To Ink or not to Ink
September 26th, 2008Tattoos are now so common place that they’re no longer shocking or interesting. The tats are now so large, that we can’t help but wonder how women will get rid of them when the craze ends. And trust us, all fads eventually end. Here’s an edited version of an article we saw with tat removal tips.
Roy Geronemus, M.D., a member of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) who recently has experienced an increase in the number of patients wanting to remove their tattoos, warns people to think twice about the consequences.
“People often don’t think about how their tattoos will impact their future. Whether they have a favorite sports team or name of a loved one embedded into their skin, they later realize their decisions 10 years ago no longer reflect their personal tastes and in some cases, bring back unwanted memories,” says Dr. Geronemus. Tips:
- Keep the colors simple. A black tattoo is best. Tattoos that feature bright neon or unusual colors are the hardest to remove and may end up scarring your skin.
- Think small. A small tattoo can express your individuality and creative side just as much as one that takes up your whole lower back. Smaller tattoos are usually less painful and easier to hide under clothes or remove.
- When Possible, Show Your Love In Another Way. Most requests for tattoo removals revolve around a name of someone who is no longer a significant other. If you feel you must show your love with permanent ink, Dr. Geronemus recommends selecting a place that can easily be concealed by clothing, or a design that can be changed into something else.
- Remember, You Won’t Always Be Buff. A tattoo may look great on a flexed muscle or the hollow of a girl’s lower back with low-rise jeans however, it’s important to remember that our bodies will not always retain the shape we once had in our high school or college days. Since weight often redistributes, areas that were once lean and tone may become thicker and softer, and therefore, can distort that butterfly or panther that used to look cool.
- Plan for the Future. It’s wise to think about your career before putting the tattoo needle to your skin. Many employers do not allow visible tattoos in the workplace, so think small and concealable for future professional opportunities.
