It happens to the best of us—you were young and impulsive and in a moment of spontaneity decided to get a tattoo. Whatever the cause or design, you’ve grown to hate it. There is no shortage of tattoo removal specialists to help you get rid of it, but you may still be unsure if it’s the right choice for you.
Here’s a look at some of the best reasons to consider the procedure, as well as some reasons why it might not be for you. Ultimately, you’ll have to make that decision for yourself, but hopefully we can help you out along the way.
You might want to consider tattoo removal if:
- You can’t stand the sight of your tattoo. Whether it’s the name of a jilted lover or it was the product of youthful ignorance, there are lots of reasons why you might be tired of seeing the stinking thing. This sort of body hatred isn’t good for you, and tattoo removal is a fairly simple way to address the problem head on.
- Your tattoo is keeping you from your dream job. Even though tattoos are more popular than they have ever been, many employers are wary of hiring people inked from head to toe, especially in the business world. If you’re worried that yours might prevent you from starting a career in your chosen field, then maybe it’s time to consider tattoo removal.
- Your tattoo doesn't look as good as it used to. As we grow older, our bodies have the mysterious tendency to get a bit bigger and wrinklier, and those are two things that aren’t conducive to great-looking tattoos. Sometimes aging gracefully takes a little effort—and tattoo removal.
You might want to avoid tattoo removal if:
- You can’t take the pain. Unfortunately what a lot of people say is true—getting a tattoo removed is more painful than getting it put on. Patients have described it in a variety of ways, likening it to hot oil or a pop from a rubber band. Regardless of how you think about it, it’s going to hurt. Your tattoo may be presently causing you emotional distress, but for some people that’s a lot more bearable than physical pain.
- You’re afraid of the risks. One of the biggest uncertainties with tattoo removal is whether or not it will actually work for you. While the technology has improved, it’s still often very difficult to completely remove large tattoos or tattoos that have lots of bright colors. On top this, the removal process can also leave burns or scars, which, aside from being painful, can often be just as noticeable as a tattoo.
