All About The Cover Up Tattoo

There are many people living with tattoo regret. Some of these people (maybe even you) are considering a cover up tattoo.  Cover up tattoos can help relieve the immediate tattoo regret a person is experiencing but there is still a lot to consideration to be done before going back into the tattoo shop.

The saying “ #ThinkBeforeYouInk " applies to cover up tattoos even more because even laser tattoo removal may not be able to remove that cover up tattoo. At this point you may be realizing that this saying is true and trying to find out information about cover up tattoos and the importance of having a professional tattoo artist for your next tattoo. 

While it may seem that a cover up tattoo may be an easy solution, there is much more to it, and it is important to get all the information before the cover up tattoo. Why you may ask? Well, because once you get that cover up tattoo there is no removing it. In fact it will be almost impossible to remove a cover up tattoo with laser removal. The only option to remove a cover up is a surgical procedure and with that comes all of the discomforts and all of the costs related to surgery.

If you are considering a cover up you already understand what we mean when we talk about tattoo regret. There is nothing worse than getting a tattoo over one that is regrettable, with yet another regrettable tattoo that can't be removed. 

To make sure this doesn’t happen to you, thoroughly weigh your options and intentions. If you are not planning to go tattoo free for work or career purposes than a cover up may be a good option. If you do feel that you will need to possible hide your tattoo for work or that it will keep you from perusing a career or increased income in the future, than laser tattoo removal may be worth considering. There are many people who fall for the myths around tattoo removal procedures, but with technological advancement in recent years, laser tattoo removal has become more effective and efficient than ever before. The procedures are getting shorter and lasers are designed to limit pain, scarring while providing great results. 

For those that are truly committed to getting a cover up tattoo it is important to realize that just like with all tattoo art, there is no guarantee that what you invision will become the tattoo you get to cover the old one. 

In fact cover up tattoo’s can be even harder for artists and most professional studios will warn people of the difficulty regarding cover up tattoos and limit their expectations. 

It is important to do your research and get several professional tattoo artists to look at the tattoo you have and what your chosen cover up tattoo will be.  They can give you a consult on how and what it would take to cover the old ink and what other options you may have.

When your consulting with a professional tattoo artist about your cover up tattoo ask them if a better result for the cover up would involve some laser tattoo removal. Getting some of the old ink removed can make your new cover up tattoo even better & make it easier for the tattoo artist to make your vision come to life.

If your chosen tattoo artist think that you would benefit from tattoo removal before your cover up then you can move forward and request a consult from several of your local tattoo removal studios. You may wonder why you would need to compare and not want to spend the time to this.

Just like at our tattoo removal studio in Oak Brook, IL, there are many that can do online consultations, which save time and energy for clients. Simply email a photo of your tattoo with size and color information and the studio will be able to give you a quote.

It is important to find out a few things before you go under the laser to remove your tattoo.  Make sure the tattoo removal studio has Doctors performing the laser tattoo removal procedure and information about the staff; including experience and education. Learn about the type or types of lasers that will be used for your treatment and make sure to learn pre and post laser removal procedures; like skin care, immune system support and treatment plans. This is all key in making sure you get the best result possible. Proper care and good health can help the body remove the ink from your skin and get you that new cover up tattoo that you have been dreaming of.

Have a question? Get in touch with us on Twitter @EraseTattooRMVL or join us on Facebook for more on laser tattoo removal and skin care. 

Visit our website for more information about Erase Tattoo Studio at www.erasetattooremoval.com.

Is Laser Tattoo Removal Painful?

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Ultimately, our Chicago laser tattoo removal studio will tell anyone that pain is dependent upon the individual.  We know that having a tiny needle poke you thousands of times to achieve decorative skin is painful.  We also know that laser tattoo removal is not painless. However, we can tell you that most people say that getting a tattoo hurts much worse than having laser treatments done.  There is a difference in pain between the getting a tattoo and having one removed.  When you get a tattoo, it typical does not take more than two sessions to complete a piece assuming you outline it in black to start and come back to get it filled in with color.  On the other hand, laser tattoo removal procedures include multiple treatments where the pain will be the same unless you begin to build your tolerance for the pain between sessions.

Most often, the removal of tattoos is compared to someone snapping your skin with a rubber band over and over.  This sensation is due to the tattoo removal laser using its light to burn at the skin and remove the ink. One the plus side, laser tattoo removal take seconds in each section as opposed to the several hours it takes to have a tattoo put on.

Our laser tattoo removal studio in Oak Brook would love to be able to tell you that tattoo removal methods are painless, however there are many different factors that come into play like the size of the tattoo, the location of the tattoo, the colors used in the tattoo, etc.  Fortunately and unfortunately, everyone has a different levels for tolerating pain.  We would like to comfort you by telling you that similar to getting a piercing, the part being pierced hurts for a second.  This is also true for laser tattoo removal.  The short bursts of laser light remove the ink by burning the skin and a quick and rapid rate.  Not only that, but if you choose ERASE for tattoo removal, we can offer our patients the R20 tattoo laser removal procedure which packs as many as four treatments into one session.

If you have any questions about ERASE’s laser tattoo removal procedures, please contact us today!

Celebrity Tattoos

It is a common occurrence today that celebrities are influencing what the rest of society does.  Our laser tattoo removal studio in Chicagoland has recognized our clients keeping up with trends with hairstyles, hair does, things to eat, places to hang out, and unfortunately, tattoo styles and ideas as well.  More celebrities than we realize have tattoos and many are quite shocking, well done, or distasteful. 

Angelina Jolie is a perfect example of a celebrity who has several tattoos and flaunts them.  Our Oak Brook laser tattoo removal studio knows that many celebrities have tattoos because each one means something significant to them.  For instance, Angelina’s tribal tattoos, specifically the dragon.  Her tribal dragon tattoo has become one of the most popular tattoos women have done today. 

Johnny Depp’s tattoo on his arm that was done while he and Winona Ryder were together said “Winona Forever”.  They later broke up and that tattoo was altered to say “Wino Forever”.  He is a celebrity that has displayed a prime reason why tattoos that symbolize a relationship are not always the best idea.  Tattoos should be thought through tremendously before taking the jump.  It’s unfortunate to see the amount of names needing laser tattoo removal.

Although the tattoo may have been beautifully done, our tattoo removal studio does not necessarily think a celebrity’s tattoo is right tattoo for everyone.  Too often people want something because someone else or everyone else has it.  When it comes to an article of clothing or hairstyle and that is great!  However, when it comes to permanently placing ink into your skin you will hate later in life, it is not great to get what everyone else has.  Our studio for tattoo removal in Chicago is happy to help you, but it is unfortunate for us to see embarrassed individuals. 

Don’t get us wrong, we love tattoos too.  We just believe they require a lot of thought for the design, placement, purpose, and not to mention, we hope people research their artist before having anything done.  ERASE also thinks it is great that celebrities with tattoos make the rest of society seem normal.  Not only that, but even celebrities needs laser tattoo removal.  There is not reason to be ashamed, there is almost always a solution for most issues and when it comes to removing a tattoo, ERASE will have you uncovered.

If you have any questions about laser tattoo removal or if you are interested in ERASE’s R20 tattoo laser removal procedure please contact us today for more information.  We would be happy to speak with you and give you an estimate on what removing tattoos will be like for you.

Laser Tattoo Removal Myths and Facts

Our laser tattoo removal studio in Oak Brook knows how often parents remind their teens that tattoos are permanent.  We either need to make sure that we make a wise choice about our tattoo or to not get one at all.  Although tattoos are permanent to your skin, they are not permanent when undergoing laser tattoo removal.  ERASE’s tattooremoval procedure is performed by professional who use the Asclepion TattooStar Effect Laser to break up ink pigment with pulses of high-intensity energy. 

Tattoo removal techniques have changed drastically in the last decade and our R20 laser tattoo removal procedure is considered the most effective way to remove tattoos and tattoo ink.  We have heard many myths and misconceptions about tattoo removal procedures and we would like to share the myths and provide you with the facts.

Laser Tattoo Removal Creates Scars: 

Our procedure does not leave any visible scarring in the way that dermabarasion and skin grafting does. We realize that older models may cause some scarring, however, modern machines are much safer for the skin.  We use the Asclepion TattooStar Effect Laser to prevent causing noticeable scars. 

Removal of Tattoos is Painful:

Most often, the process of removing a tattoo is similar to the feeling of being sunburnt or a burning sensation.  We do admit that there may be some discomfort associated when removing tattoos.  If you are experiencing pain or discomfort, our tattoo removal specialist can apply a topical numbing cream to ease the process for you.

Getting Tattoos Removed is Expensive:

Laser tattoo removal is proven to be the best value in terms of effectiveness and safety of your body.  The price of having a tattoo removed is dependent upon a large number of factors like the amount of color, the size, and the location of the tattoo. 

The Laser Tattoo Removal Process is Lengthy:

Typically, full tattoo removal can often be achieved in 5-12 sessions, spaced out every 6-8 weeks. Most tattoos require a full year for complete removal. Some patients may be eligible for the R20 tattoo removal method, which removes tattoos in a shorter period of time than traditional laser tattoo removal. The R20 tattoo removal procedure stacks up to four treatments into one session to remove and lighten tattoos.

So if you were reconsidering removing a tattoo because of any of the rumors above, rest assured that they are just rumors.  If you have any other questions or concerns about laser tattoo removal please feel free to call our studio or schedule an appointment for a consultation.  There’s no reason to fear the permanence of tattoos anymore with the R20 procedure and use of the Asclepion TattooStar Effect Laser.  

Is Laser Tattoo Removal Right for You?

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Is Laser Tattoo Removal Right for You?

Are you or someone you know suffering regret with unwanted tattoos? If you are considering eliminating unwanted tattoos, it is best to consider all of your options and find what method is best for you and your lifestyle. Laser tattoo removal is currently the leading most effective method of tattoo removal. Aside from laser tattoo removal, there are other alternatives to removing tattoos including chemical peels, dermabrasion and tattoo removal creams that can cause major long term harm to the health of your skin. Laser tattoo removal is the #1, dermatologist recommended safest method of tattoo removal available.

Laser tattoo removal is rapidly growing in popularity. It is estimated that 50% of people with tattoos consider laser tattoo removal treatments. With 10% of the American population having at least one tattoo, this brings high volume to the laser tattoo removal industry. With so much popularity and demand for laser tattoo removal, the procedure continues to advance and become more effective and safe for the patient.

Your skin type is a big determinant to whether laser tattooremoval is right for you or not. The amount of pigment in your skin relates directly with the success of any tattoo removal procedure. Here at Erase, we recommend visiting a laser tattoo removal studio for a consultation on the tattoo you wish to remove. It is important to discuss with your doctor your plan on removing your tattoos in order to insure a safe transition. The color of the tattoo you wish to remove also plays a huge role on how many procedures it will take to remove, and how effective the procedure will be. Blue and black inks are the easiest to remove in any case. However, almost any tattoo can be removed with laser tattoo removal if the procedure is done correctly and cared for properly. For more information on the aftercare of laser tattoo removal, visit one of our previous blogs, Laser Tattoo Removal Aftercare.

Questions about laser tattoo removal? Still don't know if it's right for you? 

For more information of laser tattoo removal, visit our website: EraseTattooRemoval.com

Risks Associated with Tattoo Removal

Depending on the method a patient seeks to remove a tattoo, there are always risks that are associated.  Any medical procedure comes with a whole host of risks, which are sometimes unavoidable.  When it comes to tattoo removal, risks may vary depending on the method a person opts to use to remove a tattoo.  Here are a few of the main risks associated with the various tattoo removal procedures:

Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion, as we talked about before, is what many people refer to as the sanding down of the skin.  Dermabrasion relies on an abrasive tool that removes the layers of skin that hold the tattoo ink. Patients who have undergone dermabrasion talk about how it feels as if the skin has been burned.

What are the risks associated with dermabrasion?

Skin sensitivity-- Right after the procedure the skin will be sensitive and the sensitivity may last for weeks, even months, following the procedure.  The skin that has undergone the dermabrasion procedure will be a red/pink color for a while following the procedure and can take months to fade and return to a normal skin color.

Skin color change-- Dermabrasion can cause the skin to either become lighter than normal or darker than normal, respectively this is known as hyper/hypopigmentation.

Cryosurgery

Cryosurgery uses liquid nitrogen to freeze the skin directly above the tattoo. Freezing the skin destroys the cells, which allows the skin to be peeled away.  The frozen tissue is destroyed and the body eventually takes over and heals the area. This form of tattoo removal is related to having frostbite.

What are the risks associated with cryosurgery?

Damage to surrounding skin tissue-- With cryosurgery there is a risk for damaging nearby tissues and nerve cells.

Skin color change-- Similar to dermabrasion, there is a risk of the skin experiencing hyper/hypopigmentation following the cryosurgery procedure.

Excision

Excision is essentially the surgical removal of the skin. Once skin is surgically removed, surrounding skin is drawn together and stitched up. Excision is not recommended for patients with larger tattoos since removing a large portion of skin can be extremely dangerous when it comes to bleeding risks.

What are the risks associated with excision?

Heavy bleeding-- The larger the area of skin being removed, the more at risk a patient is for experiencing heavy bleeding.  Excision can be quite dangerous when it comes to a large tattoo being removed, which is why it is not recommended for removing large tattoos.

Scarring-- Excision can result in scarring from the incision that is made.  This form of removal takes time to heal from.  

Risk of infection-- Depending on the size of the tattoo undergoing excision, the risk of infection can be quite high.  Since the skin is being removed it is more vulnerable to bacteria, so patients must exercise caution in caring for their skin following excision removal.

Laser Tattoo Removal

Yes, we are a laser tattoo removal studio and our staff members are all big advocates for laser tattoo removal.  So what is about laser tattoo removal that we find so great?  We like the results it gives patients, the fact there is no down time following a procedure, and the low risk for complications.  Even with that in mind, it is still a medical procedure and with that there is always going to be a risk for complications, such as the following:

What are the risks associated with laser tattoo removal?

Skin sensitivity-- Because the skin will typically undergo a few procedures to get desired results, the skin can become sensitive from the procedure.  This is why it is important to care for the skin following the laser tattoo removal procedure, which is something we teach our patients before even undergoing the procedure.

Luckily, risk of infection, scarring and other complications is extremely low with laser tattoo removal, making it a popular method of removal and a favorite amongst removal patients.  Before undergoing any type of tattoo removal, we suggest doing research on all the method available to help choose the right one for you.  Have comments or questions? Feel free to leave them below or contact us.

Laser Tattoo Removal Versus the Alternatives

It is obvious that we, as laser tattoo removal experts, are advocates for laser tattoo removal versus alternative methods. The advantages to laser tattoo removal, in our eyes, far exceed the advantages with other procedures.  The ability to truly target ink particles with lasers makes it a more exact procedure, causing less damage to the skin, lower chance for complications, and better results.  While, yes, we feel laser is the best, there a whole crop of other methods patients may consider when thinking about removing a tattoo.  Here are a few alternative tattoo removal methods:

Excision

Excision removal involves surgically removing the tattooed skin and then stitching up the skin. Excision is typically best suited for small tattoos. How does it work? An injection of an aesthetic is applied first to numb the area and then a surgeon removes the first couple layers of skin that hold the tattoo ink. Once the skin is removed it is drawn together and stitched.  If a patient chooses to do excision with a large tattoo, a skin graft is needed to cover up the area.  Cauterization is needed to control bleeding.  This form of removal can be a bit dangerous and can leave scars. It truly isn't advised if a patient is looking to remove a large tattoo as the risk for complication is too great.  However, for small tattoos the procedure can truly be a good quick fix.

Dermabrasion

Another method of tattoo removal is dermabrasion.  Dermabrasion involves removing the layers of skin holding the tattoo ink using an abrasive tool.  A surgeon will apply an aesthetic to numb the area and ice the skin to keep it firm. The instrument used will peel back the skin. Ointment and gauze will be used to cover the skin in order to keep dirt and bacteria out, but the risk for infection to the area can still be quite high.  The skin will look and feel burned, be raw and susceptible to bacteria, which can be dangerous if it is not cared for properly.

Cryosurgery

Cryosurgery freezes and really, freeze-burns, the tattooed skin using liquid nitrogen. Liquid nitrogen is used to treat other skin ailments as well.  After the area has been frozen by the liquid nitrogen, the tissue is destroyed and gets peeled away by using a specialized light.  This form of removal is known to leave white spots or some skin discoloration to the area being treated.  It can also damage bordering skin tissue.

No method of tattoo removal is perfect, that is for sure.  Laser tattoo removal boasts good results, less complications, less damage to the skin, and is probably the best method there is when it comes to tattoo removal procedures.  Patients still need to know what other options they have when it comes to tattoo removal in order to figure out which is best for them.  Feel free to comment below or contact us.