3 in 10 Americans now have at least one tattoo — an increase from 21% in 2012. And of those, 92% say they are happy with their ink.
Are you part of the other 8% who aren’t? Do you find yourself using makeup or clothing to cover up a tattoo that at one time meant a great deal to you?
As medicine and technology continue to advance, so does tattoo removal. It’s now easier than ever before to remove a tattoo if you come to find it doesn’t suit you anymore.
If you’re on the fence between removal and coverup, here are seven signs that removal may be the better option.
1. Forgetting a Past Love
We’ve all been in a relationship that we thought was going to last forever.
Maybe you decided to commemorate it by getting your partner’s name, anniversary date, or even your face tattooed on your body. Maybe you opted for tattooed wedding rings instead of expensive jewelry when you said “I do.”
Whatever the case may be, a tattoo can serve as a painful reminder after a breakup or divorce. Getting a relationship tattoo removed can be one of the first and necessary steps to moving on.
2. Poor Quality
Were you hoping for an intricate design that turned out to look more like an indistinguishable blob? Are the lines on your tattoo muddy or thinning? Is the color not holding as well as you thought it would?
Your tattoo could’ve looked great after it was first applied. However, poor artistry and general aging can cause your tattoos to fade and blur over time. This is especially true in cases of repeat exposure to the sun and improper aftercare.
Still, a terrible tattoo can feel like a blemish. If you’re considering having one removed, remember that aftercare is just as important during the removal process as it was during the application process.
3. Outdated Design or Placement
Maybe you got a tattoo because it was trendy at the time. Maybe you got one to honor a newfound hobby or interest that didn’t work out. Maybe you just don’t like where it is on your body anymore.
This can be especially true in cases of hateful or offensive tattoo designs. Getting one of these tattoos removed can be a massive step toward personal growth.
Tattoos can be outgrown just like our clothing. In fact, tattoo removal is soaring in popularity, with revenues rising 440% to $75.5 million over the last decade alone.
4. Being Teased or Judged
Are you tired of explaining what your tattoo means or why you got it? Do you feel like you keep being passed over for promotions and other career opportunities at work?
While some industries are gradually changing their attitudes toward tattoos, others are still just as stringent, like the military, law enforcement, health care, and teaching.
Some employers still see tattoos as unprofessional and distracting. Others may even associate them with criminal activity or low intelligence, even though these stereotypes are long outdated and outright wrong.
Regardless, if your tattoo isn’t in a place that can be easily covered — like the arms, legs, or torso — you might consider getting it removed.
5. Starting a Family
Did your parents have tattoos? If they did, did they make a concerted effort to keep them covered up around family? Were they supportive when you first got your tattoo?
If you’re an expecting parent, your attitude toward tattoos could change! You might decide that tattoos aren’t the example you want to set for your children. You may even be worried about what their teachers or other parents may think.
After all, who would want their child to be teased for something completely beyond their control?
Remember that tattoos are not an indicator of your parenting skills. Removing a tattoo should be because you want to, not because other people think you should.
6. Embarrassment
Do you find yourself refusing to wear a swimsuit to the beach or the pool? Are you embarrassed to undress in front of your partner? Do visits to the doctor make you anxious about what they’ll think of your tattoos?
Nobody deserves to feel embarrassed about a regretful tattoo. Ditch the concealer, pants, and long-sleeved shirts and reclaim your self-confidence by getting it removed.
7. Looking for Something New
Sometimes, you just want to wipe the slate clean and start over.
Sure, you could get a tattoo covered up, but what if you haven’t decided what you want yet? The last thing you want to do is replace a bad tattoo with an even worse tattoo.
Not only will you end up paying for two tattoos, but it may ultimately end in removal anyway.
In general, covering up a tattoo could be a viable option if:
- You already know what you want to cover it up with
- You are comfortable with the current tattoo placement
- Your coverup design was not an impulsive decision
- You’ve found a professional tattoo artist who can give you exactly what you’re looking for
If you haven’t put thought into any of these factors, it may be best to invest in tattoo removal. This buys you time to consider the design and placement of your next tattoo while your body heals from the removal.
Trust Us to Remove a Tattoo You No Longer Want
Deciding to remove a tattoo is no easy choice, especially if you spent a lot of money on it and enjoyed it for years.
However, tattoo removal is becoming increasingly common. And laser tattoo removal may not be as painful as you think.
Like the tattoo application process, many patients compare laser tattoo removal to the sensation of a rubber band being repeatedly snapped against the skin. Luckily, topical or local anesthetics are available to minimize the discomfort.
The number of sessions required to remove a tattoo will vary depending on the size of the design, as well as the composition, depth, and color of the ink.
Ready to learn more about our laser tattoo removal services? Book a free consultation today.