Did you ever get a tattoo removed?

My husband wants me to get a tattoo removed before I get breast reconstruction surgery

• Years before my husband and I got married we dated and broke up. While we were broke up I got a few tattoos. One of which is on my forearm, he thinks it is "trashy" for a woman to have a forearm tattoo. We started a family and we now have two kids and one on the way. As you know gravity has taken over. I want to have my boobs lifted. Since I am a stay at home mom he is the bread winner and makes all the financial decisions, which by far is OK with me. He said if I agree to get the tattoo removed he will pay for the augmentation. I really want to do it but I know it's going to hurt worse than getting the tattoo. Are there any other methods of tattoo removal other than laser that actually work? I'm torn because I love my tattoo but I want to look good in a bikini. I need some outside opinions.

• Answer:

  There are a few things anyone in the situation might want to research before just jumping in to find the best tattoo removal for their situation. Laser tattoo removal can have many long-term side effects not to mention how abrasive the procedure is to endure the long, painful repeat sessions required to remove most tattoos. Tattoo removal creams are known to contain 'gydroquinone' or TCA (trichloroacetic acid) which is a chemical that damages the skin causing hyper or hypopigmentation and terrible skin irritation. On top of that, tattoo removal creams are unpredictable and have been known to make the skin blister and do even worse when the fumes are inhaled. In modern times, many people are turning toward alternative methods that involve natural, at-home remedies that over weeks fade tattoos away almost completely without laser abrasion and dangerous chemicals. You should consider reading more at the link below about the dangers of laser tattoo removal, tattoo creams and more natural, safe alternatives.