Is there anyway to fix an existing tattoo?

Question

Can it be gone over and changed or will it just look worse?

Answer 1

So much depends on what you mean here. If it is a cover up (Somebody, that rocks!), and there are a lot of open spaces or if the overall existing tattoo is light, etc., a lot can be done with it and is generally very successful.

If you are looking to fix up an existing tattoo and there are heavy lines - altering them can make it look even worse. Many times a recoloring is in order. Again, that means pretty much going with existing colors, adding some shading for depth, etc. Sometimes all it takes is that.

Answer 2

In general, some tattoos can be reworked or covered up. I myself have a coverup on my left shoulder. What can be done is a ratio of what the original work is, what "needs to be done to it", and how skilled your tattooist is with coverups. There is no way of erasing existing ink and much depends on the size and available negative space around the present tattoo.

Answer 3

there is absolutely a way to fix tattoos!!! my first tattoo of 2006 was a coverup.
http://www.ratemyink.com/?action=ssp&pid=24748

you may not agree but i think my tattoo rocks! and you would never know that i used to have a psychadelic mushroom!
the thing is that you need to chose your artist wisely. i would go to a custom tattoo artist and have them come up with something to cover it. just give them the ideas you have and let them use their artistic ability to make it the best tattoo for you. if you need help finding an artist in your area i'll be glad to help.

Answer 4

Cosmetic Procedures: Laser Tattoo Removal

It is estimated that close to 10% of the U.S. population has some sort of tattoo. Eventually, as many as 50% of them want to have laser tattoo removal.

There is good news for those who have an unwanted body design. Newer laser tattoo removal techniques can eliminate your tattoo with minimal side effects. Here's how it works: lasers remove tattoos by breaking up the pigment colors of the tattoo with a high-intensity light beam.

Black tattoo pigment absorbs all laser wavelengths, making it the easiest to treat. Other colors can only be treated by selected lasers based upon the pigment color.
Who Can Benefit From Laser Tattoo Removal?

Because each tattoo is unique, removal techniques must be tailored to suit each individual case. In the past, tattoos could be removed by a wide variety of methods but, in many cases, the scars were more unsightly than the tattoo itself.

Patients with previously treated tattoos may also be candidates for laser therapy. Tattoos that have not been effectively removed by other treatments or through home remedies may respond well to laser therapy providing the prior treatments did not result in excessive scarring.
How Do I Find a Reputable Doctor to Do Laser Tattoo Removal?

You want to make sure you find a reputable dermatologist or cosmetic surgery center to ensure proper treatment and care. If possible, you should obtain a recommendation from your family physician for a dermatologist or skin surgery center that specializes in tattoo removal.
What Can I Expect During the Laser Tattoo Removal?

Depending on the size and color of your tattoo, the number of treatments will vary. Your tattoo may be removed in two to four visits, though many more sessions may be necessary. You should schedule a consultation, during which time a trained professional will evaluate your personal situation and advise you on the process.

Treatment with the laser varies from patient to patient depending on the age, size and type of tattoo (amateur or professional). The color of the patient's skin, as well as the depth to which the tattoo pigment extends, will also affect the removal technique.

In general, this is what will happen during an office visit for tattoo removal using the newer lasers:

* Protective eye shields are placed on the patient.
* The skin's reaction to the laser is tested to determine the most effective energy for treatment.
* The treatment itself consists of placing a hand piece against the surface of the skin and activating the laser light. As many patients describe it, each pulse feels like a grease splatter or the snapping of a rubber band against the skin.
* Smaller tattoos require fewer pulses while larger ones require more. In either case, the tattoo requires several treatments and multiple visits. At each treatment, the tattoo should become progressively lighter.
* Immediately following treatment, an ice pack is applied to soothe the treated area. The patient will then be asked to apply a topical antibiotic cream or ointment. A bandage or patch will be used to protect the site and it should likewise be covered with a sun block when out in the sun.

Most patients do not require any anesthesia. However, depending on the location of the tattoo and the pain threshold for the patient, the physician may elect to use some form of anesthesia (topical anesthesia cream, painkiller injections at the site of the procedure).
What Are The Possible Side Effects?

There are minimal side effects to tattoo removal by lasers. However, you should consider these factors in your decision:

* The tattoo removal site is at risk for infection. You may also risk lack of complete pigment removal, and there is a slight chance that the treatment can leave you with a permanent scar.
* You may also risk hypopigmentation, where the treated skin is paler than surrounding skin, or hyperpigmentation, where the treated skin is darker than surrounding skin.
* Cosmetic tattoos like lip liner, eyeliner and eyebrows may darken following treatment with tattoo removal lasers. Further treatment of the darkened tattoos usually results in fading.

Answer 5

Most of the time it can be fixed by getting a cover up.This can run into some high money.Find a artist in your area and have him to look at it and see what he can do.

Answer 6

They can definately get covered up. The only thing that might be a little more difficult would be tribal or something that's totally because for example, you can't put a light or bright color over it because it won't cover...

Answer 7

I learnt to treat mines with almond oil, always when I feel they are a few dull. Just to pass a little portion on they, you can use a finger or a piece of cotton, anything if you don't want to use a finger. And let to stay, it will dry naturally.

Answer 8

you can have cover up work done, but you need to do your research sometimes if you get a bad cover up you can still see the old tattoo through the new work......Good luck

Answer 9

I'm pretty sure it could be done, you'll have to go through some electrolysis procedure.

Answer 10

depends on how screwed up the existing tat is