Tattoo Removal: Reality check

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So, it wasn't true love after all, and now you're stuck with a big pink heart with a banner that reads "Chad" across it tattooed on your hip/butt/shoulder/chest/insert body part here. Faaaaantastic. What now? Well, firstly, you should have thought that one out a bit more. But that's beside the point. You need to be aware of your options. There are a few, none being terribly easy, especially if your Tattoo was done with mostly red or black ink. Red and Black are notoriously hard to remove. Lets talk first about some of the new "fading creams" and "Tattoo Removal systems" which are quite new to the market. There are several claims made by the manufacturers of these products, the main one being that the product contains powerful ingredients that once absorbed into the skin will break down the ink under the epidermis, and with repeated use will fade the tattoo to almost nothing, or remove it altogether. Don't waste your money. They are expensive, and they generally do not work. They contain ingredients similar to that of skin-bleaching creams for freckles or discoloration, and barely penetrate past the first layer of epidermis. They may slightly lighten a very light-colored design, but I promise you the results will not be profound.
Secondly, there is Laser Treatment. By far the most effective, however, also the most expensive. Laser removal involves the application of lasers directly into the skin. The energy emitted by the laser (or a number of different lasers) is targeted toward the carbon particles and pigmentation particles that are in the layer of epidermis. The laser allows for "selective destruction" of the pigment particles with minimal trauma of the skin. The good news is, badly done, amatuerish black tattoo tend to respond better to laser treatment. Bad news: brightly colored, professional tattoos are much more difficult to remove and may take several treatments. While laser treatment isin't exactly painful, many people find it to be discomforting. It is said to be akin to having a rubber band snapped repeatedly against your skin. And that kind of fun doesn't come cheap. A tattoo removal that requires several sessions can cost upwards of $1000.00. If you do decide that this is your best option, please be sure to choose a qualified clinic and technician, as it is, after all, a medical procedure.
Lastly, but certainly not leastly, there is the option of covering up the existing design. Any good Tattoo artist will be able you tell you what they can do with the design, however, your options may be limited. The artist will need to work with the shape and colors of the existing tattoo in order to properly blend it in with a new design. This may be trickier if you have a mostly-black tattoo....black can only be covered with more black. Be prepared to go larger in terms of your new design. Have a realistic set of expectations with your artist and you will probably end up with something you love, instead of hate. Also, Tattoo artists are often very respectful of other artist's work, and they may be hesitant to put their own work over another if it was a professionally done tattoo, and not one done out of a garage of a guy named Bubba. Respect your artist's feelings on this one, and if you can't convince them, try to locate the person who first applied it, and explain that you have had a change of heart. They will probably understand, and will appreciate you coming back to them. A good Artist knows his'her clients satisfation is paramount.

If for some reason you decide you would like a name put on you, epecially that of a boyfriend or girlfriend, consider doing it in blue or green. These colors tend to fade naturally anyhow and will be easier to deal with should something go awry!!!