Whether it’s an homage to an ex-lover, a drunken whim or an impediment to landing a job, you may have second thoughts about getting your tattoo. It’s estimated that up to 50 percent of those who get inked regret it later on, but unlike most things in life, tattoos are permanent. However, there are ways to fade a tattoo – if your desire outweighs your budget. Laser tattoo removal is the most effective way to minimize the color in your tattoo, but there are a few variables that it depends on for success. First is skin tone – people with dark complexions have a better rate of success than people with fair skin. But risks of hypopigmentation – a loss of skin color where lasers are applied – is a risk for darker-skinned people. Another variable is the color or colors used in the tattoo. Black tends to be the easiest color to fade; pinks and peaches are more difficult. And the more colors included in the tattoo, the more difficult it is to remove satisfactorily.

Because color is deposited under the skin with a needle, the level at which it is deposited can vary, so some of the tattoo’s removal can look uneven, depending on the technique of the tattoo artist who applied it. Laser removal tends to be the most effective, though there are creams on the market that claim to fade tattoos. A dermatologist will administer laser treatments, and it may take numerous treatments before you see the results you want. Depending on the difficulty of removing the tattoo and the other variables, you should ask how many treatments you can expect and how much money you’re looking at before signing up for laser treatments. Treatment takes just a few minutes, but it can be uncomfortable to undergo – many liken it to the sensation of getting a tattoo. Some doctors will inject a local anesthesia, while others smooth on an anesthetic cream. Getting inked doesn’t have to be the end of the world, so see a dermatologist about getting rid of it.