How To Get Rid Of Your Funky Ink Tattoos

This stunning tattoo of a tiger belongs to stunning actress and new mother of twins, Angelina Jolie. Rumors say that Angelina has about a dozen tattoos. And she's not alone.

Tattoos can be beautiful works of art. And sometimes, the allure has worn off. In other words, you want to get rid of your funky ink.

But you're afraid of the pain, the time, and the big amount of money you need to rub away or zap away your tattoo.

Many women and men love their tattoos. And getting ink, is still hugely popular in this country. In the 1990s, tattoos were big business, and it appears that our love of ink, isn't fading away anytime soon. These Hollywood celebrities also love their tattoos: Kelly Ripa, Pamela Anderson Lee, Jessica Alba, Gisele Bundchen. Look at former Posh Spice cutie, Victoria Beckham. She sports 5 stars on her lower back. One for each family member. And she has her husband's initials 'DB' onthe underside of her left wrist.

But there might be a time you regret getting that big, ugly tattoo on your right thigh, for instance. Look at Angelina Jolie. Remember that unattractive 'Billy Bob" tattoo she was showing off on her left arm? That has since been lasered off, according to several reports. We're sure that her significant hunk other, Brad Pitt, wouldn't want to be staring at the Billy Bob tat each and every day.

To be honest, most plastic surgeons and dermatologists would advise you to undergo tattoo laser removal. That's the best method in ink removal. Yes, it can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars up into the thousands of dollars, depending on the size and location of the tattoo, the number of visits involved, and so on. The lousy thing, medical insurance will not pay for tattoo removal since it is considered cosmetic in nature. Plus the procedure is a bit uncomfortable. Well, then again, they say that getting a tattoo is uncomfortable, too. (P.S. I don't have any ink).

During laser tattoo removal, the procedure causes the pigment in the ink to fragment, or break into smaller particles that are then removed by the body's immune system.

If you want to avoid a costly surgical procedure, you could try a chemical peel. Such peels are generally used on the face to rejuvenate the skin, and peel away dead, thick layers. The American Academy of Dermatologists suggests that chemical peels can also succesfully remove tats.

And then there is a fading cream for at-home tattoo removal. One of the popular brands is Wrecking Balm (1-800-671-3936). For about $200, you can get a 2-month supply that will slowly fade away your unwanted ink. No burning, and you can sign up for their 'risk-free trial.'

Some folks swear this balm works, but there are others who claim it doesn't live up to the hype.

Do your homework. Ask some friends with ink how they have removed unwanted tatoos. Visit a dermatologist or plastic surgeon, and show them your funky ink. Get their advice. And good luck.