Tattoo Removal Or Tattoo Cover Up-Which Is Better?

Getting a tattoo done can be one of the most exciting and cool things to do but when your feelings change after getting one, what can you do? Do you live with it, cover it up or get it removed altogether. Read on to know which option is better.

The Curious Case Of Deepika Padukone’s RK Tattoo

Deepika Padukone’s RK tattoo has been the subject of much speculation ever since she got it done. At first fans went gaga over it and then felt sad after her breakup with beau Ranbir Kapoor. Then the tattoo did a disappearing act with her Cannes Festival appearance but was later seen on her in an Instagram post. Recently, there were rumours that she had it removed after her wedding to Ranvir Kapoor but she was spotted with the faded version of the same at Isha Ambani’s wedding. Is she in the process of removing it or is it just a makeup trick? To be or not to be, that’s the question and Deepika just keeps us guessing!

The removal of a tattoo or tattoo cover up depends on a number of factors such as:

• Pigment colour-Is it just plain black pigment which has been used or is it a colourful one? Black, red and grey colours are easier to fade.
• Ink density: How broad is the design and how dense is the ink usage? 
• Price: How much are you willing to spend on the cover up or tattoo removal? Do you need an elaborate cover up or one that barely covers up the old one?
• Time: How old is the tattoo? If you start to get the removal done it takes some time for the skin to flush away the particles of ink.
• Location of tattoo: Tattoos located on upper part of body are better suited to be fully removed.

Tattoo Removal Procedures

Image Courtesy: www.gaming.youtube.com

• Dermabrasion

• Dermabrasion followed by Melanocyte Treatment

• Skin Grafting Technique

• Excision

• Q Switch

• CO₂ fractional laser

Read More: Quirky Ways To Alleviate Depression Via Positive Tattoos

Dr. Lalit Choudhary, Cosmetic Surgeon at Delhi’s Ganga Ram Hospital says that laser tattoo removal (which takes place over at least 8-10 sessions) is not recommended for those with sensitive skin as the heat produced by the laser can cause pigmentation. Also, if you are trying to get your tattoo removed due to professional reasons then skin grafting can be a good option. Surgical excision, which is more invasive, is the best option for total removal of a tattoo, he says.

Mumbai-based celebrity tattoo artist Vikas Malani who has travelled 27 countries and launched BodyCanvas Tattoos and Piercings in 2003, says that the Q switch laser treatment is the best tattoo removal treatment out there. There should also be a gap of at least 2 weeks before a cover up is done on the same area, he says. The tattoo expert, who recently judged the Heartwork Tattoo Festival, says that covering a black tattoo is more difficult than a coloured one. And of course, a tattoo that was done badly in the first place needs more extensive cover up, he says.

Want to know more about tips for tattoo aftercare, remedies for skin pigmentation, beauty tips and latest fashion trends? Then keep reading HerZindagi as we bring the best from the world of style for you.