Collection of owl tattoo picture

Collection of owl tattoo picture

The Tattoo Removal Process By Beth Ibarra

The tattoo removal process involves the use of lasers for the most part and can be painless the majority of the time.

"Laser Tattoo Removal Pictures"

Doctors estimate that nearly 10 million Americans have at least one tattoo somewhere on their body. Doctors also estimate that nearly half of the 10 million people with at least one tattoo realize that they do not want the tattoo anymore and begin to find ways of having the tattoo removed from their body.

There are a couple of different options regarding the removal of a tattoo that are available to patients today. Modern tattoo removal procedures involve lasers and are becoming a very popular and effective way of removing unwanted tattoos from the body.

Tattoos are ink pictures placed on the body and can be placed on almost any body part imaginable. Tattoos help people show their love for a person in their life, display their hobbies or even logos of their favorite sports teams. The process involving lasers to remove tattoos is becoming more and more popular with each new development because it is such a successful procedure.

The tattoo removal process involves the use of lasers for the most part and can be painless the majority of the time. The laser shines high short bursts of high-intensity light onto the tattoo.

The light attacks the pigment of the tattoo, ultimately breaking down the ink and making it fade. Depending on the size of the tattoo, it may take more than one session to have it completely removed from sight. Because the procedure does involve a tiny bit of pain, a local anesthesia will be administered to the patient prior to the procedure.

Tattoo removal using lasers helps avoid leaving unsightly scars or marks where the tattoo was removed from the body. Lasers also help to speed up the process, which can take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes per session.

There is the possibility that having a tattoo removed can take more than one session. This all depends on how deep the ink of the tattoo has sunk into the skin of the person with the body art.

After an initial consultation with a physician or a tattoo specialist, the patient will be able to understand all of the risks involved with the process as well as the recovery time. Tattoo removal procedures can cause different side effects including but not limited to sensitive skin, inflammation, infection, bleeding, swelling and pain.

All of these side effects can be avoided if the patient adheres to the post-procedure instructions given to them before the procedure takes place by the doctor. These instructions will help the patient care for the area that has been worked on.

After the removal procedure is complete, the skin near the tattoo will appear to be sunburn and should be treated as if it is sunburn. The removal process for tattoos also includes dermabrasion and surgical excision.

All of the three options mentioned here should be discussed with a physician or tattoo specialist before any decisions are made. Because these procedures are considered cosmetic, medical insurance will not cover the costs involved. This means that the patient will need to pay for the procedure in full, out of their own pocket.

The Tattoo Removal Process By Beth Ibarra

The tattoo removal process involves the use of lasers for the most part and can be painless the majority of the time.

"Laser Tattoo Removal Pictures"

Doctors estimate that nearly 10 million Americans have at least one tattoo somewhere on their body. Doctors also estimate that nearly half of the 10 million people with at least one tattoo realize that they do not want the tattoo anymore and begin to find ways of having the tattoo removed from their body.

There are a couple of different options regarding the removal of a tattoo that are available to patients today. Modern tattoo removal procedures involve lasers and are becoming a very popular and effective way of removing unwanted tattoos from the body.

Tattoos are ink pictures placed on the body and can be placed on almost any body part imaginable. Tattoos help people show their love for a person in their life, display their hobbies or even logos of their favorite sports teams. The process involving lasers to remove tattoos is becoming more and more popular with each new development because it is such a successful procedure.

The tattoo removal process involves the use of lasers for the most part and can be painless the majority of the time. The laser shines high short bursts of high-intensity light onto the tattoo.

The light attacks the pigment of the tattoo, ultimately breaking down the ink and making it fade. Depending on the size of the tattoo, it may take more than one session to have it completely removed from sight. Because the procedure does involve a tiny bit of pain, a local anesthesia will be administered to the patient prior to the procedure.

Tattoo removal using lasers helps avoid leaving unsightly scars or marks where the tattoo was removed from the body. Lasers also help to speed up the process, which can take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes per session.

There is the possibility that having a tattoo removed can take more than one session. This all depends on how deep the ink of the tattoo has sunk into the skin of the person with the body art.

After an initial consultation with a physician or a tattoo specialist, the patient will be able to understand all of the risks involved with the process as well as the recovery time. Tattoo removal procedures can cause different side effects including but not limited to sensitive skin, inflammation, infection, bleeding, swelling and pain.

All of these side effects can be avoided if the patient adheres to the post-procedure instructions given to them before the procedure takes place by the doctor. These instructions will help the patient care for the area that has been worked on.

After the removal procedure is complete, the skin near the tattoo will appear to be sunburn and should be treated as if it is sunburn. The removal process for tattoos also includes dermabrasion and surgical excision.

All of the three options mentioned here should be discussed with a physician or tattoo specialist before any decisions are made. Because these procedures are considered cosmetic, medical insurance will not cover the costs involved. This means that the patient will need to pay for the procedure in full, out of their own pocket.

Laser Tattoo Removal

Laser energy is directed at the tattooed area for a fraction of a second, passing harmlessly through the outer layer of the skin and targeting the tattoo ink directly. The laser disrupts the ink, allowing your body to absorb it and break it down naturally.

The process is not immediate. After the treatment, the ink that was exposed to the laser will break down and be removed by your body’s immune system over a period of weeks. Once that process is complete, you can come in for your next visit, repeating the process until the tattoo is gone. Most tattoos average 5 to 10 treatments. Some ink colors are harder to target and require more sessions. Because it is your body that actually breaks down the ink, every person’s removal process will be different.

"Before and After Photos"

Laser Tattoo Removal

Laser energy is directed at the tattooed area for a fraction of a second, passing harmlessly through the outer layer of the skin and targeting the tattoo ink directly. The laser disrupts the ink, allowing your body to absorb it and break it down naturally.

The process is not immediate. After the treatment, the ink that was exposed to the laser will break down and be removed by your body’s immune system over a period of weeks. Once that process is complete, you can come in for your next visit, repeating the process until the tattoo is gone. Most tattoos average 5 to 10 treatments. Some ink colors are harder to target and require more sessions. Because it is your body that actually breaks down the ink, every person’s removal process will be different.

"Before and After Photos"

Explore tattoo removal now!

Explore tattoo removal now!

Tattoo Removal Cream - A Cheaper Alternative to Laser

Tattoo Removal Cream - A Cheaper Alternative to Laser

Tattoo Removal Cream - A Cheaper Alternative to Laser

Tattoo Removal Cream - A Cheaper Alternative to Laser

Cherry Blossom Tattoo Designs

Cherry Blossom Tattoo Designs Cherry blossom tattoo - what does it symbolize Even if these flowers are mostly associated with Japan, they are also a part of China’s culture as well but represent an entirely different meaning as how it is traditionally observed in Japan. It would be therefore interesting to know as what cherry blossom tattoo symbolizes in relation to how the flower is celebrated in.

Cherry Blossom Tattoo Designs

Cherry Blossom Tattoo Designs Cherry blossom tattoo - what does it symbolize Even if these flowers are mostly associated with Japan, they are also a part of China’s culture as well but represent an entirely different meaning as how it is traditionally observed in Japan. It would be therefore interesting to know as what cherry blossom tattoo symbolizes in relation to how the flower is celebrated in.

tattoos for girls

There are many types of designs that women choose to place on various parts of the body. Although some designs are more popular in some areas than others, chest tattoos are growing increasingly popular in women that are seeking a tattoo that can set them apart from the crowd and a tattoo that is highly visible with most pieces of clothing and can be displayed at ease. Chest tattoos are commonly placed above, or even on the breasts in women that choose this area of the body and can be seen through low cut clothing, even in regular pieces of clothing, depending on how high the tattoo has been placed on the body.

What types of chest tattoos are most popular for women? The most common types of chest tattoos that are popular for women are such things as script; angel wings placed above the breasts and even paw prints which have been inspired by celebrities. There are many variations which can be created with these tattoos and therefore seeking popular designs from inspiration like celebrities and tattoo galleries can help to narrow down the choices when it comes to choosing a chest tattoo.

Keep in mind that the chest tattoo is going to be visible to many people, as most popular shirts do not cover the upper chest therefore the tattoo will be seen by all. For this reason, many people choose a tattoo that is tasteful. Another aspect that one should consider before getting a chest tattoo is the fact that the tattoo can begin to appear lower, or sag as muscle tone begins to decrease as we age. Taking all of these factors into account can help to determine if a chest tattoo and even what design of a chest tattoo is right for you.

tattoos for girls

There are many types of designs that women choose to place on various parts of the body. Although some designs are more popular in some areas than others, chest tattoos are growing increasingly popular in women that are seeking a tattoo that can set them apart from the crowd and a tattoo that is highly visible with most pieces of clothing and can be displayed at ease. Chest tattoos are commonly placed above, or even on the breasts in women that choose this area of the body and can be seen through low cut clothing, even in regular pieces of clothing, depending on how high the tattoo has been placed on the body.

What types of chest tattoos are most popular for women? The most common types of chest tattoos that are popular for women are such things as script; angel wings placed above the breasts and even paw prints which have been inspired by celebrities. There are many variations which can be created with these tattoos and therefore seeking popular designs from inspiration like celebrities and tattoo galleries can help to narrow down the choices when it comes to choosing a chest tattoo.

Keep in mind that the chest tattoo is going to be visible to many people, as most popular shirts do not cover the upper chest therefore the tattoo will be seen by all. For this reason, many people choose a tattoo that is tasteful. Another aspect that one should consider before getting a chest tattoo is the fact that the tattoo can begin to appear lower, or sag as muscle tone begins to decrease as we age. Taking all of these factors into account can help to determine if a chest tattoo and even what design of a chest tattoo is right for you.

tattoo motive : Kat Von tattoos

Last night at the Maxim Hot 100 party in Los Angeles, tattoo artist Katherine Von Drachenberg (aka Kat Von D) arrived with stars in her eyes. Or at least, next to them.

I guess I'll just never get used to someone having about 20 or so stars tattooed around her eye area. Not to say it isn't art; I just find the permanence unbelievable — and imagine the pain.

Kat's makeup (which you can enter to win by taking this quiz) was bold, just like her personality. She wore lots of highlighter on her eyes, her lips were red and creamy, and her blush was strong. I really liked her asymmetrical liquid eye liner; however, her shellacked eyebrows were over the top. For product and application suggestions on how you can re-create Kat's hot makeup look at home,read more.

• FACE: Apply a creamy foundation all over and blend well. Then, dab some concealer under your eyes and to any red areas. Next, dust a loose, translucent powder over your face to set the foundation and the concealer.
• CHEEKS: Stand in the mirror and smile. Begin by blending a cream blush such as Nars Creme Blush in Constantinople to the apples of your cheeks and then drag it along your cheekbones. As a finishing touch, smear a touch of highlighter on top of the blush.
• EYES: Begin by applying the lightest shade in Kat's True Romance Ludwig Eye Shadow Palette all over the lid. Then blend the deepest brown shadow into the crease and add a creamy highlighter to the brow bone. Next, carefully draw a medium line on the top and bottom of your eyes using her Autograph Eyeliner in Puro Amor. When you are finished, go back and extend the line from the outer corner of your eye until it meets the end of your eyebrow. On the inner corner of your eye, extend the line so that it touches the beginning of your nose. Add a little bit of luminizer on the inner v too.
• LIPS: To create Kat's bright-red, Gwen Stefani lips, apply some of her Painted Love Lipstick in Hellbent with a lip brush. Blot and add some more for the ultimate drop-dead, blood-red pout.

tattoo motive : Kat Von tattoos

Last night at the Maxim Hot 100 party in Los Angeles, tattoo artist Katherine Von Drachenberg (aka Kat Von D) arrived with stars in her eyes. Or at least, next to them.

I guess I'll just never get used to someone having about 20 or so stars tattooed around her eye area. Not to say it isn't art; I just find the permanence unbelievable — and imagine the pain.

Kat's makeup (which you can enter to win by taking this quiz) was bold, just like her personality. She wore lots of highlighter on her eyes, her lips were red and creamy, and her blush was strong. I really liked her asymmetrical liquid eye liner; however, her shellacked eyebrows were over the top. For product and application suggestions on how you can re-create Kat's hot makeup look at home,read more.

• FACE: Apply a creamy foundation all over and blend well. Then, dab some concealer under your eyes and to any red areas. Next, dust a loose, translucent powder over your face to set the foundation and the concealer.
• CHEEKS: Stand in the mirror and smile. Begin by blending a cream blush such as Nars Creme Blush in Constantinople to the apples of your cheeks and then drag it along your cheekbones. As a finishing touch, smear a touch of highlighter on top of the blush.
• EYES: Begin by applying the lightest shade in Kat's True Romance Ludwig Eye Shadow Palette all over the lid. Then blend the deepest brown shadow into the crease and add a creamy highlighter to the brow bone. Next, carefully draw a medium line on the top and bottom of your eyes using her Autograph Eyeliner in Puro Amor. When you are finished, go back and extend the line from the outer corner of your eye until it meets the end of your eyebrow. On the inner corner of your eye, extend the line so that it touches the beginning of your nose. Add a little bit of luminizer on the inner v too.
• LIPS: To create Kat's bright-red, Gwen Stefani lips, apply some of her Painted Love Lipstick in Hellbent with a lip brush. Blot and add some more for the ultimate drop-dead, blood-red pout.

foot tattoos

foot tattoos

When many people get their first tattoo, they don’t realize how permanent of an act this is. A tattoo will remain on the skin permanently through the entire life, and can often be difficult to remove. Since the tattoo is difficult to remove, there are often ways that people seek to cover the entire tattoo with another piece of art that can be created on the body. When these mistakes are made and years later people realize that they would rather not want the tattoo on the body, removal is often not the best option and therefore choosing to cover up the tattoo becomes a more viable option that can have successful results.

How should you choose an artist to complete the cover up tattoo? While making the decision about which tattoo artist to work with to complete the work on the cover up tattoo, it is important that this tattoo artist understand the complexity that is required through the work to cover up the existing piece.

The tattoo that is covering the existing tattoo must often be larger as well as darker to ensure that there will be adequate space to cover the tattoo. For this reason, the tattoo must be smaller – which makes it easier to cover. There are a variety of designs which can be used within the cover up tattoo to create a new piece of art. As an added bonus, the cover up tattoo can be given new life with updated colors, designs and even a completely different tattoo!

There are some tattoos which can be impossible to cover up. Most often, the people that have these types of tattoos have no choice but to resort to cosmetic surgery to remove the tattoo ink from the surface of the skin, which can result in scarring.

Jesus Tattoo : tattoo motive

A very elegant tattoo design showing Jesus Christ on the arm.

Touching Jesus Tattoo Design

A very touching tattoo design for the ones who have strong belief in the teachings of Jesus Christ

Jesus Tattoo On Back

A very cool Jesus tattoo design on the back.The tattoo look so realistic.

Jesus Tattoo

Jesus Tattoo : tattoo motive

A very elegant tattoo design showing Jesus Christ on the arm.

Touching Jesus Tattoo Design

A very touching tattoo design for the ones who have strong belief in the teachings of Jesus Christ

Jesus Tattoo On Back

A very cool Jesus tattoo design on the back.The tattoo look so realistic.

Jesus Tattoo

Tattoo Ideas : tattoos for girls

Tattoo Ideas : tattoos for girls

Choosing a tattoo artist is one of the most important decisions you could make after deciding to get a tattoo. It should be a careful decision; because this is the person you are trusting to make a permanent design on your body. You want someone that gives you a warm feeling rather than a creepy “this guy is a freak” feeling.

There are a lot of other factors to consider when selecting a tattoo artist. Looking for the cheapest seems like the most obvious way to go, but you do get what you pay for. The best way to choose a great tattoo artist is to go buy reputation. Ask around, especially any of your friends that already have tattoos, and they will be able to give you some feedback regarding which tattoo artist did their tattoos and how they were.

One of the best ways to choose a tattoo artist is to shop around. Make a list of tattoo parlors you want to visit and go have a look at their samples. You can generally tell which tattoo artists are any good by the samples that are usually hanging in their shop. If the samples are bad or not drawn as well as you like, check the next shop. You are certain to find one that suits you.

It cannot be stressed enough how important it is to take your time when deciding which artist to let tattoo a design to your body. After all, you don’t want to give that task to just anyone.

tattoo motive : Carey Hart Tattoos

Add to your Favorites!

tattoo motive : Carey Hart Tattoos

Carey Hart's Amazing Artwork
Carey Hart was caught and photographed at his famous Hart and Huntington Tattoo Company at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada yesterday. The star showed off his huge collection of tattoos on his body.

tattoo motive : Carey Hart Tattoos

Add to your Favorites!

tattoo motive : Carey Hart Tattoos

Carey Hart's Amazing Artwork
Carey Hart was caught and photographed at his famous Hart and Huntington Tattoo Company at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada yesterday. The star showed off his huge collection of tattoos on his body.

tattoos for girls : Cool Tattoo Designs

tattoos for girls : Cool Tattoo Designs

Finding cool tattoo designs can be simple during a visit to the local tattoo parlor. Inspiration is plenty through the images which are displayed through the portfolios and through the past images that have been created by the tattoo artists that work at the particular shop. These images have been created in the past and can often be changed to provide inspiration for new tattoos.

The majority of people that choose to get a tattoo know the design in which they are seeking and therefore often bring in inspiration which can be used in combination with the designs which are available at the tattoo parlor. The designs can be found on the internet and printed, or even created by the individual themselves to create an experience and a unique tattoo that will be like no other anyone has seen.

Regardlless of the choices that have been made for the tattoo, the tattoo artist can always customize a design that has been chosen through the use of colors, shading and even small changes that can be made to the design. This is an effective way to ensure that the tattoo, which is a unique and personal experience remains as such.

The tattoos which are chosen can often be changed through the use of one simple adjustment within the inspiration. This could include script or even a combination of two and even three tattoos which are available through the tattoo shop that the artist has created.

Many tattoo artists create tattoos, for a fee, that are personalized to the person that is getting the tattoo. This is an effective way to ensure that you are truly obtaining a unique experience from the tattoo which is being drawn on the body.

tattoo motive : Skeleton Tattoos

tattoo motive : Skeleton Tattoos

tattoo motive : Skeleton Tattoos

tattoo motive : Skeleton Tattoos

foot tattoos : Tattoos Pics in Artists

Upon meeting with potential local tattoo artists, asking to view a copy of the portfolio to view the personal style of the artists, the skill level and the tattoos that have been completed in the past can also be a great way to find inspiration for tattoos that can be completed in the future. Through the career of the tattoo artists, they have more than likely developed a variety of images in which they use as a portfolio to showcase to new and potential clients. These portfolios contain a variety of images in which the tattoo artists have worked on in the past and created for a diverse amount of clients.

Through the use of the portfolio and once the client is given the chance to view the portfolio, it can be a good determinant to see if the personal style between the potential client and the tattoo artists will work together well for the vision the client has in mind for the tattoo. Keep in mind that the vision which is associated with some tattoo artists can be different from the client, as each tattoo artist may specialize in a different type of tattoo art. Through the use of this tattoo art, the client can determine if the vision is in line with the tattoo that is expected.

These portfolios can contain hundreds and even thousands of images, depending on how many images the tattoo artist wishes to use within the portfolio. The tattoo artists may choose to display the custom pieces which have been obtained, or they may choose to display a variety of tattoos, from the everyday designs which are completed on a regular basis to the creative works which have been specially designed for individuals that are seeking something truly unique.

foot tattoos : Tattoos Pics in Artists

Upon meeting with potential local tattoo artists, asking to view a copy of the portfolio to view the personal style of the artists, the skill level and the tattoos that have been completed in the past can also be a great way to find inspiration for tattoos that can be completed in the future. Through the career of the tattoo artists, they have more than likely developed a variety of images in which they use as a portfolio to showcase to new and potential clients. These portfolios contain a variety of images in which the tattoo artists have worked on in the past and created for a diverse amount of clients.

Through the use of the portfolio and once the client is given the chance to view the portfolio, it can be a good determinant to see if the personal style between the potential client and the tattoo artists will work together well for the vision the client has in mind for the tattoo. Keep in mind that the vision which is associated with some tattoo artists can be different from the client, as each tattoo artist may specialize in a different type of tattoo art. Through the use of this tattoo art, the client can determine if the vision is in line with the tattoo that is expected.

These portfolios can contain hundreds and even thousands of images, depending on how many images the tattoo artist wishes to use within the portfolio. The tattoo artists may choose to display the custom pieces which have been obtained, or they may choose to display a variety of tattoos, from the everyday designs which are completed on a regular basis to the creative works which have been specially designed for individuals that are seeking something truly unique.

tattoo motive : Gang Tattoos

Since anti-gang laws were enforced in Honduras and El Salvador and series of killings in Guatemala were committed by citizen vigilante groups and security forces, gangs are ditching tattoos to duck the radar and have resorted to more subtle, low profile ways of identifying themselves as members of criminal organizations, and performing extreme makeovers. Today, gang members with tattooed faces are either dead, in prison or in hiding.

Mara gang member ‘Smoking,’ 25, prison portrait in Chimaltenango, Guatemala.
Photo AP / Rodrigo Abd

Throughout Central America and the U.S., the Mara 18 and Mara Salvatrucha gangs are known for their audacious tactics, including beheading their enemies and covering entire buildings and even their bodies with gang symbols.

Anti-gang operatives are saying these typically uneducated and aimless youth have begun recruiting high school and college students, and escalating their criminal activities from minor robberies to large-scale extortion, prostitution, car theft and kidnappings.

The gangs first formed in Los Angeles in the 1980’s, recruiting Salvadorans who fled to the U.S. to escape civil war. After many of the members were deported for crimes committed in the U.S. in the ’90’s, the gangs established themselves in Central America.

There are believed to be as many as 30,000 Maras in the U.S., mainly in Los Angeles, and about 100,000 in Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua, according to U.S. federal authorities.

Distinguishing themselves by tattoos head to toe with threatening symbols and hanging out in large crowds on street corners, their goal was to intimidate and terrify regular citizens and rival gangs alike.

But that has recently changed after El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras adopted tough anti-gang policies, including graffiti-removal campaigns and harsh punishments for gang-related crimes. Many youths have been arrested or killed, allegedly in operations by police or citizen’s groups.

“These days we can’t even go out onto the street, where the police look at us and we end up dead.” said 25 year old Giovanni Estrada — aka ‘Little Crazy’ — an imprisoned gang member with a tattooed face. “That’s why we tell (new gang members) not to paint their faces.”

Mara gang member Jose Daniel Galindo — aka 22 ‘Criminal — prison portrait
in Chimaltenango, Guatemala. Photo AP / Rodrigo Abd

Sammy Rivera, a security adviser for the Narcotics Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala, and Jose Luis Tovar, deputy police chief in El Salvador, both say the gangs’ increasingly lucrative pursuits have attracted high school and college students looking to make a buck, versus the dropouts and other gang members who mainly sought to satisfy their need to belong.

“Before they would rob a bus and could take away some cell phones and a little money.” Rivera said. “Now they have a steady income from the extortion they carry out in their territories.”

Mara gang member Hector Giovani Estrada Martinez — aka ‘Liro Crazzy’ —
prison portrait in Chimaltenango, Guatemala. Photo AP / Rodrigo Abd

Woman Gives Up Everything for Gang

Apparently seduced by lifestyle and money, Ingrid Vicente abandoned her husband, kids, government job and law studies to join a gang in 2002. As a secretary at the Finance Ministry, she earned 2,000 quetzales a month and doubled that in 1 day as a gang member.

Ingrid didn’t look like a typical Mara, so she was able to easily smuggled guns from El Salvador, earning about $650 a day. She also helped uneducated gang members figure out how much they could extort from storekeepers without bankrupting them.

“These guys don’t know what is possible.” Ingrid told The Associated Press. “They didn’t even know how to drive a car or a motorcycle, so I showed them how to drive.”

After discovering the cost and bearing 2 more children with a gang member, she decided to quit. Her gang killed her brother and boyfriend in retaliation. She’s now a witness, testifying against the gang.

Gangs have been forced to recruit people like Ingrid to keep a step ahead of the government’s zero-tolerance policies, which have forced them underground and into new areas of crime.

No longer able to conduct blatant robberies, the gangs have turned to “other activities that require a better level of organization.” said Rivera.

Even though the graffiti is gone and the walls are blank, “We still hear gunshots every day.” said Guatemala City resident Aura Escobar.

Mara gang member ‘Raton,’ 21 — prison portrait in Chimaltenango, Guatemala.
Photo AP / Rodrigo Abd Tattoo Removal to Help Begin New Life

Gang members hoping to build a new life often look to erase the memories of their criminal lifestyle by removing their tattoos, and advocates of tattoo removal say that eradicating the gang tattoos helps them to do so.

But the well has dried up for many tattoo removal programs that were once providing grants and hospital funds and donated time from medical staff has been dying out.

Dr. Paul Zwiebel, the physician in charge of the Swedish program Swedish Medical Center established in 1993 in Colorado said, “At first, we treated hundreds of kids. Swedish was a very willing partner. Without them the program could not have happened.”

The procedure costs between $2,000 to $5,000 per tattoo, according to Zwiebel, and sometimes more for larger tattoos.

The program provided free treatments if the patient provided 25 hours of community service, made written promise to make a lifetime commitment to leave the gang lifestyle and describe how tattoos were holding them back from achieving their goals.

Mara gang member ‘Psycho 23′ — prison portrait in Chimaltenango, Guatemala. Photo AP / Rodrigo Abd

Dr. Zwiebel says the procedure involves treating the tattoo with a laser that breaks down the ink in the skin. The body then removes the ink through the immune system. It generally takes several sessions to treat a small tattoo, and more sessions for larger tattoos. The procedure can be painful and may result in some scarring.

Julie Lonborg, director of planning, business development and marketing at Swedish notes that while the program was popular in its inception, it became plagued with no-shows for the costly and time-intensive procedure.

“There was a lack of interest from the community.” Lonborg said. “There were more no-shows than appointments. It became a waste of time.”

Rev. Leon Kelly, the director of Open Door Youth Gang Alternatives in Denver said, “We were trying to give an alternative to folks who wanted to change their life, but a lot of our people weren’t willing to follow through. The funding went away.”

Terrance Roberts, a former Bloods gang member and director of The Prodigal Son Initiative in Aurora still has his gang tattoos. “I looked into (tattoo removal) for myself, but it was a lot of running around.” he said. “It (tattoo removal) can be a diversion from other, more successful programs.”

Gang tattoos often are used to tell the world the bearer is proud of his affiliation and his neighborhood. But the permanent etchings are much easier applied than removed. One can cover them up with another tattoo or have them removed by laser — a painful, expensive process that’s frequently beyond the financial reach of most former gang members.

But when former gang members attempt to put their lives back together, find jobs and detach themselves from the stigma of gang life, they soon learn that removing the tattoos is very costly. Some tattoo removal businesses charges as much as $8,000 to remove a single tattoo.

Most tattoo parlors steer clear of doing gang-related tattoos for fear of being found out where the work was done by rival gang members, presenting a serious threat to their business, said San Diego tattoo artist Gordo Lost. Most gang tattoos are done by someone in the gang member’s neighborhood, or in jail, he added.

Mara gang member Mauricio Jose Solorzano, 23 — aka ‘Pinky’ — prison portrait
in Chimaltenango, Guatemala. Photo AP / Rodrigo Abd Job-stoppers

Once gang members are out of prison or decide to go straight, the past can haunt those who bear ink on their skin, especially if the tattoo is somewhere visible even when fully clothed.

Tattoos on the forearms, hands or face are called ‘job-stoppers’ said Lost. While covering up gang-related tattoos is an option, even tattoos that have nothing to do with gangs can make it difficult to find work he said, adding that he often advises new clients not to get tattooed on parts of their body that are visible to potential employers.

Released from prison after serving 19 months for auto theft, Rivera — a former Mesa Locos gang member — said he is doing his best to leave gang life behind. Rivera has more than 15 tattoos altogether with Mesa tattoos on various parts of his body, including his neck and fingers.

But, “it’s hard to find a job on my own cause of my record and because of my tattoos.” Rivera said, adding that he now works part time for his girlfriend’s father.

Some of the body art he had done in jail, others he had done by friends.

Mara gang member Luis Alfredo Madrid, 22 — aka ‘Smiling’ — prison portrait
in Chimaltenango, Guatemala. Photo AP / Rodrigo Abd Tattoo artist Obed Mejia of Escondido Body Art, said that he was a gang member in San Marcos many years ago, but left gang life behind. He said he got his first lessons in tattooing from an uncle who had just gotten out of prison and knew the techniques.

best tattoos : tattoo ideas

When shopping around for tattoos, it is important to realize that one must shop around for the tattoo artist as well. In fact, the design can often be completed by any artist, but the degree to which the design is customized and the degree to which the design can be found on the body in a unique way and proper technique is used to complete the work of art may solely depend on the work that has been completed and the training that has been accomplished, as well as the natural skill, of the tattoo artist completing the design.

In order to find the best tattoo design for you, you must first be able to find the right tattoo artists to complete the work of art. How should you go about searching for the right tattoo artist? To find the right tattoo artist, first consider the prior experience that has been completed as well as having a look at their portfolio. This can help to gauge the level of accomplishment the artist has obtained, as well as offering an insight into the personal style of the tattoo artist. Every tattoo artists has a unique and distinctive personal style which can come through in the work that they have created. Through this work, the tattoo artists are able to display their personal style with ease.

When choosing the design, be sure that it is a design that the tattoo artists is familiar working with. Choosing an effective design depends on this fact, as the tattoo artists will be able to incorporate their personal ideas to create a design that is unique for you. Personal style is an important part of becoming a tattoo artist and can often make or break the clientele. Having designs that the tattoo artists is comfortable working with, including portrait or lettering, can be an effective way to ensure the best tattoo design will be obtained.

best tattoos : tattoo ideas

When shopping around for tattoos, it is important to realize that one must shop around for the tattoo artist as well. In fact, the design can often be completed by any artist, but the degree to which the design is customized and the degree to which the design can be found on the body in a unique way and proper technique is used to complete the work of art may solely depend on the work that has been completed and the training that has been accomplished, as well as the natural skill, of the tattoo artist completing the design.

In order to find the best tattoo design for you, you must first be able to find the right tattoo artists to complete the work of art. How should you go about searching for the right tattoo artist? To find the right tattoo artist, first consider the prior experience that has been completed as well as having a look at their portfolio. This can help to gauge the level of accomplishment the artist has obtained, as well as offering an insight into the personal style of the tattoo artist. Every tattoo artists has a unique and distinctive personal style which can come through in the work that they have created. Through this work, the tattoo artists are able to display their personal style with ease.

When choosing the design, be sure that it is a design that the tattoo artists is familiar working with. Choosing an effective design depends on this fact, as the tattoo artists will be able to incorporate their personal ideas to create a design that is unique for you. Personal style is an important part of becoming a tattoo artist and can often make or break the clientele. Having designs that the tattoo artists is comfortable working with, including portrait or lettering, can be an effective way to ensure the best tattoo design will be obtained.