Facts on Getting Tattoos and Removal

The fact is most people are so excited about getting tattoos, they are not usually thinking about the ramifications having tattoos can create.  To avoid making an impulsive decision that results in tattoo removal later on, when it comes to getting tattoos its important to think about the “big picture” and not just about how cool the design is today. 

Some people are surprised to learn not everyone is a fan of tattoos.  And even though it is unfair and wrong, many people look at tattoos differently, and place judgment on people for having tattoos. 

Corporate America is heavily populated with professional people that look down upon having tattoos.  If a person plans to get at tattoo and also plans to embark on a professional career path, he or she needs to give thought to the placement of tattoo ink.  Visible tattoos that are not easily covered up by professional business attire will send many corporate job candidates heading out the door for tattoo removal.

A growing misconception about tattoos is that getting a tattoo is not a big deal anymore because permanent ink can always be erased and removed.   This way of thinking has the popularity of tattoos and removal skyrocketing with more and more people relying on removal to fix their bad tattoo decisions.
 
Well, tattoos may seem to go on easy, but they do not come off easily, or completely.  Although, many tattoo removal options are available including lasers, no method of removing a tattoo is simple.  

Tattoo removal is often challenging, and is not always successful. Yet, each year thousands of individuals undergo tattoo removal procedures as a result of experiencing the negative disadvantages of having tattoos.

The facts about tattoos and tattoo removal are after the initial excitement and thrill of getting tattoos; a growing majority of people come to realize having a tattoo is a mistake and they find themselves wanting to remove tattoos.  Consider all of the facts about getting tattoos, to avoid tattoo removal and contributing money to what has now become a million dollar business.

Tags: avoid tattoo mistakes, facts on tattoo removal, facts to avoid tattoo removal, getting tattoos removed, tattoo facts, tattoo mistakes, tattoo removal

Reasons People Change their Minds and Remove Tattoos

People change their minds about tattoos. What is good today is often wrong tomorrow.  Sometimes people have sound reasons for wanting tattoo removal, and other times people have no reason for removing tattoos, other than simply wanting a change.

Those who willingly share their reasons for wanting tattoo removal, also share common reasons for wanting tattoos removed.

It seems one of the top reasons for tattoo removal is “Change of Heart” a.k.a. name tattoos.  Relationship breakups are hard enough, with out the added regret of having to bare the reminder of an ex-lover’s name tattoo.  Name tattoos are never a good idea today, and obviously not tomorrow. 

Poorly designed, bad tattoos are spreading like wildfire; and a burning reason sparking tattoo removal.  The influx of people getting first time tattoos by “first time” amateur tattoo artists are really causing serious tattoo regret. 

Standing before the changing mirror is yet another reason for removing tattoos.  The mirror supposedly doesn’t lie, or is it the scale?  Whichever it is, it doesn’t matter because both weight and age can be brutally unkind to tattoos.   Wrinkles and sagging skin, weight loss or gain  these are all common reasons for tattoo removal.

Career and social issues for people are often reasons for wanting to remove tattoos.  Large and /or visible tattoos can present career challenges, as tattoos are often looked upon as inappropriate in many professional business settings.  

While it’s said people are creatures of habit, they are also creatures of change.  People often change their mind on personal ideals as they mature as adults.  Views on faith, religion, politics, personal attitudes, views of the world, the future and yes… tattoos too. 

And then, there are times when people just feel the need for a change.   Fading and removing an old existing tattoo to replace it with fresh new tattoo ink, is a very common reason for tattoo removal. 

Along the way, life happens; situations warrant reasons for change, and tattoos get removed.

Tags: reasons for tattoo removal, reasons to remove tattoos, removing tattoos, Tattoo Regret, tattoo removal, want to remove tattoos

Popular Tattoo Designs and Meanings

Although tattoos are visual decorative designs on the surface of the skin, tattoos are also viewed as symbols with implied meanings representing specific inner integrities and character traits.

To the world, tattoos not only stick out, tattoos stand out as statements and symbols with predetermined meanings.  To avoid tattoo regret and the need to remove a tattoo that misrepresents you, know the meaning of the tattoo design before getting the tattoo inked on your body.  When choosing a tattoo design, it is important to consider the meaning and message a tattoo depicts about your personality. 

A List Of Popular Tattoos And Meanings
Anchor represents safety, hope and salvation
Angel symbolize protection, protectors, guardians, keepers of dreams
Bat signifies longevity, happiness, mystery
Bear considered good luck as well as ignorance
Bird represent birth, intuition, freedom
Bull symbolizes power, strength, and fertility
Butterfly embodies spiritual immortality
Cat both magical and bad omens
Chain if links are broken represents freedom and if intact symbolizes slavery
Cherry tattoos are viewed as a symbolism of fertility, feminine chastity and purity
Clover is seen as a good luck charm
Clown carries the meaning of uncertainty as either laughter or tears
Crescent Moon stands as the transformation and rebirth of feminine power
Cross holds the meaning of sacrifice, love and salvation
Crow is a messenger from GOD
Devil implies mischievousness, urgent desire
Dog known as man’s best friend, loyalty, trustworthiness
Dolphin signifies benefactor, or savior
Dove the universal symbol of peace
Dragon power and strength
Dragonfly  means affinity possessing spiritual life
Eagle represents might, spirit and growth as the king of birds
Eye symbolizes self protection
Fairy barrier of good or evil supernatural powers
Feather symbolic of rebirth and spiritual elevation
Fish abundance of spiritual peace
Frog is a positive symbol of fertility or pregnancy
Hawk inner strength and self-discipline
Heart symbol of love, provided it is neither bloody nor torn into pieces
Leaf symbol of Joy and rebirth
Lion might, awareness, immortality, and bravery
Lizard symbolizes the soul searching for light
Lotus open symbolizes the sun, and closed the moon
Mermaid sign of temptation, seduction, materialism
Monkey is seen as wisdom, knowledge, and or evil powers
Moon ever changing rhythms of life
Phoenix signifies rebirth
Rose a flower of fertility
Sacred heart tattoos religious belief
Skull strong symbol of courage, and death
Snake temptation, knowledge and wisdom
Star an image of spirit, inspiration, and resolution
Sword symbol known as justice, honor, and energy
Tiger tattoos symbolize fierceness, power, and strength
Turtle fertility, and long life
Unicorn represents chastity and purity
Wolf  faithfulness in marriage
Yin Yang symbol of harmony and totality

Before choosing a permanent tattoo design, take the time to consider the message you want to say about yourself.  Know what you mean, and know what your tattoo means to avoid tattoo regret and tattoo removal.

Tags: avoid tattoo regret, meaning of tattoos, popular tattoo meanings, popular tattoos, tattoo designs, tattoo meanings, tattoo represent, tattoo symbolizes, tattoos and meanings

US Army Tattoo Policy

As you would image, the United States Military has strict guidelines regarding tattoos.  The US Army’s policy basically stipulates that any tattoo/body art/brand that is obscene, sexually explicit or advocates discrimination of any sort is prohibited.   The criteria in determining whether a tattoo should be permitted are content, location, and size.

Visible tattoos are prohibited on areas of the face, neck or head.  Also prohibited, are tattoos that are prejudicial to good order and discipline on all other areas of the body.  There shall be no visible tattoos that detract from the proper appearance of a soldier while wearing a Class A uniform.

Examples of tattoos that may be in violation of the Army’s Tattoo Policy are brands that represent an alliance with “extremist” organizations; tattoos depicting inappropriate messages or images (i.e. grossly offensive to modesty, decency, or propriety; images considered vulgar, filthy, or disgusting in nature; and tattoos that corrupt morals and incite lustful thoughts.

Not only are visible tattoos prohibited, tattoos unreasonably large in size, as well as an excessive number of tattoos covering the majority of one or more limbs are not allowed.

Under most circumstances, small, inconspicuous, or non-offensive tattoos on areas of the body other than the face, neck or head are permitted.

When it comes to tattoo removal, the military may remove tattoos that are not in compliance under the appropriate circumstances.

Tattoos will be removed when the soldier asks for tattoo removal AND the soldier is command-referred. The Army may choose not to provide tattoo removal for any soldier who voluntarily has a tattoo applied which is in violation of the policy.

Should any Army soldier refuse to remove tattoos he/she will be counseled to ensure the soldier understands the terms outlined in the policy and will be given the opportunity to seek medical advice about tattoo removal.  If the soldier still refuses the removal of tattoos he/she will be given written orders that the decision not to remove the tattoo could result in adverse administrative action, to include discharge from the Army.

For more information on US Military Regulations visit http://www.gordon.army.mil/osja/tattoo.htm

Tags: army soldier tattoos, army tattoo removal, army uniform rules, military tattoo rules, remove tattoos for army, tattoo guidelines, tattoo policies, tattoo policy, tattoo removal, tattoo removal guidelines, tattoo rules, tattoos prohibited, types of tattoos, us army tattoo policy, visible tattoo rules

What Motivates Women to Get Tattoos

When it comes to motivation of tattoos there seems to be a bond among “wayward stereotypical” tattooed women.

With the tattoo popularity trend on a steady rise, it is important to understand what motivates women to tattoo, as it relates the growing demand for tattoo removal.

It seems wayward tattooed women travel down a common path, as many women regard their decision to get a tattoo as an immature, “impulsive stab” at finding self-identity.

And now ironically, women’s motivation for tattoo removal comes from maturity, a sense of self-realization, and the desire to dissociate the future from the past.

Rash, poor decision-making, leading to tattoo regret is the common motivation empowering the latest, deliberate trend of tattoo removal.

Tattoo removal does require consideration when it comes to method of treatment, cost/affordability, level of pain, and potential risks of infection or scaring.

Today’s motivation to tattoo may very well be tomorrow’s deterrent and tattoo regret.  Women everywhere, please rise to the occasion and think about your future before getting a tattoo.

Tags: decision to tattoo, demand for tattoo removal, impulsive tattoo, motivation for women tattoos, reasons for tattoo removal, reasons women remove tattoos, tattoo impulse, tattoo motivation, tattoo regret, tattoo removal, tattoo removal trend, tattoo self indentity, tattoo trend, tattooed women, why women get tattoos, women tattoo

Where You Tattoo Says a Lot about You

Tattoo placement is very important when getting tattoos.  The body area tattoos are placed speaks volumes about the personality of the ink barer.  Most people know getting a tattoo not only involves ink etched in skin, it also means being labeled with a social stigma based on the body location of the tattoo. 

But surprisingly, there are many individuals out there getting tattoos, who later remove tattoos and their unwanted stigmas.  Many of these tattoo removal seekers claim to have been unaware of the social stigmas tattoos implied, only realizing after the fact their tattoo was “talking trash” and damaging their personal image and reputation. 

So, in order to prevent future tattoo mistakes and an increase in tattoo removal here is an overview of common body locations people get tattoos and the messages these tattoo areas spell out loud.

Breast Tattoos: Generally speaking, tattoos on the breast area indicate devotion, as they are located near and close to the heart. Tattoos on the breast usually tend to be names or pictures of loved ones.

Ankle Tattoos:  Some may see ankle tattoos as innocent; as they are easily covered but to most they scream out loud WEAK.  Women should rethink if they really even want a tattoo, and for those men who think they want ankle tattoos, you have a lot of questions to stop and ask yourselves.

Lower backs:  This tattoo area of the body has become an infamous trend especially for women.  Lower back tattoos are viewed as grossly unoriginal, and have earned the popular label “tramp-stamp” which translates to overt slut.  This one is high on the removal list for lots of soccer moms and Den Mothers.

Groin Tattoos: Whispers secretive, sensual, and seductive depending on the tattoo.  However, groin tattoos can also back fire into a regrettable reputation of being wild and promiscuous with rumors of “don’t go there” and “done that” spreading around town.

NeckTattoos: This is body area comes across as edgy, bold, and brass.  This is a tattoo removal love affair when the future meets the pursuit of professional career and financial reward.  Neck tattoos are definitely a body area people should rethink getting ink more timidly.

Tags: avoid tattoo removal, breast tattoos, getting tattoos, lower back tattoos, message tattoos imply, tattoo labels, tattoo location, tattoo message, tattoo placement, tattoo stigma, tattoos say, tramp stamp, where you tattoo

Tattoo Health Risks

According to the US Food and Drug Administration, there are five risks tattoos commonly present.  Tattoos run the risk of resulting in infection, allergic reactions, granulomas, keloid scar formation, and MRI complications.

Reasons why tattoo risks are common, involve the fact tattoos require puncturing the skin with needles.  The tattoo process involves needles and blood, which are two high-risks of transmitting infectious diseases like hepatitis.  The large risk of tattoos centers on needles and whether they are sterilized or un-sterilized. 

This concern is not simply if the needle has been used or not.  Even unused needles can cause transmission of diseases because the container that holds needles or surrounding objects the needle comes in contact with may be infected and un-sterile. This is the primary reason people getting a tattoo must wait one year before eligible to donate blood.

The risks of tattoos causing allergic reactions are rare compared to other complications. However, when tattoos result in allergic reactions they are very hard to treat, especially if the tattoo is an older tattoo.

Tattoos are also at risk for causing a person may to develop granulomas or nodules in the area of skin tattooed. Nodules form when a person’s body defends against and rejects the foreign tattoo ink perceived as hazardous material.

Keloid scars may also form after tattooing. This usually happens to people who are prone to developing keloid scars. Keloids are scars that grow beyond the normal boundary of being a scar. This kind of scars happens when the skin is traumatized from injury.

Another risk of tattoos is complication with MRI’s (magnetic resonance imaging). There are reports that people with tattoo develop burning and swelling when they undergo MRI. But this complication is only rare and happens without any lasting effects.

Anytime the the body’s skin is injuried, cut, or opened such as tattoos there is a risk of germs and infection occuring.  Tattoos are not an impulsive activity to take lightly, as tattoo present health risks from skin injury that can become serious.

Tags: common tattoo risks, disease from tattoos, health risks of tattooing, risks of tattoos, tattoo complications, tattoo health risks, tattoo infection, tattoo problems, tattoo reactions, tattoo risks, tattoo scars

Tattoo Difficulties

Social disadvantages of tattoos are a common issue for many people with highly visible tattoos.  Tattoo placement can negatively impact a person’s life if ink location is not careful considered.

Although tattoos are more common then ever, they are still viewed as unacceptable in certain aspects of society.  Tattoos on areas of the skin difficult to cover wearing everyday clothing, can result with major disadvantages from having tattoos.

Disadvantages of Tattoos:
· Career Limitations
· Style of Clothing
· Relationship Conflicts
· Decrease in Community Involvement
· Negative Self-Esteem
· Compromise Health

When it comes to getting hired for a job and professionally advancing in many careers, having tattoos is often a disadvantage.   Most professional positions in corporate business, medical, educational, law, and the military, as well as their administrative/support positions discourage hiring individuals with visible tattoos.  And, the few professional careers willing to hire individual with tattoos have dress code policies mandating tattoos remain hidden on the job.

Having to conceal visible tattoos on a daily basis for work and social events is another disadvantage tattoos bring about.  Finding the right clothing to wear to hide tattoos can be a challenge, especially if tattoos are on areas of the skin not typically covered by clothes. 

Tattoos located in commonly exposed areas such as arms, necks, ankles, and wrists often require wearing long sleeves and pants regardless of the temperature or if the style trend for women is sleeveless tops and skirts.  Special occasions and evening attire limitations are a factor when it comes to dressing up and covering tattoo designs.

Personal relationships can be affected by tattoos.  Having a tattoo of a former lovers’ name can negatively impact a current relationship.  People mistakenly confuse the name of your new love with the one on your arm. 

Being a parent with tattoos can create unwanted attention and embarrassment for children being teased by friends and classmates. 

Tattoos can hold people back from making positive changes and pursuing a better lifestyle, such as a former gang member no longer associated with gang or street living, but is not welcome into the community for baring the identifiable gang tattoos.

Tattoo disadvantages negatively impact people’s health.   Physically, tattoos can cause health complications such as allergic reactions, serious infections, and chronic diseases such as hepatitis.

Tattoos can also damage a person’s self-esteem, creating anxiety and depression about being viewed as a stereotype personality they are not.
 
Remember, career goals, interests, and relationships change throughout life.  Choosing to get a tattoo in a place that can easily be covered with clothes does not mean you are selling out, it simple means you are taking advantage of all your future options rather than getting disadvantages tattooed in plan view.

Tags: difficulties of tattoos, disadvantages of tattoos, issues with tattoos, social impact of tattoos, tattoo conflict, tattoo difficulty, tattoo disadvantages, tattoo placement, view of tattoos, visible tattoos