The word “tattoo” originates from the Tahitian word “tattau” which translates; to mark. Mummified Egyptians and 2000 year old remains have been discovered bearing many tattoos. There are now over 40 million people who have at least one tattoo according to a National Geographic News poll in April 2005. A high number for the United States alone.

As more people of all shapes and sizes decide to get a tattoo, more and more request to have their tattoo faded or removed. The American Society of Dermatological Surgery concluded that one in two people with a tattoo eventually regret receiving it . They then search for a way to fade their tattoo or remove it altogether.

Tattoos are a permanent marking, therefore fading or removing them was no easy task until recently. However, due to recent technology advancements, the method preferred for removing tattoos is laser surgery.

For most tattoos the first method preferred is the Q-switched Ruby laser, or the Nd: YAG laser if the tattoo contains red ink. The procedure is more painful for a complete removal, so fading the tattoo is preferred as this is not so painful and a little more affordable.

Laser tattoo removal procedure:

The epidermis is blasted with short but intense pulses of light which the tattoo pigment absorbs. The ink pigments are broken down into tiny particles by the lasers energy. The body’s immune system will easily remove these particles a few weeks or months after the laser treatment.

Several factors will determine the number of treatments and the amount of time required to remove the tattoo which includes:

• Ink color is a major factor in determining the amount of laser treatments you require. Tattoos which contain black and blue pigments are easily removed whereas tattoos containing yellow and green pigments are the hardest to remove.
• Because of the quality that professional tattooists use in their inks and equipment, the tattoo is a lot harder to remove or fade as compared to a street tattoo applied by an amateur.
• The density of pigment in a newer tattoo is likely to be harder to remove than a tattoo which is older
• Tattoo size
• The depth of ink when injected
• Tattoo location
• Individuals recovery time

If you’ve decided to remove or fade your tattoo by way of laser procedures, please remember to research and ask questions.

Before you go in for treatment you must have the answers to these questions:

How much will treatment cost?

The larger the tattoo is, the higher the price. The size of the tattoo and ink type used will determine the price of laser removal. Make an appointment with the dermatologist or removal practitioner and get an estimate.

How painful will it be?

Laser removal or the fading of a tattoo is relatively painless. Although the level of pain you will feel depends on the tattoo itself, treatment level and the level of pain you can tolerate. People are different, so some will feel more pain compared to others. Until you try it, you will not know how painful it will be

Are there side-effects?

After the treatment your skin will blister and this is normal. Within 4-6 weeks the skin will return to its normal state. Side-effects are possible and may include infection, hypo-pigmentation, hyper-pigmentation, and scarring. Before going in for the treatment have all your doubts cleared.

How many treatments?

Do not think that you will go into the clinic one day and then come out the very same day without your tattoo. Be prepared to sit through 1-10 treatments depending on the tattoo. Depth, color and ink type will determine the number of treatments you will need. And even then, effectiveness isn’t guaranteed.

Breastfeeding mothers and tattoo removal

It appears that breastfeeding is not affected by tattoo removal and there is no evidence to support this. Ink particles are filtered through the body via white blood cells. If the mothers follow the recommended after care procedures they are unlikely to face any problems. If there are any concerns the mother should consult with her physician for expert advice or raise her queries with the dermatologist.

After receiving your tattoo you must leave the bandage or dressing on for at least four hours. Leave the bandage or dressing on overnight if you received the tattoo late in the day. Use warm soapy water to hand wash your tattoo making sure not to use sponges or cloths. If any part of the bandage or dressing sticks to the tattoo the warm water should remove it. There is no need to re-bandage the tattoo. While the tattoo is healing wash at least twice daily letting the tattoo fully dry out before applying skin/hand conditioning lotion. You may lightly massage ointment into the tattoo such as A&D.

We do not recommend using Bacitracin, Triple antibiotic or any other ointment which may contain it. These ointments are known to cause allergies in some people. Application of Vaseline or other petroleum based products may cause suffocation to the tattoo causing a rash, therefore we do not recommend using these products as well. Your tattoo will need to breath. Do not soak your tattoo in the shower or bath tub for a long period of time while in the healing process.

Wash you tattoo regularly if:

• You work near oil and grease
• You work near chemicals
• You work near dirt
• Your tattoo is near your buttocks, genitals or armpit.

If you have to wear tight fitting clothing or work under dirty conditions, your tattoo can be protected using a dry paper towel taped to the area of the tattoo. In all other conditions wear loose fitting clothing as much as possible. While your tattoo is healing tiny pieces of skin (colored) may flake off, this is normal but don’t make it worse by forcing it. Smack your tattoo if it itches too much.

You want to give your tattoo the best chance so DO NOT:

• Pick, scratch or rub your tattoo
• Expose the tattoo to alcohol
• Expose the tattoo to salt water
• Expose the tattoo to chlorine
• Expose the tattoo to the sun for at least 10 days

Be careful using lotions which may contain excessive amounts of alcohol. Long periods of exposure to the fading effects of the suns radiation will ruin your tattoo. You will have to wait until the tattoo is fully healed and applied with a strong sunscreen before being exposed to the sun for long periods of time. It will take 7-10 days for your tattoo to heal.

While the outcome of receiving a tattoo can be very successful, the risks in relation to getting a tattoo are sometimes overlooked. Some tattoos are given with quite shocking results. Discounting the risks of getting a tattoo may prove detrimental to the health of the recipient or in rare cases, prove to be fatal. Contracting all types of diseases caused by getting a tattoo through unsanitary equipment is a high possibility. And if the proper procedure of cleansing and care of the tattoo is not followed, this may result in skin infection to the recipient.

Any number of problems may occur after getting a tattoo which may result in the need of calling upon a medical professional. Medication may be needed to treat infection, illness or diseases caused by getting a tattoo. While this is the most immediate concern, a medical professional may be needed later should the recipient decide to have the tattoo removed. In this case, surgery may be the only option for removing the tattoo.

Risks associated with surgery should also be taken into account should the recipient of the tattoo later decide to have the tattoo removed. And because surgery is involved to remove the tattoo, you may consider the tattoo itself the direct result of needing surgery in the first place. Depending on any complications as the result of surgery the patient may need to be admitted to hospital briefly or at the very least, pay regular visits to see a medical professional.

Common risks in relation to surgery:

• Infection after surgery
• Allergic reactions to medication
• Numbness and tingling
• Delayed healing after surgery
• Permanent scarring
• Anesthesia complications if an anesthetic is used

Dependent to the patients’ health, other complications may result and a medical professional will address these questions in relation to the possibilities.

There is a cosmetic risk, not necessarily in relation to the health of the recipient receiving the tattoo, that the tattoo artist may possibly be incompetent and inexperienced in designing and tattooing. The design and work its self may be viewed as unprofessional causing embarrassment and unhappiness to the recipient of the tattoo, as well as feeling regretful. Although not a major health risk for the recipient, he/she may feel the need to cover or remove the tattoo that was once planned to be proudly exhibited. When a person receives a tattoo which is of poor quality, they may decide to remove the tattoo through surgery. And as we mentioned above, there are many health risks that will come into play.

This article you have read is intended only for informational purposes. Do not substitute advice from a medical professional with the information contained herein. As everyone’s healthcare needs are different, seek advice from a medical professional before getting a tattoo or deciding to have one removed. This will determine an individual’s best course of action to take in accordance to his or her healthcare needs.

While many tattoos are given with success, there are some that do not have such a happy outcome. There are risks of getting a tattoo that cannot be discounted. Among them, the risk of contracting a disease from unsanitary equipment. In addition, a tattoo recipient may be subject to a skin infection if the tattoo is not properly cleaned and cared for after it’s creation.

Any type of problems that may arise as a result of getting a tattoo will likely have to be handled with the help of a licensed physician. This may include medication to treat any illness or infection that may occur. In addition to the immediate concerns, there may be a later need for a physician if the tattoo recipient should later decide to have it removed. In this scenario, the only way to remove a tattoo is through surgery.

If a tattoo recipient decides to have the image removed, there are even more risks associated with surgery. And, since the surgery is to remove a tattoo, these risks may be considered as a direct result of the tattoo itself. With tattoo removal, the patient may experience either an out-patient or brief stay in the hospital. This will depend on whether or not any complications occur during surgery. Some of the most common risks associated with surgery include infection, allergic reactions to medication or permanent scarring. Depending on the health of the patient, more serious complications may arise and questions relating to these possibilities will be addressed by a qualified physician.

A cosmetic risk, but not necessarily one relating to health, is the possibility that a tattoo artist is not experienced and may not properly design or seal the tattoo. If a design is not done properly, it can look unprofessional and may be an embarrassment to the tattoo recipient. While this may not present a direct health risk, it may force the patient to attempt ways at covering the tattoo that he/she had once planned to showcase. If a tattoo is done incorrectly, some customers may elect for removal surgery and this can carry the risks as mentioned above.

This article is to be used for informational purposes only. The information contained herein is not intended to be used in place of, or in conjunction with, professional medical advice. Before deciding on getting a tattoo or having one removed, the patient must consult a licensed medical doctor for medical advice and/or to determine the best course of action for his/her individual healthcare needs.

If you walk into a tattoo shop, you can easily see that there are virtually no limits to tattoo designs. Any good studio maintains a plethora of books, posters, and stencil examples; and, as the career of a tattoo artist is very much more than simply putting designs on a customer’s skin, most are very accomplished and very talented artists in general. Nearly anything you can dream of, either by definition or in a drawing, can be formed into a unique creation by those who prefer this kind of art. While assorted clients choose a tattoo which is either undeniably simple and basic, such as one’s name or initials, or a detail which is completely original and specific to them, there are a bunch of styles which are widely popular.

Tattoos of Native American designs is always very popular. Meanwhile most people who don’t have any real experience about tribal meaning may only choose a detail which looks attractive and appeals to them. Traditional Native American artwork is by far the most likely picked in this category, as it represents the Native American culture in general. Nevertheless, for those who are in the know, designs can be produced which refer to tribal associations and meanings. If this is what a customer prefers, it is a fabulous idea to first and foremost do a bit of digging to learn the differences between the tribes and which ones apply which symbols. For people who have a Native American lineage, this is an awesome way to both learn about and display pride in one’s heredity. Your name can also be put together into a tribal designing if you or your artist has the proficiency to do so.

Oriental designs are also altogether trendy. The best tattoo parlors carry a massive variety of these, ranging from elaborate artwork to smaller designs. Some of those which are chosen most commonly include the Chinese symbols for luck, prosperity, eternity, harmony, and love; the zodiac signs are also time-honored. Though these designs may seem to be simple, and give a more subdued impression, it takes a significant amount of talent to draw them correctly, as the thickness and thinness of the characters is very significant. If you are looking for something which is both stylish and tasteful, an Oriental design will have that effect.

For those whose religious beliefs are a significant factor of their lives, a tattoo of a religious symbol can be a permanently displayed expression of this. Religious tattoos range from the most elementary small crosses to vast artwork depicting Saints and Jesus to everything in-between. Meanwhile most of the religions tend to frown on the topic of tattoos, they are represented in huge varieties for all that.

You will probably see crucifix tattoos and Star-of-David tattoos, despite the fact that the traditional religious belief is that one ought to not get tattoos. For modern individuals, even those who hold their religious beliefs in great seriousness, acquiring such a tattoo isn’t seen as violating religious standards, rather a matter of pride in what they believe.

Celtic designs are also very popular in tattoos, also. From the most rudimentary designs which everyone understands, such as shamrocks, to the sophisticated Celtic cross which fewer understand the original meaning of, this culture has made a wide array of exquisite artwork that can be used to great effect in tattoos.

Most people have some idea what they like, and each and every customer’s individual preference isn’t difficult to find or having your artist generate it. Whatever your background, interests, lifestyle, you are sure to find a tattoo design that appeals and is special to you.

People get tattoos for any reason, and sometimes for no reason. We get tattoos express our love, to express one’s own self, as a fan or admirer of some idol, under peer pressure, to keep up with the Jones’es or maybe just because its hip to get one.

Whatever the case is, many of us in adult life end up regretting this youthful adventure. It could be because the tattoo reminds you of a broken love relationship or may be that visible tattoo is coming in your way of getting a good job or joining a coveted university. In other words, you desperately need to get it out of your way, but the very memory of the painful procedure you went through to get it done gives you cold feet.

There are several ways a person can undo a tattoo or at least make it less visible. All, barring one, are very painful and cumbersome. But before discussing ways to remove tattoos, let’s first understand what is a tattoo.

What is a Tattoo

A tattoo, or dermal pigmentation, as the term self explains is a mark made on the skin by inserting pigment into the skin. It is accomplished by injecting this pigment into small deep holes made in the skin. Tattoos made this way are relatively permanent.

Apart from permanent tattoos there are also temporary tattoos. They are more like body sticker, similar to a decal. Temporary tattoos are made on the skin by transferring the design on the skin, rather than inside the skin, using water. Temporary tattoos are waterproof, but can be removed with oil-based creams, and are intended to last only a few days.

Methods of Tattoo Removal

There are several methods of tattoo removal available today showing variable performance, result wise and procedure wise. It is the size of the tattoo, its location, and the length of time it has been on the skin which make the physician decide upon the method to be used. The patient’s healing prowess also plays its part in deciding the method to be used.

Let’s now discuss the methods.

Surgical Method

It is one of the most popular methods around, especially when the dyed area is small. The major advantage here is the removal of the entire tattoo in one go, particularly if it is small tattoo. Larger tattoos, however, require multiple surgical sessions where the centre of a tattoo is removed first followed by removal of sides at a later date.

The surgical removal process involves an injection of a local anesthetic to numb the area after which the tattoo is removed. The edges are then brought together and sutured.

With this procedure, there is minimal bleeding which is easily controlled with electrocautery. In some cases involving large tattoos, a skin graft taken from another part of the body may be necessary.

Rubbing the tattoo off

In this method, the tattoo is literally scrapped off. It is quite painful and cumbersome procedure but practiced nonetheless. There are two ways by which a tattoo is rubbed off the skin:

? Dermabrasion

This procedure of tattoo removal involves spraying of a portion of the tattoo with a freezing solution, after which that part is sanded with a rotary abrasive instrument causing the skin to peel. Because some bleeding is bound to occur, a dressing is immediately applied to the area.

? Salabrasion

This is an age old method of tattoo removal. As with the other methods, a local anesthetic is used on and around the tattooed area after which a solution of ordinary tap water dipped in table salt is applied. An abrading apparatus such as the one used with dermabrasion, or an even simpler device such as a wooden block wrapped in gauze, is used to vigorously abrade the area. When the area becomes deep red in color, a dressing is applied.

Laser

Laser tattoo removal is considered as the best of the solutions available. Though it is costly and might require multiple sessions, it ensures that tattoo removal is relatively pain free and blood free. Also the results have been quite encouraging and tattoos have been either totally removed or there were dramatic fading.

Laser tattoo removal procedure involves exposing the tattoo to the pulses of light from the laser, usually Q-switched Nd:Yag, Q-switched Alexandrite and the Q-switched Ruby. This exposure breaks up the tattoo pigment, which are removed from the body by the scavenger cells. More than one treatment is usually necessary to remove the entire tattoo.

Laser tattoo removal works on the principle of selective thermolysis where the targeted tattoo is exposed to the energy delivered by laser. This energy exposure results in selective destruction of the foreign pigment while ensuring minimum damage to the surrounding skin.

Lasers can be applied to remove all sorts of tattoos be it professional, amateur, cosmetic, medicinal, and traumatic tattoos. The different colors present in the tattoos may respond differently to laser tattoo removal, but they do get removed to quite some extent. Thus laser tattoo removal presents itself as a non-invasive and effective treatment for unwanted tattoos.

The right candidate

Anyone with a need to remove an undesired tattoo can opt for laser tattoo removal. It is not the person’s physical characteristics which decide the extent of removal but the colors used. Though most tattoo colors can be eliminated or lightened more or less, skin colored tattoos may undergo irreversible ink darkening. This may be the case with white, pink, flesh-toned and light brown tattoo inks. Also red ink tattoos may turn black. In these situations do ask or say yes to a test dose.

Some Facts

Although, laser tattoo removal for sure is the best solution to the unwanted tattoo woes; it has got its warts which need to be kept in mind. Some of them are:

1. Since results are color dependent total elimination is not possible, however you can be sure of dramatic lightening. Amateur black tattoos respond more quickly than professional and multicolored tattoos.
2. To get maximum benefit multiple sessions are usually required.
3. Doubly treated tattoos may require additional treatments.
4. If the tattoo is multicolored, it would require exposure to lasers of several different wavelengths because of the selective absorption characteristics of a particular color.

Types of lasers used

Q-switched Ruby Laser (QSRL)

It is a red colored laser which works best for dark blue and black inks. With tattoos in these colors, results have been exceptional. So far as red and yellow color is concerned results have been less than satisfactory. The response of green tattoos is variable. The QSRL is also effective in treating medicinal and traumatic tattoos.

Q-switched Nd:YAG

This laser works both for amateur and professional tattoos of all colors. But best results have been observed in case of black tattoos, as is the case with the ruby laser. Moreover this laser works quite well for darker skinned individuals. Also unlike QSRL, which is ineffective in case of red and yellow color, Q-switched Nd:YAG is highly effective for these colors in frequency doubled setting (532 nm).

Q-switched Alexandrite Laser

This laser is quite like QSRL in treating tattoos especially when treating green tattoos. However up to 50% of patients can experience textural changes in their skin after treatment.

Flashlamp-pumped Pulsed Dye Laser

This laser does not penetrate deep into skin because of its wavelength which is 510 nm. Hence it is not so useful when it comes to deeper tattoos. However, it is effective for the treatment of brightly colored tattoos such as those that use red, purple, and orange inks. The major side effect of this laser is bruising.

Post-procedural Care

After the procedure some swelling and blistering is commonplace, so is crusting. So don’t panic they will go by themselves after some time. Do take good care of the wound to aid the healing process and to prevent infection.
To ensure fast and safe healing, make use of prescribed antibiotic ointment with regular dressing changes. If you feel the need of alleviating any resultant pain, consult the physician to recommend you some pain killer. Also avoid exposure to sun to prevent tanning.

Conclusion

Laser tattoo removal has brought an effective, less painful solution to people who want to get their tattoos removed or faded.

Laser tattoo removal works on the principle of selective thermolysis where the targeted tattoo is exposed to the energy delivered by laser. This energy exposure results in selective destruction of the foreign pigment while ensuring minimum damage to the surrounding skin.

Lasers can be applied to remove all sorts of tattoos be it professional, amateur, cosmetic, medicinal, and traumatic tattoos. The different colors present in the tattoos may respond differently to laser tattoo removal, but they do get removed to quite some extent. Thus laser tattoo removal presents itself as a non-invasive and effective treatment for unwanted tattoos.

The right candidate

Anyone with a need to remove an undesired tattoo can opt for laser tattoo removal. It is not the person’s physical characteristics which decide the extent of removal but the colors used. Though most tattoo colors can be eliminated or lightened more or less, skin colored tattoos may undergo irreversible ink darkening. This may be the case with white, pink, flesh-toned and light brown tattoo inks. Also red ink tattoos may turn black. In these situations do ask or say yes to a test dose.

Some Facts

Although, laser tattoo removal for sure is the best solution to the unwanted tattoo woes; it has got its warts which need to be kept in mind. Some of them are:

1. Since results are color dependent total elimination is not possible, however you can be sure of dramatic lightening. Amateur black tattoos respond more quickly than professional and multicolored tattoos.
2. To get maximum benefit multiple sessions are usually required.
3. Doubly treated tattoos may require additional treatments.
4. If the tattoo is multicolored, it would require exposure to lasers of several different wavelengths because of the selective absorption characteristics of a particular color.

Types of lasers used

Q-switched Ruby Laser (QSRL)

It is a red colored laser which works best for dark blue and black inks. With tattoos in these colors, results have been exceptional. So far as red and yellow color is concerned results have been less than satisfactory. The response of green tattoos is variable. The QSRL is also effective in treating medicinal and traumatic tattoos.

Q-switched Nd:YAG

This laser works both for amateur and professional tattoos of all colors. But best results have been observed in case of black tattoos, as is the case with the ruby laser. Moreover this laser works quite well for darker skinned individuals. Also unlike QSRL, which is ineffective in case of red and yellow color, Q-switched Nd:YAG is highly effective for these colors in frequency doubled setting (532 nm).

Q-switched Alexandrite Laser

This laser is quite like QSRL in treating tattoos especially when treating green tattoos. However up to 50% of patients can experience textural changes in their skin after treatment.

Flashlamp-pumped Pulsed Dye Laser

This laser does not penetrate deep into skin because of its wavelength which is 510 nm. Hence it is not so useful when it comes to deeper tattoos. However, it is effective for the treatment of brightly colored tattoos such as those that use red, purple, and orange inks. The major side effect of this laser is bruising.

Post-procedural Care

After the procedure some swelling and blistering is commonplace, so is crusting. So don’t panic they will go by themselves after some time. Do take good care of the wound to aid the healing process and to prevent infection.
To ensure fast and safe healing, make use of prescribed antibiotic ointment with regular dressing changes. If you feel the need of alleviating any resultant pain, consult the physician to recommend you some pain killer. Also avoid exposure to sun to prevent tanning.

Conclusion

Laser tattoo removal has brought an effective, less painful solution to people who want to get their tattoos removed or faded.

Anyone who walks into a tattoo parlor will be greeted with a variety of eye-catching and colorful tattoo designs, including everything from simple to images that are very complex. With the exception of those that have already chosen their preferred image, it can be very difficult to select from the many tattoo designs on the spot. Even if you have already selected a design, the artist may be able to present you with several different options to make your tattoo designs even more personable.

Before arriving for the application of a tattoo, it is best to have a selection of tattoo designs in mind before you enter the parlor. Although there are some exceptions, most men and women will naturally be drawn to different tattoo designs. Men, for instance, would likely prefer something masculine, while women often prefer something dainty and sexy. Of all tattoo designs, women commonly select hearts, butterflies, flowers, lettering, etc. The most popular placement, for women, is the shoulder, lower back and ankle. Men, on the other hand, often prefer that their tattoo designs be placed on the upper arm, chest or back.

While there are tattoo designs that are gender specific, it is important to keep in mind that getting a tattoo is a very personal thing and the image that is ultimately chosen should be one that reflects something that is important to the wearer. Upon discussing the various tattoo designs with the artist, the customer will gain a better understanding of the different options and designs available.

Many individuals select tattoo designs from those presented at the parlor, while others prefer to do some research and help ensure that their design is unlike any other. For certain tattoo designs, some people prefer to look at real life photos or browse through artwork for ideas pertaining to their tattoo designs. If you find an image that you like, simply take it to the artist for an evaluation as to whether or not the image can be recreated in the form of a tattoo.

This article is to be used for informational purposes only. The information contained herein is not intended to be used in place of, or in conjunction with, professional medical advice or recommendations for tattoo designs or placement. Prior to getting a tattoo, individuals should consult with their physician to make sure that it is a safe procedure for them to endure. Some individuals should not get a tattoo if they have certain medical conditions or a weakened immune system. For further information, consult a physician or dermatologist.

Chinese tattoos are a beautiful and mysterious form of self expression, especially if they include the Chinese writing symbols. So if you’re planning to get one of these tattoos, here’s how to get the perfect design.

Number 1: Get Your Chinese Character Tattoo Right The First Time

Chinese symbol tattoos are one of the designs that are most likely to go wrong. Mistranslations, poor designs and bad alignment can all render your new design meaningless.

Sure, you can get them removed, but at present it’s a painful and costly process that isn’t guaranteed to be 100% successful.

So take your time, get professional advice and make sure you get a good quality, authentic design that you’re happy with before you go under the needle. Don’t end up looking like the victim of a cruel practical joke.

Number 2: Don’t Use Kanji Designs From Tattoo Studios

Many tattoo studios provide a variety of pre designed Kanji symbols that you can have tattooed onto your body. These are cheap and quick, but suffer from a number of major disadvantages.

First, many of them have been poorly translated, so you may end up with a design that means something different to what you expected. Second, many of these standard designs have been drawn incorrectly, which destroys their meaning.

So instead of going into your local tattoo studio and picking a design off the wall or from a folder, do your own research. Decide the words that you want to appear in your Chinese tattoo, get them professionally translated and then get a custom design created to your order.

Number 3: Get Advice From A Chinese Person

This is absolutely vital. Chinese writing is extremely complex and can often be used to give one word in several different meanings. So make sure you speak to a Chinese person who can verify that you have the right symbols to match your intended meaning. If possible, make sure that they have experience of Chinese symbol tattoos.

Number 4: Select Your Words Carefully

When you get a new tattoo, it’s important to assume that it will be with you for the rest of your life. So before you decide to get a Chinese symbol tattoo think long term and try to select wide over-arching ideas that express who you are and what you stand for.

For example, timeless ideas such as freedom, love and hope are always good choices.

And whatever you do, avoid fashionable words as they have a nasty habit of falling out of fashion within a short space of time. The aim is to select a design that you’ll be as happy with in twenty years time as you are today.

Number 5: Select Your Artist Carefully

A tattoo that solely consists of Chinese characters can look rather plain unless the writing is completed with a certain amount of style and flair.

Even worse, it’s easy for non Chinese artists to unintentionally deface the delicate Chinese symbols. Chinese calligraphy is very precise. The strokes have to be a certain shape and be aligned properly, otherwise the meaning of the design can be lost.

So it’s vital to select a tattoo artist who is experienced in producing Chinese calligraphy.

Finally, if you want your Chinese tattoo to have even more impact, consider adding a small picture to your Chinese symbols.

The Chinese dragon is popular with men, while the Chinese phoenix is a favorite with many women. Both of these mythical creatures represent power and luck and will make a wonderful addition to your perfect Chinese tattoo.