Tattoo Art

Posts Tagged ‘tattoo removal cost’

Tattoos in the west had its origins in Polynesia, after James Cook, a British explorer made a trip to Tahiti in 1769.  The islanders’ used the term “tatatau” or tattau, meaning to strike and this became the modern term “tattoo”.  Tattoos then  became fashionable among Europeans, starting with the sailors and 18th century explorers.  Sailors and later, coal miners, both had risky professions.  This would then explain the almost amulet-like use of anchors or minor’s lamp tattoos on the men’s forearms.  From the sailors, the practice of tattooing later spread to many Western societies.

Over 40 million Americans have a tattoo.  A distinctive tattoo for some, like the sailors or coal miners are symbolic.  For example, many prisoners often use their tattoos to reflect their criminal behavior.  It may show their gang affiliation or some gang members use a tear to show a friend who was killed.

Tattoos have been very common in the U.S. military and British Armed Forces.  Tattoos often represent the individual’s military unit or a battle they fought in.   Most of us have personally seen a tattoo on an older military individual.

Tattooing has experienced a rebirth in popularity in many parts of the world, such as North and South America, Japan and Europe.  With that resurgence of tattooing has come an influx of new tattoo artists into the industry, accompanied with their technical training and artistry.

Formal interest in the art of the tattoo has become very prominent in today’s society.  Contemporary art exhibitions and visual art institutions have featured the artistry of tattooing through such means as displaying tattoo flash, exploring the works of tattoo artists, or incorporating examples of body art into [mainstreameveryday] exhibits.

With this popularity has come tattoo regret where it is estimated that half of those receiving tattoos today live to regret their decision and are seeking a tattoo removal.   There are many tattoo removal methods that are used today.   The most effective means of tattoo removal is laser tattoo removal which can be painful and expensive.  Tattoo removal cream is an option that is controversial as to its effectiveness.  It can be done in the privacy of your home and the cost is substantially less than laser tattoo removal.   Other options are surgery where the tattoo is surgically removed.   There is also an option where the skin is sanded to remove the tattoo.  Another possibility is to simply do a tattoo cover up using make up or clothing.

”Why did I ever put Amber’s name on my chest?” While the name or body area may be different, there is no doubt countless men have asked themselves that same question. It seemed like a terrific idea at the time but now, it’s not only an embarrassment but the new girlfriend isn’t going to stand for it.

If you feel that way, you are not alone.Recent estimates suggest that more than 10 millions people have at least 1 tattoo and a busy physician who specializes in tattoo removal says that about 50% of those who get a tattoo later bemoan doing so. Embarrassment, poor self-image or potential loss of a career are just a few of the reasons people opt for tattoo removal.

No matter the reason, anyone can get their tattoo removed, if they are willing to pay the price, both in dollars, pain and less than optimum results.

Laser Tattoo Removal:  This is the most common process of tattoo removal today.  It works by zeroing in on the ink with pulses of highly concentrated laser light that dissolves the ink into tiny pieces which are then cleared away by the body’s immune system. It usually requires several treatments depending on the size, color of inks used and whether or not the tattoo has been covered up with another at some point.

Light Therapy through Intense Pulses or ILP:  This process of tattoo removal uses high intensity light in a way that is comparable to the way laser light is used but with less trauma to the skin.  It is less painful than laser treatments and may be more effective with fewer treatments.  Unfortunately, it is also more expensive.

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.  

Excision: This is a surgical tattoo removal procedure where the tattoo is cut out from the body.  A local anesthetic to numb the area is injected into the skin and the tattoo is then surgically removed.

Tattoo Removal Cream: This is rubbed into the tattooed area several times before it is absorbed by the skin to the layer where the tattoo ink is located.  The cream creates a chemical reaction that basically destroys the chemical bond the ink has produced with your skin.  The reaction causes the ink to be busted into small particles – foreign bodies – which stimulates the immune system to remove them.

Expected Results: Tattoo removal is a viable option today.  No one who chooses tattoo removal ends up with skin that looks like it did prior to receiving the tattoo.  Some scarring or variations of the skin will occur regardless of the method chosen to remove the tattoo.  The success of the process is dependent upon a variety of factors such as age of tattoo, colors of ink used, depth of the tattoo and health of the individual getting it removed.  
The healing time will depend upon the size and depth of the tattoo, the procedure used and the individual themselves.