Tattoo Regret: How to Remove Your Unwanted Ink

Today, it seems that younger generations are obsessed with covering their bodies with ink.

Tattoos may have become more acceptable in society... but some of you may want your tats removed.

Remember that one time you got your (now ex) boyfriend's name tattooed on your body because you thought it was going to last forever?

Even though your relationship ended, that ink is permanent. Now you're panicked, embarrassed and tired of hearing from friends that they knew you were going to regret that tattoo.

What do you do?

Don't worry; you're not the only one. According to a small survey conducted in the UK, nearly one-third of the population has tattoo regret.

Is there a safe option to remove your unwanted ink?

Tattoo removal works by using a specific laser to break up the pigment in the tattoo into smaller particles. It can take multiple sessions over a period of a few months, depending on how large the tattoo was to begin with.

It's also important to keep in mind that removing a tattoo costs WAY more than getting one.

Are all colors capable of being removed?

Tattoos can be done in all sorts of colors, however there are some colors that are unable to be removed. For example, the color yellow is not picked up by any of the removal lasers.

What is some other information you need to know about tattoo removal?

Cameron K. Rokhsar, MD, FAAD, FAAC, discusses the process of how to remove your tattoo safely, why people have tattoo regret and (depending on colors or the area where you got your tattoo) if removal is even possible.