The Benefits of Covering Up a Tattoo Instead of Laser Removal

Tattoos are a form of self-expression, but sometimes people change their minds about the designs they once loved. When that happens, the question arises: should you remove the tattoo with laser treatment or cover it up with a new design? While laser removal is a popular option, covering up a tattoo often offers several advantages that many people overlook. This article explores why covering up a tattoo might be a better choice than laser removal.

Tattoo artist creating a cover-up design on forearm

Less Pain and Discomfort

Laser tattoo removal involves multiple sessions where high-intensity light breaks down the ink particles under the skin. This process can be painful, often described as feeling like hot rubber bands snapping against the skin. In contrast, covering up a tattoo with a new design involves the usual tattooing process, which many find more manageable than laser removal pain.

Cover-up tattoos allow you to control the pain better because the artist can work in smaller sections and take breaks. Laser removal sessions can last several minutes to an hour, repeated every 6 to 8 weeks, which prolongs the discomfort over months.

Cost-Effectiveness

Laser removal can be expensive. Each session may cost hundreds of dollars, and most tattoos require 6 to 10 sessions or more for significant fading. The total cost can quickly add up to thousands of dollars.

Covering up a tattoo usually requires fewer sessions and less overall expense. A skilled tattoo artist can design a cover-up that hides the old tattoo effectively in one or two sessions. This option often saves money while giving you a fresh, new tattoo you can enjoy.

Faster Results and Immediate Transformation

Laser removal takes time. It requires multiple treatments spaced weeks apart to allow the skin to heal. This means it can take several months or even over a year to see the final results.

Covering up a tattoo provides an immediate transformation. Once the new tattoo is finished, the old design is hidden right away. This instant change can be more satisfying for those who want to move on quickly from their old tattoo.

Preserves Skin Health and Reduces Scarring Risk

Laser removal can sometimes cause skin irritation, blistering, or scarring, especially if the tattoo is large or has dark ink. The process breaks down ink particles but also affects the skin’s surface, which may lead to uneven texture or discoloration.

Cover-up tattoos, when done by an experienced artist, work with the existing ink and skin condition. Since the skin is not being broken down repeatedly, the risk of scarring or damage is generally lower. The new tattoo can also be designed to camouflage any imperfections from the original tattoo.

Creative Opportunity for a New Design

Covering up a tattoo opens the door to creativity. Instead of erasing the past, you can transform it into something new and meaningful. Many tattoo artists specialize in cover-ups and can turn an unwanted tattoo into a beautiful piece of art.

This option allows you to incorporate elements that reflect your current style, personality, or story. It’s a chance to reinvent your tattoo rather than just remove it.

Considerations Before Choosing Cover-Up

While covering up a tattoo has many benefits, it’s important to consider a few factors:

• Tattoo Size and Color

Dark and large tattoos can be challenging to cover. The new design must be bold and dark enough to mask the old one.

• Tattoo Location

Some areas of the body are harder to tattoo over due to skin texture or sensitivity.

• Artist Skill

Finding a tattoo artist experienced in cover-ups is crucial. They can assess your tattoo and design a cover-up that works well.

When Laser Removal Might Be Necessary

There are cases where laser removal is the better option:

• If you want to completely erase the tattoo without any new ink.

• If the tattoo is in a visible area where a cover-up might not look natural.

• If the tattoo has sentimental value but you want a clean slate for a new tattoo in the same spot.

  
  

In these situations, laser removal can prepare the skin for a fresh tattoo later.

Final Thoughts

If you are officially sold on covering up an outdated tattoo of yours, look no further then Leap Then Look Tattoo. With several artists trained in tattoo cover-ups, we look forward to transforming your old ink into something you can love again. The next step is easy, shoot us a text at the shop letting us know you are interested in a cover up. Send a photo of your old tattoo and let us know some topics you would be open to using to help us form an idea of what to cover it with and we can arrange the rest!