If you feel like the worst decision you made last year was to get a tattoo, you're not alone. Most people who get a tattoo actually regret it later in life. In the past, you'd be stuck with the decision unless you wanted to undergo a painful and possibly risky surgery. Today, however, laser tattoo removal provides a safer and easier option for getting rid of an unwanted tattoo.



If you're flush with cash in the new year due to a holiday bonus or gift, this might be your best chance in the new year to reverse a decision you regret. Furthermore, a vacation with some days off might be the perfect opportunity to start the process of laser tattoo removal so any recovery time is not too inconvenient.

Q-Switched Lasers

A Q-switched laser is considered the best method of tattoo removal. There are several types of lasers that work at different frequencies to target different colors of ink. These include the Q-switch ruby laser, the YAG-Nd and the Alexandrite laser. Smaller tattoos with a minimal number of colors only take two to four treatments to remove. Each removal procedure will be scheduled about four to six weeks apart.

Downsides to Laser Removal?

One of the downsides of laser tattoo removal is the cost. Larger tattoos require more treatment sessions, which of course translates into higher costs. This is a cosmetic procedure, so you'll be paying out of pocket for it. The removal can be painful for some patients, and not all tattoos can be completely removed. You also might have some residual scarring left over, and some patients experience a change in the pigmentation of their skin at the treatment site.



If you're still thinking about tattoo removal, the new year is a great time to start. You can get the initial session out of the way during your vacation and and get a jump start on the removal process (http://www.tattoohealth.org/content/whatislaserremoval.asp).



To find a tattoo removal specialist in your area, click here!