Some tattoos are truly works of art and wear well. A tattoo you get in your youth may still look fine as you age. Other tattoos do not. A tattoo that reflected your thinking and your affections when you were twenty may be totally inappropriate when you are 40 or 50. If you desperately want to get rid of that Milli Vanilli tattoo or the one declaring your love for a high school flame, you may be able to do so. Fortunately, the removal techniques have improved greatly over recent years.

What Are Some Of The Difficulties With Tattoo Removal?

When you get a tattoo, you need to assume it is a permanent fixture. Even though removal techniques have improved, they are still expensive and, depending on the method used, may not totally remove the ink. So, even if you are madly in love with Skeezy Pete, putting his name on your arm is not a good idea. If you do carry an unfortunate tattoo, you need to do your research before you decide to get it removed. According to The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the number of people seeking tattoo removal has declined in recent years, partly because patients are unhappy with the results. However, certain tattoos respond better to treatment than others, so you need to discuss your particular tattoo with a plastic surgeon or dermatologist. 

What Are Your Options For Removing A Tattoo?

Surgery

A dermatologist can remove your tattoo by cutting it off or "excising" it. That may sound drastic to you and it is not necessarily a good option for large tattoos. If you have an eagle across your back, cutting it off is a poor choice. If you have a smaller tattoo, trading it for a small scar may work for you. You will pay less than you would for a series of laser treatments and the result will be immediate.

Lasers

Breakthroughs in laser technology have made it easier to completely remove many tattoos. You will still have to undergo numerous visits to a cosmetic surgeon, spending thousands of dollars in the process, however. The laser breaks down the ink so that your body can absorb it. 

One other option is to have a tattoo artist alter your old tattoo into something more acceptable. For instance, names can be covered with a symbol or picture. You do have several options if you just can't tolerate your old tattoo. Consult with a local professional and develop a plan that will work for you.