that tattoos are a common standard amongst sociopaths and serial killers does tend to lend a less-than-desirable quality to the entire subject.

Types of Tattoos & Colors of Tattoos

Types of Tattoos and Variations in Tattoos - A simple search on the Internet will show a vast array of all different kinds, sizes and colors of tattoos. Sometimes the mere decision on the final design is a big enough task in and of itself. Even if a sample is copied, it can be altered in just about any way giving even more options.

Main variation among tattoos is size -  Tattoos can be very tiny or very large. Tattoos might be as tiny as a single small letter, a minuscule flower or a dinky symbol. Tiny tattoos aren’t always the easiest, however as they can prove quite difficult if more detail is involved in such a small space.

Large tattoos are very commonly seen. Tattoos stretching down the entire back, all the way across the chest and even full sleeves are regularly found among tattoo enthusiasts. Perhaps the biggest of them all are the full body tattoos, which aren’t uncommon.

Second Variation in tattoos is color – Many people prefer the look of a tattoo in a single color. Typically, this color is black. Tribal, symbolic and word tattoos are often found as a solid b
lack. These are often more commonly encountered than colorful tattoos.

Colored tattoos aren’t rare, however. Just about any color imaginable can be used on a tattoo. Inks can even be mixed to create a specific color. Brightly colored tattoos can be made in as many designs as black tattoos. Certain colors may be used resembling something sentimental, important or simply a favorite color.

Shading can be a variation in tattoos as well. Shading differs from color variances. A black tattoo can be made more intricate by creating a shading effect. Shading can also be done with colored tattoos. As the tattoo is created by a series of dots, the more spread apart the dots are, the lighter the ink will appear, creating a shading effect.

Many times, a tattoo artist will offer advice for decisions on the design of the tattoo. Shading may be recommended in the place of color, at times. It can be one way to provide more effect within the design without adding a bunch of, or any, color.

Style is an excellent variation in tattoos. They can be found in just about any style imaginable, and if an example cannot be located on paper or in the tattoo parlor, your tattoo artist may be able to create something for you. Symbols can easily be created. Characters can resemble cartoons or animated creatures. Realistic drawings of people can also be created as a tattoo.

For example, if you want a cartoon of an elephant, the tattoo artist can create it. If you want a tattoo resembling a real elephant, in the Savannah in Africa, he or she can most likely do that as well. If you want a tribal-influenced design representing the sign of an elephant, you’re likely to find it.

Tattoos can be created to resemble anything that can be drawn, painted or photographed. Creating tattoos is an art. Tattoo artists are just that: creative artists with their own method of providing designs that help others express themselves on their own bodies.

Variations in Tattoos | Types of Tattoos | Sizes & Colors of Tattoos

Can Tattoos be removed ?

Tattoos are permanent things. The ink is injected deep into the skin, into the secondary layer of skin called the dermis. The repeated injections deposit the ink in this part of the skin for the purpose of lasting a lifetime. Having tattoos removed can prove to be quite an involved process.

One key to keep in mind is that some scarring is likely to occur when having a tattoo removed. After care will be necessary as well and may include bandage changes or a suture removal. Even with tattoo removal, some individuals will still experience some colored areas on the skin that have simply been lightened.

Many factors influence the success rate of a tattoo removal. The tattoo size and color have a great effect on how and if the tattoo can be completely removed. The tattoo’s location on the body also affects removal.

Methods for Tattoo Removal

Excision Technique for Tattoo removal

There are several methods for tattoo removal. Very small tattoos can be removed with excision. This is the procedure when a small tattoo is simply cut away. An incision is made, that tattoo is removed and the skin is then sutured closed.

Larger tattoos may be removed by excision as well; however it may take several attempts to remove the entire art. Many times, the middle portion of the tattoo is removed and allowed to heal before attempts are made to excise the outer portions. Another technique for excising larger tattoos is to take a skin graft from another area on the body to make it possible to close the incision.

Dembrasion Technique

Another technique is called dermabrasion. This method for tattoo removal involves the use of a special chemical that is applied to the tattoo. The tattoo and skin around it are frozen, providing a local anesthetic effect. A rough surfaced tool is then used to rub down the tattoo in the same fashion one would use sandpaper.

Tattoo Removal using Lasers

Lasers have recently grown in popularity in the medical field and tattoo removal has certainly benefited from them as well. For the purpose of removing a tattoo, the laser is used to break up the ink and coloration of the design. Cells in the body are then able to attack and eliminate these colored cells naturally. When lasers are used, repeat visits are often needed to continue the break down of the ink that was used.

Tattoo removal can be done with one of a variety of methods. A physician is needed for this type of procedure. The physician should be consulted with any concerns regarding the size of the tattoo to be removed, the coloration, the location on the body and the required after care that will be needed once it has been removed.

A tattoo is thought of something that lasts a lifetime. Although they can be removed with surgery, lasers or dermabrasion, some scarring is likely to be encountered. Getting a tattoo should be seriously considered first as it will always be a permanent mark in the skin.