With the advances in laser technology, tattoos aren't necessarily the lifelong commitment they used to be. However, this doesn't mean laser tattoo removal works the same for everyone or every tattoo. In order to have realistic expectations as to how well your laser treatment can remove your tattoo, you should take into account the issues described here. Understanding Laser Basics
Laser technology uses intense laser beams to break down the pigment of the tattoo. As the tattoo ink breaks down into smaller particles, the body's natural systems flush the ink out. Due to the way lasers work on tattoos, some people and tattoos make better candidates for laser removal than others.
Which Tattoos Respond Best to Laser Removal
Most tattoos can be removed or have their appearance significantly reduced using laser tattoo removal. One issue to consider is when the tattoo was done. Over the past decade, the inks used have become stronger, which means they are harder to remove. As a result, tattoos that are more than 10 years old will probably respond better to removal treatment.
Regardless of when the tattoo was done, some colors are easier to remove than others. The laser beams hone in on contrasts, so the darker the ink color, the easier it is to remove. Reds and yellows are more difficult to remove and may require more treatment sessions than tattoos with other colors. Furthermore, a multicolored tattoo will always require multiple treatment sessions because different ink colors respond to different laser wavelengths. Another issue to consider is where the tattoo is located on the body. Areas that have more body fat, like arms, buttocks, legs, or the chest, tend to have better removal results than areas with less fat, such as ankles or fingers.
Which People Respond Best to Laser Removal
As noted earlier, lasers like color contrasts and work best where they can find those contrasts. As a result, lighter skinned people tend to have better results using lasers to remove tattoos. The color of the ink is still a factor, but the lighter the skin, the greater the contrast no matter what color inks have been used.
In addition, healthier people with strong immune systems often get better results. The healthier a person is can translate into fewer laser sessions needed. Most of the unpleasant side effects associated with laser removal of tattoos generally come as one has to go through a high number of sessions. Thus, the fewer sessions needed, the less likely one will experience any side effects. Being at a healthy weight can also improve the quality of the removal. Some professionals have recommended that if possible, one should lose any excess weight before having a tattoo removed. Smoking has also been found to reduce the quality of results of laser treatment, so it's also been recommended for people to stop smoking before starting treatment.
Factors That Can Be Controlled
Even with the issues discussed above, most tattoos will respond to laser treatment. The issue is to what degree will the tattoo be removed and will there be any side effects. While many of the considerations already mentioned are out of one's control, there are steps one can take to ensure the best results possible.
Tattoo supplies are certainly far from a dime a dozen, even if you think that is how they appear to be when you shop for them online. The reality is that all tattoo artists, particularly non-established artists who aspire for artistic greatness, are going to require tattoo supplies at some point. Either to replenish dwindling supplies, or to get all stocked up and ready to open up shop. No matter the reason behind you seeking some tattoo supplies, one thing remains certain: you can save a lot of time, money, frustration and inconvenience by shopping for such supplies online, as opposed to dealing with the local store, the lines and the insane retail markup that can be as much as 500% off the cost. When you do the math, it's a lot of time and money that you save, and you can generally get the same name brand supplies that you and your clientele swear by far easier online. More Selection
Let's face the facts: no warehouse can compete with a website. Nor any store for that matter. They simply do not have the space to do so. A website will always - or at least a large one - have more selection. That's because online stores don't have to pay a whopping amount of money in rent for each square foot of space they intend to store such items in. So this means more selection, and that's everything in the tattooing world.
Easier to Order
Ask yourself this: is it easier to order from your home computer in your pajamas, or to run around town like a maniac trying to find tattoo supplies? Of course, the answer is from home. No store can make it more convenient than ordering from wherever and whenever you desire online.
Better Prices
Do you want to pay more or pay less for the name brand tattoo supplies that you require? Certainly, your answer is that you want to pay less for the same brands that you already are using on your loyal clients. Online stores simply have better prices because they have fewer overhead costs. This means you save a lot more money when shopping online.
Drop Shipping
Last and certainly not least, don't discredit drop shipping. Your supplies will arrive in the shipping time you allotted, and at your front door. No need to go anywhere. Just remove them from the packaging and restock your inventory.
Deciding your first tattoo is a rewarding experience, however it isn't one that should be rushed into on a whim. You must be certain to take time to think about it carefully, since a tattoo should be a lifetime commitment. You must be fully certain that you're getting a tattoo that fits into your life. You need to think about how your tattoo will have an effect on your friends' and family's perception of you, how it will affect your current job position and future career prospects, and most importantly how you, personally, will see yourself.
Deciding On The Body Location Once you're sure you want to continue forward, the next step is to determine body region where your tattoo should be applied. You have got many options here, as nearly any part of your body makes an acceptable canvas.
Arm tattoos are definitely the most popular choice for your first tattoo. Here you've got many decisions - full arm (also referred to as a sleeve, named for the resemblance to a full-length shirt sleeve), higher-half sleeve from shoulder to elbow, bottom-half sleeve from elbow to wrist, or one-fourth sleeve commonly from mid-upper arm to shoulder. Bigger arm pieces typically mix a number of thematic parts, while the smaller and medium-sized tattoos usually only concentrate on one thing.
The shoulder space is a common spot as well, covering the area from the joint to the rear shoulder blade. The shoulder is a common choice for smaller designs that can be easily covered when necessary.
Back tattoos are for the most bold, since this may be where the biggest tattoo can be inked. Any or all of the back is accessible, from the top of your shoulders to your waist, and around to your love handles beneath your arms. Tattoos on the back are usually made up of one large element, but can often integrate a couple aesthetic elements into a single cohesive scene as well.
The chest area is becoming a more and more well-liked as well as individuals have become more adventurous. Typically a chest tattoo is fairly large and spread full length, or is smaller and limited to the pectoral space over the heart. Like one-fourth sleeve tattoos, back tattoos are often reserved for only one look. Other body positions such as the stomach, legs, neck, and hands are less popular areas to have work done. It is important to realize that getting body art completed on any of those areas may be troublesome to cover if necessary.
Design Styles Once a body space and approximate size has been determined, the subsequent step is to search out a design for your tattoo's look. There are several aspects to this, with the most necessary being subject, style, and use of color. Whereas the final choice is up to you, there are several popular and common styles and designs to contemplate.
Tribal pieces are the among most well-liked tattoo designs for men. Typically uncolored, these designs feature thick angular black lines in dramatic patterns representing strength and masculinity. The first tattoos of this kind were from Polynesian, Maori, and Aztec tribes and commonly worn by their fighters, though nowadays the fashion is worn by anyone.
Crosses and other religious symbols are traditional subjects, as they serve as enduring symbols of hope, faith, affection, or remembrance. They are typically thought to provide a relaxing spiritual assurance and a link to divine protection.
Tattoos honoring heritage, such a Celtic knots or alternative Celtic design, are symbols representing one's history, making sure that family roots are never forgotten. Design-wise, they're usually richly coloured and highly detailed.
Skull art designs represent the dark aspect of tattoo culture. they typically signify death and danger and anger and toughness, and evoke stereotypical images of bad dudes in motorcycle gangs whom it is best to steer clear from. Or, additionally, skulls might represent the philosophical symbolism of one's own life and are, in a way, a celebration of life.
Tattoos of pin-up girls, those scantily-clad or naked girls in alluring poses, are usually used to represent an appreciation toward confident and brash females who exude sex appeal. These tattoos were first in style among soldiers away at war, reminding them of who was anticipating them back on the home front.
Asian styles, such as Kanji symbols or dragons or koi fish, celebrate the culture and mysticism of the Orient. These styles symbolize guardianship, empowerment, wisdom, and freedom. Words, like names, sayings, and quotes are all highly personal designs that have unique meaning the person who wears the art. They are typically meant to bring inspiration, celebrate a milestone life event such as a marriage or the birth of a child, or to honor the memory of a passed love one.
Picking The Designer
So now you've finally made sure that you are ready get a tattoo design, have an idea where you would like it to be placed, and what style of style you want it to be, it is time to go visit your chosen tattoo parlor and talk over with the artist who is liable for adding a permanent and personal piece of art to your body.