Tattoo Removal
Tattoos can be beautiful things but there may come a time when you wish it wasn't there.
Even if you love your tattoo there may be occasions when you'd rather it would disappear - a case temporary tattoo removal rather than permanent tattoo removal. If the tattoo isn't too big you can use concealer makeup to hide it for a few hours. However you'll need either concealer specifically designed to hide tattoos or one for concealing birthmarks. Neither type is particularly cheap and you'll need to practice to ensure you use the right amount of concealer.
You'll probably have to make several attempts at blending the makeup to match your skin colouring correctly otherwise it is just going to look odd. Applying it in several thin layers is better than one thick layer. Try and feather the edges of the makeup so there's no harsh line between the concealed area and the rest of your skin.
Although the concealing makeup often claims to be smear and waterproof it's best to check this yourself especially if it's being used for some big occasion - you don't want embarrassing smears on your clothes.
However it may be a case of wanting to remove your tattoo permanently because of unfortunate reminders of people you'd rather forget or perhaps that tattoo didn't turn out as well as you'd hoped. In these cases you have other options open to you.
Laser tattoo removal is the most recent method with a laser being used to break up the pigments in the skin layers. As they break up the body's own defence mechanisms expel the waste through the bloodstream. You'll need several visits set a month or two apart to allow the skin to recover. Although very effective and less painful than other methods it can work out quite expensive.
Here's a video of a woman having quite a small tattoo removed by laser. It gives you some idea of the process involved. Remember that although it looks real quick it'll take several visits to remove it completely.
There is also dermabrasion. A small grinding wheel is used to remove the outer layer of skin. Once gone, then the layer of tattoo ink can be removed. Even with the area of skin numbed beforehand it can still be uncomfortable and will be painful for several days afterwards.
Excision really only works where the tattoo design is small. This process involves cutting out the body art. Stitches will then be made to close up the wound. A permanent scar is a possibility with this method. For larger designs small areas are cut away over time and may leave several scars. This method of tattoo removal is becoming less common these days.
Another way the tattoo is by using a tattoo removal cream. You apply the cream over the tattoo for several months until it fades away. It doesn't seem to work in all cases and even when it does the tattoo is often faded rather than removed. The creams themselves are not cheap.
As you can see none of the permanent methods are particularly pleasant for either you or your bank balance so think carefully before choosing your tattoo design so that you won't need to remove later.