Difference between revisions of "Fix a Bad Tattoo"
m (importing article from wikihow) |
m (Update ref tag) |
||
| Line 14: | Line 14: | ||
#*You’ll need a design that’s larger than the original tattoo--and sometimes significantly so. | #*You’ll need a design that’s larger than the original tattoo--and sometimes significantly so. | ||
#*Work with your artist to create a design that will work with the features of the old one. Because it’s often hard to completely cover over a new tattoo, you’ll want a design that can integrate and then camouflage the old one. | #*Work with your artist to create a design that will work with the features of the old one. Because it’s often hard to completely cover over a new tattoo, you’ll want a design that can integrate and then camouflage the old one. | ||
| − | #*Most cover-up tattoos will be done in color in order to better cover the old one. Tribal-style tattoos tend to be the exception.<ref>http://majestictattoonyc.com/cover-up-tattoo-information/</ref> | + | #*Most cover-up tattoos will be done in color in order to better cover the old one. Tribal-style tattoos tend to be the exception.<ref name="rf1">http://majestictattoonyc.com/cover-up-tattoo-information/</ref> |
=== Getting Laser Removal === | === Getting Laser Removal === | ||
| − | #Look into laser removal. Laser removal for tattoos is usually a lengthy and expensive process, and one that’s not guaranteed to work.<ref>http://www.ctvnews.ca/laser-treatment-not-quick-fix-for-bad-tattoos-1.416102</ref> | + | #Look into laser removal. Laser removal for tattoos is usually a lengthy and expensive process, and one that’s not guaranteed to work.<ref name="rf2">http://www.ctvnews.ca/laser-treatment-not-quick-fix-for-bad-tattoos-1.416102</ref> |
#*Depending on the location, type of ink, and depth of the tattoo, it may not be possible to remove it completely. | #*Depending on the location, type of ink, and depth of the tattoo, it may not be possible to remove it completely. | ||
#Determine if you’re a good candidate. Laser removal won’t work for everyone, so be sure you’re a good candidate before you sign on. Set up a consultation before committing. | #Determine if you’re a good candidate. Laser removal won’t work for everyone, so be sure you’re a good candidate before you sign on. Set up a consultation before committing. | ||
| − | #*If your tattoo has been previously treated with other tattoo-removal procedures that have resulted in scarring, laser removal may only cause more scarring.<ref>http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/laser-tattoo-removal</ref> | + | #*If your tattoo has been previously treated with other tattoo-removal procedures that have resulted in scarring, laser removal may only cause more scarring.<ref name="rf3">http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/laser-tattoo-removal</ref> |
| − | #*If, however, your tattoo has been treated before with minimal scarring, it may respond well to laser treatment.<ref | + | #*If, however, your tattoo has been treated before with minimal scarring, it may respond well to laser treatment.<ref name="rf3" /> |
| − | #Research reputable dermatologists. Make sure that the person who would be performing the removal has an established track record of strong work with minimal side effects.<ref | + | #Research reputable dermatologists. Make sure that the person who would be performing the removal has an established track record of strong work with minimal side effects.<ref name="rf3" /> |
#*Ask your family doctor or dermatologist to refer you to someone who specializes in tattoo removal and whose work they know and trust. | #*Ask your family doctor or dermatologist to refer you to someone who specializes in tattoo removal and whose work they know and trust. | ||
#Research the technology. Be sure to research exactly what a laser treatment does before committing to laser removal. | #Research the technology. Be sure to research exactly what a laser treatment does before committing to laser removal. | ||
#*Laser treatments use pulsed Q-switched lasers to break the ink particles apart so they can be absorbed by the body’s immune system. Once the ink particles have been broken up, they’ll go to the lymph nodes, where they’ll remain. | #*Laser treatments use pulsed Q-switched lasers to break the ink particles apart so they can be absorbed by the body’s immune system. Once the ink particles have been broken up, they’ll go to the lymph nodes, where they’ll remain. | ||
| − | #*It generally takes between 5-10 treatments over a span of many weeks to remove a tattoo. Costs vary, but on average will run about $200 per session. Most insurance companies won’t cover the cost of tattoo removal unless it’s medically necessary.<ref>http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/laser-tattoo-removal?page=3</ref> | + | #*It generally takes between 5-10 treatments over a span of many weeks to remove a tattoo. Costs vary, but on average will run about $200 per session. Most insurance companies won’t cover the cost of tattoo removal unless it’s medically necessary.<ref name="rf4">http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/laser-tattoo-removal?page=3</ref> |
#Understand the procedure. Be sure you know not only what the technology is, but what the actual procedure will be so there won’t be any unfortunate surprises after you’ve committed to it. | #Understand the procedure. Be sure you know not only what the technology is, but what the actual procedure will be so there won’t be any unfortunate surprises after you’ve committed to it. | ||
| − | #*In general, a laser tattoo removal session will run as follows:<ref | + | #*In general, a laser tattoo removal session will run as follows:<ref name="rf3" /> |
#*You’ll be given protective eye shields, and the doctor may administer either topical anesthesia or painkiller injections before beginning. | #*You’ll be given protective eye shields, and the doctor may administer either topical anesthesia or painkiller injections before beginning. | ||
#*The doctor will use hand-held device will up against your skin to direct the laser. You can expect each pulse of the laser to feel something like being snapped with a rubber band or spattered with hot grease. | #*The doctor will use hand-held device will up against your skin to direct the laser. You can expect each pulse of the laser to feel something like being snapped with a rubber band or spattered with hot grease. | ||
#*After the laser has been applied to the entire area, the doctor will likely apply ice or a cold compress before covering the area with a bandage. | #*After the laser has been applied to the entire area, the doctor will likely apply ice or a cold compress before covering the area with a bandage. | ||
#*The doctor may give then you a topical cream to apply periodically to the site. | #*The doctor may give then you a topical cream to apply periodically to the site. | ||
| − | #Know the potential side effects. Though laser removal is generally a safe procedure, there are certain risks for side effects, including<ref | + | #Know the potential side effects. Though laser removal is generally a safe procedure, there are certain risks for side effects, including<ref name="rf3" /> |
#*Infection: If not treated properly, the tattoo site can be subject to infection. | #*Infection: If not treated properly, the tattoo site can be subject to infection. | ||
#*Scarring: There is a small chance that the treatment could leave you with permanent scarring. | #*Scarring: There is a small chance that the treatment could leave you with permanent scarring. | ||
| Line 39: | Line 39: | ||
== Tips == | == Tips == | ||
| − | *If you get a tattoo, get it done with Freedom2 ink, which was developed by a Harvard dermatologist and uses vegetable dyes encased in plastic polymer that’s more easily broken down and removed by laser treatments.<ref | + | *If you get a tattoo, get it done with Freedom2 ink, which was developed by a Harvard dermatologist and uses vegetable dyes encased in plastic polymer that’s more easily broken down and removed by laser treatments.<ref name="rf2" /> |
== Related Articles == | == Related Articles == | ||
