Don’t like your tattoo? Maybe the idea of the next work of body art has been on your mind for days, even down to the area where the new tattoo will be. On the other hand, it may just have been curiosity that got the better of them and they wanted a change of scene and company. Nevertheless, if you have developed atherosclerosis, or simply no longer feel like getting a tattoo, you are not quite out of luck yet. There is a new option – a cover-up tattoo, or you can opt for the more traditional laser removal. You can still come and get your unwanted and unattractive tattoo lasered off.
Why You Might Don’t Like Your Tattoo
Others have posited that body tattooing is extremely addictive and from such a perspective, people get tattooed without much thought. In any case, if the ‘design’ you have chosen does not suit your personality, the idea does not meet your expectations, you may feel confused about what to do next. The change of heart you are possibly going through may be as a result of faith. But if you must, here’s one of the many expert-endorsed solutions to enhance your lackluster tattoo:
Tip
When thinking of cover-ups, one should ask themselves if they still want the tattoo to be placed in that area. The new tattoo will have to be larger to accommodate the old one; I have a lot of skin there. A small and trivial ‘first’ tattoo ends up being a more extensive piece in the same area.
So, would you take a new tat that you have designed to get it done there? If so, it will be better to have a tattoo that you want in a better section of the body and then use a laser to repeal the old one.
Laser Removal Don’t like your tattoo
The more expensive option for getting rid of an undesired tattoo is laser tattoo removal. This treatment is quite expensive and reported to be more painful than having a tattoo, but the results can be satisfying because you will most likely be tattoo-free after the required amount of sessions. If you’re considering laser tattoo removal, consult a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon.
For tattoo removal, San Francisco dermatologist Caren Campbell, MD, a board-certified specialist, recommends Pico lasers. The last few years have seen the development of a relatively new technology: pico lasers. She says that because they send out energy (fire) at intervals of 1/1,000 seconds, tattoo pigment can be broken down into smaller pieces that the body can remove. Instead of burning the skin, the laser breaks up pigment by using sound waves (photoacoustic effect). The size, color, and pigmentation level of your existing tattoo will determine how many sessions are needed. Still, four to twelve sessions could be necessary to achieve the best results.1.
The standard procedure for laser tattoo removal involves applying numbing lotion to the tattoo and letting it sit for 20 to 30 minutes before starting the laser treatment. According to Campbell, it usually starts white, rises, and then turns red. It feels like little rubber band snaps. After five to ten minutes on the ice, the treated area is wrapped with Vaseline and a non-stick bandage. Skin may get uncomfortable, peel, and sometimes even turn raw during the seven to 10 days it takes to heal.
Tattoo Cover-Up
Tattoo cover-ups are an excellent option for mending or restoring unwanted tattoos because they are new tattoos that replace older ones. The new tattoo ink will be put on the same area of the skin as the old ink. According to board-certified dermatologist Hadley King, MD, FAAD of New York City, combining two colors typically results in a new color, with dark inks prevailing. Typically, black is the best color for covering any other color, but darker hues can be employed. Also, don’t worry if you have a lighter tattoo. According to King, the paler ink may help to cover the original design. If you have an older tattoo, you’re in luck.
If you’re thinking about getting a tattoo cover-up, look for an artist who specializes in this type of work. Examine their portfolios and brainstorm a few ideas to guarantee they can see the final product and that you will be satisfied with it.
What to do if you don’t like your tattoo? Tattoo artists now have practically endless potential, so don’t be afraid to shop around for a fresh perspective on your design. Perhaps adding a few personalized touches can make you appreciate your tattoo, or your artist may be able to completely cover it up with something that hides the original tattoo. Of course, you’ll want to plan a more meaningful tattoo this time to avoid future regrets. To avoid repeating, study all of the different tattoo styles and determine what went wrong the first time.
Just remember that the most important step, according to King, is to contact a reputable company that uses antiseptics and is willing to explain how they keep their instruments and inks clean.
Aftercare of Tattoo Coverup
After you’ve been successful in getting a tattoo cover-up, maintaining an aftercare schedule is crucial to the long-term beauty of your new tattoo. Just be patient when it comes to caring for your newly applied body ink. Small, straightforward tattoos usually heal in a few weeks, while huge, elaborate tattoos may take many months, according to King. She shares her expert advice for maintaining your tattoo cover-up below.
Keep your tattoo clean
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She advises you to gently wash your tattoo cover-up twice a day using warm water and antibacterial soap. Try using a mild product that easily lathers up and doesn’t dehydrate your skin when you rinse it off with water. With three smells to choose from—manuka honey, silk and magnolia, and coconut milk—the Dial Complete 2 1 Moisturizing & Antibacterial Beauty Bar is sure to please any fragrance connoisseur.
Apply ointment to keep your wound hydrated.
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According to King, keeping the wound wet promotes healing by preserving the tissue, establishing an environment conducive to wound healing, and generating a protective layer on the skin’s surface to help prevent infection. She recommends applying an ointment containing petrolatum, mineral oil, olive oil, or zinc oxide. And if you’ve heard that oil-based ointments like Vaseline cause tattoo ink to fade, you can breathe a sigh of relief. According to King, no scientific evidence supports such a claim.
Avoid touching your tattoo.
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Rubbing or scratching the skin can damage it and increase the risk of infection. If the wound is itchy or unpleasant, apply an ointment with medicinal ingredients to provide temporary relief.
Say goodbye to bathing and sunbathing.
King also advises not soaking in a tub or pool (which might harbor bacteria) until your tattoo has fully healed, and to restrict sun exposure. Instead, cover any exposed skin with loose-fitting clothing.