- 1). Find a respectable tattoo parlor that you know can be trusted. If you remember where you went for your tattoo, you can try to go back there. Otherwise, ask your tattooed friends who they trust to use sterile equipment and do good work. Tattoo cover-up can be difficult, so trust in your tattooer is vital. Retouch is simpler to perform and can likely be done at any respectable parlor.
- 2). Call the tattoo parlors and ask if any of their staff does cover-ups. You may find that not everyone is skilled in this art, so ask specifically for an artist who specializes in cover-ups. If you're looking to retouch, calling first is still a good idea, but you shouldn't have trouble finding an artist who can perform retouching.
- 3). Go in for a consultation once you've found a tattoo artist you like. You'll discuss what you want done with your tattoo--what type of design you want over it and if that can be done, or what you'd like retouched. Your tattoo artist will draw you a design if you didn't bring one in, and you'll get to see it when the time comes for cover-up to confirm that you're happy with the artist's drawing.
- 4). Make your appointment for cover-up or retouching and let the artist do his work. You can ask for a quote beforehand if you're worried about cost. Cover-up can be pretty pricey, so it's a good idea to ask before the tattoo artist starts tattooing.
- 1). Be comfortable with laser treatments. Since the start of laser technology, most other methods of tattoo removal have disappeared. Dermabrasion or chemical peels are more dangerous and painful, so you'll have trouble finding a place that offers them. Your likely options are laser treatment or the even newer light treatments that work the same way with less pain, but at a higher expense.
- 2). Find a laser center near you that performs tattoo removals. Usually these places will be medical clinics or plastic surgery offices that perform other cosmetic surgeries. Call each center and ask important questions you have, including cost per appointment, how many appointments on average are needed and the qualifications of the center.
- 3). Make a consultation appointment at the center of your choice or a few centers if you're still unsure. This will give the staff a chance to look at your tattoo and let you know how many treatments you'll need, depending on the size, tattoo color, your skin color and how deep the tattoo is in your skin. You'll have another chance to ask questions here too.
- 4). Set up your first removal appointment and follow treatment as the center recommends. You may have a few treatment sessions or many, depending on the tattoo you're trying to remove. Using an ointment on the tattoo area after each treatment may be recommended.
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