Tattoos are meant to be permanent—as in for the rest of your life. The "tats" that seemed either trendy or an original way to express yourself often become an embarrassment as you grow older and your preferences and lifestyle change. Additionally, the colorful patterns and swirls on your arms, wrists and legs aren't too impressive to prospective employers when you start to job-seek. You can use temporary do-it-yourself camouflaging techniques at home, but if you want your tat gone for good, you need a doctor's help.
Body Make-Up
Of all your options, using water-resistant body make-up to cover your tattoo is the safest, most effective way to hide your tattoo. Body make-up is similar to the foundation that you wear on your face, but it's thicker and more opaque. Many brands include setting powders that you pat or brush on after you apply the make-up while others provide sprays that "seal" the make-up to prevent it from smudging, running or transferring to your clothing. If you use body make-up to cover up your tattoo, make sure to select the shade that's closest to your skin tone.
See a Dermatologist
Only a doctor skilled in treating the skin–a dermatologist–can help you safely remove your tattoo. When you talk to your dermatologist, some things to keep in mind is that no matter what treatment is recommended, your skin will never be the same as it was before, according to doctors at the American Academy of Dermatology. Scarring after the treatment is one problem you might encounter. Also, depending on the age and size of your tattoo and the colors that were used, you might still end up with a bit of color left in your skin.
Tattoos that were drawn by a professional tattoo artist respond better to cosmetic treatments, says the AAD. Black and blue tattoos are usually easier to remove, while those that use the colors green and yellow pose a bigger challenge. Your dermatologist will also take into consideration the tattoo's location on your body or face and the depth to which the tattoo ink has saturated.
Your parents will probably also want to know the cost of the recommended procedure. Because elective cosmetic procedures are generally not covered by health insurance, permanently and safely removing your tattoo could cost thousands of dollars out of pocket.
Consider Your Choices
The most common ways tattoos are removed are by laser removal, a "sanding" technique called dermabrasion and surgery, says MayoClinic.Com. Other methods your dermatologist may suggest are a chemical peel or a process called salabrasion, in which salt is applied to your skin to peel away or abrade pigmented skin.
Laser removal is a popular way to get rid of tattoos, but it can be costly and require many treatments–anywhere between four and ten–at the cost of $350 to $600 per session, says the AAD. Any method of safe tattoo removal will require your skin to first be "wounded." This can be painful, and it may take a long time before your skin fully heals.
Cautions
There's no safe or effective way to remove a tattoo at home. Don't be tricked into buying creams and potions that say that they fade tattoos. Remember, tattoo ink is deposited beneath the top layer of your skin, according to Mayo Clinic dermatologist Lawrence Gibson, M.D. Following this logic, any effective topical ingredient would have to have the properties of an acid, which eats deep into your skin, and in fact, they do. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, many tattoo removal creams you see advertised online contain potent acids that can cause severe skin irritation.
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