Tattoo Undo

We all know that tattoos have gotten increasingly popular over the last several years. Once edgy and rebellious, they're now very mainstream. And as soon as something edgy goes mainstream, it gets picked up by marketing gurus who are interested in getting people to buy their products. That's happened with tattoos according to a recent article by The Canadian Press.

The article focuses on all of the different advertising which has sprung up in relation to tattoos. There's the energy drink called Inked which is being marketed to people who already have tattoos. There's the Dunlop Tires deal in which devoted customers who get the Dunlop logo get a free set of tires. And then there are a number of places which offer temporary tattoos as a means of marketing. That's great for the marketing world but what does it mean for people with tattoos?

When something edgy goes mainstream, it loses its appeal for those people who were interested in its edge. This could mean that increased tattooing among the mainstream population will make it less popular among edgier segments of society. This is particularly true if it's a practice associated with marketing and advertising, segments of the mainstream culture which are often distasteful to those on the edge.

And this could, in turn, mean that people who already have tattoos may start looking at laser tattoo removal to get rid of the images that have now become so popular across the nation. This would be especially considered by edgier folks who have old tattoos which might now be considered some form of advertising for the product or service that they represent.

Question of the Day: Would you get tattoo removal just because a significant number of people in society are now getting tattoos?

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There's an interesting topic of conversation in the air these days. Can tattoos violate copyright laws? And if so, does that mean that the courts could order that people must get tattoo removal? Please note before reading this that this issue has not been taken up by the courts at this time. It's just food for thought.

The issue came up in the news recently when the media turned its attention to the copyright violations that singer Prince was accusing his fans of making. (Learn more from this previous post on the topic.) His outrageous claims of copyright infringement led to the sarcastic comment that he might go so far as to ask fans to remove any tattoos that were inspired by him or his works.

More recently, Slashdot reported on "everyday copyrights" and the difficulties of applying copyright law to the actions of people in the modern world. This sparked a conversation by readers on that site about the ways in which tattoos could potentially violate copyrights. It was noted by one reader that a personal tattoo doesn't appear to violate the "fair use" rule that is normally applied when it comes to copyrights.

But it brings up an interesting area of concern. What if a company decides that a tattoo is indeed a copyright violation and proceeds to take the issue to court? (After all, you can sue anyone you want to if you are willing to invest the time and money.) With the increasing link between tattooing and advertising which we mentioned in yesterday's post, this isn't an impossibility.

It would certainly take a lot for a court to decide that a tattoo on someone's personal body was a violation of copyright. My guess is that the most likely case for this would be if a high-profile celebrity got a tattoo which a company then decided to attack for violation. The argument would be that the celebrity gets enough attention for that tattoo to be a threat of some sort. Again, this isn't particularly likely, but it's not impossible.

Question of the Day: If a tattoo was found by a court to be in violation of copyright, do you think that the court should be allowed to mandate tattoo removal?

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If you're interested in celebrities then you know that one of the hottest topics in the gossip circles these days is "celebrity tattoo removal". Part of the reason that it's such a hot topic is because there's still not a lot of actual news going on about it. Sure, we know of a few people that have gotten laser tattoo removal to rid them of the ink from their past. But for the most part, many celebrities keep their tattoos (and their celebrity tattoo removal) under wraps.

That kind of secrecy just makes the gossip hounds dig further. And when you can't come up with any actual news as a gossip-spreader, what do you do? You create your own. For that reason, the Internet is abuzz with people's opinions about which celebrities really need to get some tattoo removal. There are all sorts of different opinions on the matter but there's one name that comes up on the blogosphere more often than the others: Dean McDermott.

Apparently when Dean got his tattoo of fiancee Tori Spelling done last year, not too many people took a liking to it. Even then, when celebrity tattoo removal was not all over the lips of the gossipers, blogs from here to there mentioned that they saw laser tattoo removal in McDermott's future. Maybe that's just because it's fairly uncommon to get someone's portrait on your body. You have to be willing to seriously commit to the person ... or at least to possible tattoo removal down the line.

Question of the Day: Which star do you think really needs celebrity tattoo removal?

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Hopefully you have the good common sense not to try and do your own tattoo removal. In case you don't, there's a disclaimer about it on a recent post about extreme DIY tattoo removal that was published over at Off Beat Ink. (Get all of the details from them here.) Basically, they show that an aggressive at-home approach to tattoo removal would be filled with blood and pain.

There are many good reasons not to do your own tattoo removal. First of all, you don't know what you're doing and could do serious damage to your body. Secondly, you could do minor damage such as causing an infection. And another good reason not to do your own tattoo removal is that it probably isn't going to work; you're still going to need to go to a professional to get your tattoo removed.

Interestingly, these same reasons for not trying "do-it-yourself" tattoo removal are the reasons that you wouldn't want to go to a bad tattoo removal doctor. Someone who isn't qualified to do your tattoo removal is probably going to cause you excess pain and put you at risk of infection. A bad doctor also increases the likelihood that the tattoo removal will be unsuccessful. Sure, it's not going to be as bad as the DIY method done at home. But it's not going to be good either.

Tattoo removal is a serious process. As it becomes more mainstream, it becomes increasingly important that you find a doctor who has the qualifications necessary to do it right. Otherwise you could end up a mess!

Question of the Day: What criteria would you use to determine if a tattoo removal specialist was qualified?

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You might not recognize Vanessa Marcil's name right off the bat (unless you're a celebrity hound) but you'd probably recognize her from a picture. She is best known for her movie role against Nicolas Cage in The Rock and her television roles on Beverly Hills 90210 and Las Vegas. She's also known for being super sexy.

Earlier this year, she made one blogger's list of the top ten sexiest tattooed celebrities. But the tattoo that put her on the list isn't on her body anymore. Reported to be a symbol of universal love and peace, the tattoo once adorned her lower back, that "bull's eye spot" where a tattoo can make men go wild.

But according to an interview that Vanessa did last year with TVGuide, she didn't want to be so wild anymore. She reported that the tattoo was a part of her "younger days" and that she "didn't want to look at it anymore". And she said that getting celebrity tattoo removal was an easy decision to make.

Vanessa may not be able to make top ten lists for sexy tattoos but even after the tattoo removal, she's a sexy gal.

Question of the Day: Was Vanessa hotter with or without the tattoo?

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Tattoos are a mainstream thing these days. For that reason, most people assume that getting a tattoo is safe. After all, you can walk your fingers through the virtual yellow pages and easily find a shop where you can go to get a tattoo. But the Food and Drug Administration has recently expressed some concerns about the actual safety of tattoos and they're doing an investigation into the practice of tattooing. At the same time, they're updating their recommendations about tattoo removal. The information that they provide is helpful in assisting you in making the right tattoo removal decisions.

What the FDA is primarily concerned with is the inks that are used in tattoos. In the past, these have not been regulated by the FDA but reports of problems from some people have encouraged them to take a closer look at the possible need for regulating these inks. What they're saying right now is that there are, as one would expect, some risks with getting a tattoo but that there are further studies necessary to fully understand those risks.

So what about tattoo removal? The FDA's consumer update on the issue makes two good points that you should consider when thinking about tattoo removal.

1. Despite the fact that they don't regulate tattoo inks, getting a laser tattoo removal machine onto the market does require the permission of the FDA. The laser tattoo removal equipment on the market today has gone through this process of obtaining approval.

2. Tattoo removal is a serious process which requires the assistance of a qualified doctor. It's not something that you should do yourself. And it's something that you should be looking to a health care professional for, rather than just any old tattoo removal spa on your street.

It'll be interesting to see what changes come about, if any, as a result of this inquiry into tattooing by the FDA.

Question of the Day: Do you think there is a link between the FDA's interest in tattooing and the new tattoo inks that just came out on the market?

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Shaquille O'Neal has a number of different tattoos on his body. Is he thinking about getting one of the most famous of those tattoos removed? That's the suggestion made by a sports columnist in a recent article about Shaq's poor playing as of late. He writes:

Miami center Shaquille O'Neal, perhaps now seeking a tattoo-removal specialist to erase the "S" from his biceps, was no threat at all. (source)

The "S" in question is a Superman tattoo which is meant to be a testimony to Shaq's skills on the court. However, reporters are saying that it no longer displays the truth about Shaq's abilities:

"Shaquille O’Neal still has a huge tattoo on his left arm declaring himself a man of steel, with a Superman S to accent the assertion. It is the only Superman-like thing about him right now." (source)

So is it true that Shaquille O'Neal is looking into celebrity tattoo removal or is it just a rumor started at the suggestion of sports enthusiasts who don't think that he has a right to keep displaying signs of being a Superman that he no longer is?

If it's true that Shaq is looking at tattoo removal, it shouldn't be too difficult of a procedure. Laser tattoo removal generally works well on single-color tattoos. The fact that the tattoo is fairly small in comparison with many tattoos (and the sheer size of his body) helps to make sure that laser tattoo removal is effective.

Question of the Day: Do you think Shaq's got tattoo removal planned?

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When you hear about tattoo removal, it's almost always laser tattoo removal that you are hearing about. That's because that's the most common method of safely removing tattoos. However, there are methods other than laser tattoo removal for you to look into if you're curious about all of the different ways of getting rid of tattoos.

For example, a recent news report discussed a med spa which is using chemical tattoo removal to get rid of tattoos on their patients. The process was recommended in the news report for people who have colored tattoos which don't take well to laser tattoo removal. Essentially, a chemical compound is tattooed over the existing tattoo which creates a scab that falls off and takes the tattoo away with it. It is said to be effective but only on small tattoos in certain areas of the body.

The news report description of the process makes this chemical tattoo removal sound a lot like scarification. As you can read on our website:

Scarification involves removal of the tattoo with an acid solution. Chemical peels have been around in various forms for over half a century. In the past 2 decades, 25% trichloro acetic acid is available as a chemical peel. The TCA skin peel causes a controlled burn which results in several layers being peeled off and fresh, new skin being revealed. The technique is rarely used today.

Part of the reason that this technique isn't common today is because it has been replaced by laser tattoo removal. Work with a qualified doctor to better understand the tattoo removal process and the reason that laser tattoo removal may or may not be right for you.

Question of the Day: What is your initial reaction to the thought of a chemical tattoo removal?

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Kelly Brannigan's face may look familiar although you might not quite be able to place where you've seen her. She's one of those celebrities that has appeared on television and is striking enough to have made an impression despite that you have only seen her in passing. The most likely place that you've noticed her is as a model on Deal or No Deal.

If you had any reason to look at her closely, you might have noticed that she had a tattoo across her wrist. And if you looked even more closely, you'll see that Brannigan made the mistake that most frequently leads to celebrity tattoo removal. The tattoo is of her former fiancee's name (Patrick). And since the fiancee is now an ex, Kelly Brannigan has been getting laser tattoo removal to rid herself of his name.

Ms. Brannigan of “Deal or No Deal” said she was happy to see the name of her former fiancé fading from her wrist. She said she had learned an important lesson: “I’m not going to get a tattoo of another guy’s name until I get married.” (SOURCE)

Hopefully that's a marriage that lasts a lifetime. But if it's not, Brannigan can always rely on additional celebrity tattoo removal to help her erase her mistakes.

Question of the Day: Any guesses as to what other tattoos Kelly Brannigan has on that body of hers?

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If you follow this blog, you probably know a decent amount about the basics of laser tattoo removal. You know where to find a doctor that can assist you with tattoo removal. You know which Hollywood stars have gotten celebrity tattoo removal. And you know the risks and benefits of getting laser tattoo removal in comparison with other tattoo removal methods. But what do you actually know about the lasers that are used in this therapy?

A recent article in The Age provides you with some basic information about laser therapy that is good to know if you have an interest in laser tattoo removal. In fact, this same information is good if you're only moderately interested in laser tattoo removal but have a genuine interest in another laser-based treatment such as laser hair removal. The article provides you with information about what laser therapy is and what it does to your body.

Do you have to understand how laser therapy works to benefit from it? Of course not. If you're working with a qualified doctor to get laser tattoo removal, you can just go in and let him or her know what you want. The doctor will take care of the rest. But if you're interested in what's going on with your body when you get things done to it, it's useful to learn the basics before you go in.

Question of the Day: Does the science behind the treatments matter to you?

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Are women more likely than men to seek out tattoo removal? If they are, it's probably because society is a lot less accepting of a woman who has a number of visible tattoos than of a man with similar body art. A recent UK report demonstrated that even people in line with you at the grocery store may judge you negatively if you are a woman with visible tattoos. Such a response could make daily life difficult enough that women with tattoos might get fed up and seek out tattoo removal.

The report was an undercover on-the-street study completed by a woman in the UK. She got her hands (or rather her arms) on a pair of tattooed sleeves that made her arms looks as though they were completely tattooed. She then went out on to the streets and assessed people's reactions to her tattooed arms. Although a few people liked them, most said that they were unsightly and shouldn't be seen on a "nice girl" like her.

The author of the report was able to get simple tattoo removal since all she had to do was take off the sleeves. For women who have gotten real tattoos, the tattoo removal isn't nearly so easy. However, it might be an increasingly popular option among women who don't realize that negative stereotypes about gals with tattoos still prevade our society.

Question of the Day: Can tattoo removal get rid of a "bad girl" image? (See related post.)

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If you didn't believe the rumors and reports that tattoo removal is getting increasingly popular, perhaps the fact that it is now an option for a franchise business will tip your tides in favor of belief. The franchise allows nearly anyone to open a tattoo removal shop. What this means for you is that it's more important than ever to make sure that you do your research and find a great tattoo removal doctor so that your removal goes smoothly.

The franchise (called Rethink Your Ink) comes with a network of opportunities for the enterprising business person. It offers the equipment needed for laser tattoo removal, training to complete the tattoo removal and liability insurance. It also offers computer software technology for creating a database that will keep track of patients, making it possible for the franchises to rapidly book clients and add new ones without difficulty.

No one is saying that Rethink Your Ink is a bad place to get tattoo removal. However, it's strongly recommended by tattoo removal experts that you get your removal done at a doctor's office rather than at a med spa or a franchise location. Check our network to find a doctor located near you. Discuss your options (which include laser tattoo removal) to make sure that you choose a solution that is right for you.

Question of the Day: What is your initial reaction to the idea of a tattoo removal franchise?

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Earlier this year, Blast Magazine did an interview with celebrity tattoo artist Mario Barth. The article is interesting because of Barth's vast array of big name clients (including Jonathan Davis of Korn and Nikki Six of Motley Crue). It's also interesting because of the unique celebrity services that he offers to his clients. You can read about all of that here. But what is most interesting perhaps is his take on the permanence of tattoos.

When asked about the downside of being a tattoo artist, he says that the permanence of the art is a major drawback. The reason for this is related to the fact that the tattoo artist is always trying to create the perfect work of art on a client's body. But, of course, there is always something that can be done better. So while the customer might be happy with the tattoo, the tattoo artist feels that it isn't his or her best work. It's an interesting side of tattoo regret that we don't really get a chance to see that often.

Of course, tattoo artists aren't likely to start asking their clients to get laser tattoo removal just so they can have a clean slate to perfect their work. They're generally happy that their clients are happy and that their work is out there being seen. But it's interesting to think about the fact that some tattoo artists may wish that their clients would get tattoo removal to erase some of their early tattooing mistakes from the history of their work.

Question of the Day: What would you say if your tattoo artist asked you to get tattoo removal so he could start over?

photo of celebrity tattoo artist Mario Barth at work found here

Celebrity tattoo removal is increasingly popular as Hollywood's favorites begin to realize that they can remove the results of their whims without lasting damage to their often-photographed skin. However, it's not something that's new. Sometimes it's fun to take a look at the celebrities who have gotten tattoo removal in the past, when they felt it was necessary despite that it wasn't yet a trend. And one of the most famous cases of celebrity tattoo removal that is worth looking back on is the case of Johnny Depp.

Back in the 1990's, Johnny Depp was engaged to actress Winona Ryder. Deciding to make the most common of celebrity tattoo mistakes, he tattooed her name on his body. More specifically, he tattooed "Winona Forever" on his arm. The engagement didn't turn into a marriage and Depp found himself suffering from tattoo regret. He kept the tattoo on his arm for about three years before deciding that he needed to rid himself of that bad reminder.

Depp got laser tattoo removal to alter the tattoo so that it would read slightly differently. It wasn't too difficult to laser off just two of the letters from the tattoo. After the tattoo removal, he ended up with a "Wino Forever" tattoo on his arm. This tattoo is just one of a collection that Depp has adorning his body.

Question of the Day: Which celebrity's tattoo removal would you like to learn more about?

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Do you know someone who has a tattoo that he or she regrets? It's a fairly common thing to experience tattoo regret. Perhaps your best friend divorced her husband earlier this year and wishes that she didn't have their wedding rings tattooed on her finger. Maybe your mom has mentioned a few times over the years that she'd prefer not to have reminders of her partying days all over her body. Or perhaps you know someone who has turned his life around but can't get a job because his tattoos get negative reactions from potential employers.

If any of these people are on your Christmas list this holiday season and you haven't gotten them a gift yet, it's not too late. Consider getting them a gift certificate for tattoo removal. Of course, you should let them know that it's okay with you if they decide not to get the tattoo removed after all. But the gift can pay for their initial consultation with a tattoo removal doctor so that they can learn about the options they have for erasing those regrets.

We're about to move into a new year and there is a good chance that someone in your life would like to start fresh. For many people, tattoo removal can be a way to get a new start on life. Giving them the gift of that new start might just be the best gift that you ever spent your shopping money on. And if you've got a little money left over and a tattoo regret of your own, there's nothing wrong with buying something for yourself, too!

Question of the Day: Who do you know that might want tattoo removal for the holidays?

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Did you get laser tattoo removal this year? If so, you're probably kicking off 2008 with a fresh feeling about life. Tattoo removal makes a difference in how we feel about ourselves. It erases the reminders of days gone by and lets us move on to a new part of our lives. This can be a terrifically freeing experience.

So, with Christmas upon us, take a moment to think about the benefits that you received this year from your laser tattoo removal. And think about the fact that your tattoo removal doctor played a really important role in assisting you with this personal transformation. Yes, it was your decision to get the removal done and you paid the doctor for her service, but aren't you glad that you had a good doctor who helped you out? After all, there are some bad tattoo removal doctors out there and your life was easier this year because you had a good one.

If that's the case, don't neglect to remember your tattoo removal doctor this Christmas holiday. You don't have to do something big and important to let her know that she was remembered. Just pick up the phone and call the office to wish her and her staff a Merry Christmas. Most phone calls that are taken at a doctor's office are routine appointment or billing calls that aren't very interesting. Brighten up their holidays by calling just to say happy holidays and thanks for a job well done.

Question of the Day: Will you be returning to your laser tattoo removal doctor in the year to come?

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Merry Christmas!

This time of year is about many different things. It's about celebrating life with your friends and family. It's about creating excitement and magic by giving gifts to children and going caroling. It's about reflecting on the changes that happened throughout the year and making steps forward for the year to come. And it's about giving.

If you're like many people in the nation, this time of year opens up your heart and makes you want to give to the community around you. For this reason, you might be interested in donating money to a charity that has a cause you believe in. Have you considered making a tattoo removal organization the recipient of your monetary gift?

Yes, many people get tattoo removal (especially celebrity tattoo removal) for cosmetic reasons. But that's not the only purpose that tattoo removal has. For some people, laser tattoo removal can actually get rid of the past in a way that lets the individual move forward into a new life. The most common place we see this is in charities that work with ex-cons and former gang members. These individuals may have gotten tattoos in prison or in gangs which are now preventing them from moving beyond that life. Despite all of their rehabilitation, they can't get a job and benefit society because their potential employers can't see beyond the ink.

There are many different charities out there that are assisting ex-cons and former gang members with tattoo removal. Examples include those listed by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation but there are places all over the nation doing similar work. If you're interested in giving this holiday season, check out your own community to see if there's a place that could use your help to help others erase the past.

Christmas is about many things and one of those things is giving back to the community around you.

Question of the Day: Do you believe that laser tattoo removal assists former gang members in making important life changes?

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Laser tattoo removal is a terrific technology that can take what was supposed to be permanent and make it disappear. However, it's not something that's done easily. Despite the advancements that have been made in laser technology, it still takes several treatments to completely remove a tattoo. Many people interested in tattoo removal are frustrated when their doctors inform them that they'll need a series of treatments to get the job done. However, there's a reason behind the process and understanding that reason can help you be a little bit more patient when you're getting treated.

First of all, you have to remember that you got the tattoo with the intention that it would be there forever. The inks that are used are designed to last a lifetime which means that getting rid of them is no easy feat. (Although that's all changing with the new tattoo inks that are coming on the market.) So part of the problem is that you're trying to erase something that was never meant to be erased.

That's not all though. A recent Houston newspaper article reminds us that tattoos use different colors of ink and that only one color at a time may be removed. Think that your tattoo is a solid color? Think again. Even tattoos that appear to be one single color probably incorporate different colors of ink to achieve the exact shade that you were seeking when you selected the image.

Finally, you should remember that laser technology is limited by the size of the tattoo and its placement on the body. If you have a large tattoo that takes up your entire back, you're going to need a number of treatments to get rid of it. Think about it; you probably needed a number of tattoo sessions to get that ink done. That's because your body can only handle so much. If you tried to remove the entire thing in one shot, you'd be crying with the pain.

Laser tattoo removal, when done by a qualified doctor, should take only a few sessions but the exact number will depend on your tattoo. Be patient. Although it can be frustrating to see your tattoo slowly disappearing, you'll be glad that you did the tattoo removal process correctly.

Question of the Day: How many treatments do you think a typical tattoo takes to be removed?

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It used to be that when you got a tattoo, it was permanent. That was one of the reasons (among many) that tattoos used to be something that you saw only on the fringes of society. These days, a tattoo is a fairly mainstream thing. And that's due in no small part to the fact that people whose lives are being negatively affected by their tattoos can now make use of laser tattoo removal to get their tattoos taken off of their bodies.

That's great news for the mainstream society that's interested in tattooing. However, it's not such welcome news to the people living on the fringes of society. Those who use body art as a way to set themselves apart from the mainstream have now found that tattoos are no longer a way to do that. Grandmas and teenagers have tattoos; it's boring.

So people are turning towards body art that is designed to be even more permanent. For example, body carving is becoming increasingly popular among individuals who are set on sharing their individuality with the world. Also known as "skin peeling" or "skinning", this form of body art actually removes the skin and causes a scar in the shape of the desired design. You can learn more about it here.

It's fairly easy to remove a tattoo using the currently available technology. However, it's not nearly so easy to remove an intentional scar. (Although there are plastic surgery options for people interested in erasing this type of choice.) This kind of permanence, along with the shock of the process of skin removal, makes body carving a rather rare art. And that, for many people, is the point.

Question of the Day: Do you think body carving will become a more widespread trend?

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It's that time of year again. It's the time to think about the year that's behind us and see how far we've come in the last twelve months. More importantly, it's the time to set some new goals so that the new year can be filled with accomplishments. Many people make New Year's Resolutions that are about looking better - through diet, exercise or a makeover plan. For people with tattoo regrets, a resolution to make 2008 the year for laser tattoo removal could be in order.

The reason that many people don't keep their New Year's Resolutions is because they aren't truly committed to them from the get-go. They want the goal but they don't want to do the work. In other words, you want to lose ten pounds but you know that you hate the gym so getting the New Year's gym membership is just throwing your money away. However, New Year's Resolutions can be something that you use to improve your life if you're committed from the start.

If you've been thinking about tattoo removal but have held off in the past, take some time to really think about why that is. What would tattoo removal do to benefit your life? Would you be more likely to get a promotion? Could you stop wearing long sleeves in the summer to hide your tattoos? Would you feel better about yourself? Could you put a relationship behind you once the tattoo that came with it is gone? When you think about the reasons behind your interest in tattoo removal, you can better determine whether this is really something that's right for you.

If indeed laser tattoo removal could benefit your life, commit to it. Make it this year's New Year's Resolution to find a doctor and learn more about getting your tattoo removed. You don't even have to commit to the removal itself. Just promise yourself that you'll take steps towards achieving that goal. New Year's is about putting the past behind us and moving forward; tattoo removal is about the exact same thing!

Question of the Day: How would tattoo removal offer you a new start?

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Tattoo removal is likely to get a lot of attention in the news in 2008 as a result of the fact that new tattoo inks on the market will make it that much easier to get body art removed. However, before we jump into the news for the New Year, let's take a look back at the stories that got our attention in 2007:

- Celebrity Tattoo Removal. This was by far the hottest area of tattoo removal news this year. Everyone wants to know which celebrities are getting what tattoos removed. Snd some people have opinions on which celebrities that haven't gotten tattoos taken off should think about getting it done. Celebrity tattoo removal couples were a hot topic as were stories about celebrities who recently removed the names of ex-lovers from their skin.

- Information on the tattoo removal process. Following as a close second to the interest in celebrity tattoo removal was a strong interest in learning more about getting tattoo removal done. Early in the year, we provided four steps for getting started. We also compared tattoo lightening with tattoo removal, explained why laser tattoo removal isn't a one-shot procedure, and warned you about the dangers of DIY tattoo removal. We even looked at ways of funding tattoo removal.

- Tattoo removal for life change. The other category of stories that really sparked some interest was those stories that described how tattoo removal could truly be a life-changing experience. We looked at how non-profits were helping people start fresh using tattoo removal and how "bad girls" were going good by getting their tats taken off.

Those were the most fun and interesting tattoo removal stories of 2007. What's in store for 2008?

Question of the Day: Which tattoo removal stories interested you most in 2007?

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