By now, about a third of 18- to 30-year-olds in Austria have one or more tattoos. In most cases, the designs are chosen deliberately and with careful consideration. However, some people do come to regret their decision later on.
Some people’s tastes in tattoos have changed, while others want to get rid of a trendy tattoo from the last decade or the name of an ex-partner. Some tattoos were not executed to the customer's satisfaction, or have blurred and faded over the years. There are many different reasons why someone might no longer want to see a tattoo, and just as many ways to salvage it.
When choosing your tattoo artist—if you haven't done so already—look for a hygienic studio, experience with cover-ups, and a thorough consultation. Ideally, a good tattoo artist comes recommended by acquaintances who have had positive experiences. It is a good sign if the artist takes the time to address your fears and concerns and can show you successful before-and-after photos of their own work.
The best-known solution for saving a tattoo is arguably the classic cover-up. This involves tattooing a larger—and usually darker—design over the existing one. The old tattoo is not simply "painted over"; instead, the ink is deposited into the same layers of skin. The goal of a cover-up is to make the original tattoo completely disappear. In contrast, with a "blast-over," the older tattoo is intentionally left visible beneath a new design that is typically larger and more eye-catching.
This allows the original tattoo to still show through slightly and remain visible.
To divert the viewer's eye from any old lines that might be showing through a cover-up, a visual highlight or the focal point of the new tattoo is placed on a previously untattooed area. A bright or colorful section immediately catches the eye and skillfully draws attention away from the old tattoo.
This is easily achievable with small tattoos featuring soft lines and no scarring.
Cover-ups become complicated—and sometimes impossible—with large-scale tattoos, bold black lines, and raised scars.
Take your time getting advice from a tattoo artist you trust. They know best what will work well and what your skin can handle.
If a tattoo begins to look faded and indistinct over the years due to improper or neglected aftercare, excessive UV exposure, or placement on an unsuitable area of the body, the lines can be retouched to restore their definition. The old, blurred line remains visible but usually appears like a shadow, while the actual design becomes clearly defined once again.
A very elegant solution to save your tattoo is to integrate an old tattoo into a new motif. A more subtle back tattoo can be cleverly integrated into an eye-catching full back tattoo. With a little skill with the needle, an unloved tribal can also be turned into an exciting, colorful flower tendril. In the case of a letter, as a constant reminder of an ex-partner, a matching word can be added or a new letter can be engraved with an additional line.
There are hardly any limits to the tattoo artist's creativity, inventiveness, and skill in this regard.
For those who see no other option yet no longer wish to see their tattoo on their body every day, there remains one final solution: the "blackout." The tattoo is completely covered with black ink. However, this step requires careful consideration, as it is irreversible. A blackout tattoo also entails certain risks. Given the extremely thorough—and often repeated—tattooing process involved, you should have a clear idea of your limits regarding pain and budget. A satisfactory result depends on the black ink being applied very cleanly and evenly; this is best achieved through slow, steady tattooing or multiple touch-up sessions. The former is recommended, as it yields more uniform results.
Please note: there is no turning back here. Once you have a blackout tattoo, you keep it for life.
If a full blackout tattoo seems too daunting, consider having your bold tattoo lightened by laser first. Laser treatment can fade thick lines or solid black areas, and with multiple sessions, even remove them completely.
During tattoo removal, various ultrasonic waves are used to heat the tattoo's color pigments, causing them to shatter. The remaining pigment particles are then transported out of the body via the lymphatic system.
Typically, multiple laser sessions are scheduled, as the duration of the removal process depends on various factors:
Seek advice from an expert and look for criteria similar to those you would use when choosing a tattoo artist: is the studio clean and well-maintained? Do they take the time to consult with you? Do they explain the essential aftercare? Have you perhaps heard recommendations from acquaintances?
No matter which solution you choose, you should want to have your next tattoo on your skin for the rest of your life!
For decades, our team has been creating custom tattoos with passion, creativity, and precision. Each artist brings their own style and expertise, working closely with you to transform your ideas into unique works of art.
Since 1996, we have been creating custom tattoos with passion, creativity, and precision. Each design is crafted to be as unique as the person wearing it.
