Laser Tattoo Removal vs. Tattoo Cover-Ups: Which Is Better?

Your goals matter when deciding whether to cover up a tattoo or remove it altogether. At Lexington Tattoo Removal, we want you to make the right decision for your body, which is why we offer expert advice and tattoo removal consultations.

Lexington Tattoo Removal specializes in laser tattoo removal, laser hair removal, microblading removal, and more. Whether you’re in the greater Lexington area or in the surrounding states, you can trust our personalized approach and proven track record. Talk with us today about whether laser tattoo removal is right for you!

Should I Remove or Cover a Tattoo?

It’s an easy question, but not always an easy answer, since the answer depends on your goals, including what you hope to do next. Here are three potential steps forward.

• Cover-up: A tattoo cover-up goes over your existing tattoo and transforms it into a completely new piece of artwork.
• Fading Tattoo Before Cover-Up: Use laser tattoo removal to fade the tattoo so it’s no longer visible or to create a cleaner space with more color and style choices.
• Laser Tattoo Removal: Completely remove the tattoo, leaving no trace.

If you want to get a new tattoo in the same location, fading the old tattoo before a cover-up can be very helpful, as your new tattoo will be clearer. Laser tattoo removal doesn’t easily remove lighter colors , like white and yellow, but it can lighten them so they’re less noticeable.

If you have tattoo remorse, a cover-up could help. If it’s because of the location, it won’t.

Pros and Cons of Tattoo Cover-Ups

Tattoo artists who specialize in cover-ups may be able to incorporate all or part of your existing tattoo into the new design by using darker or more vibrant shades. Some benefits of covering up tattoos include that it’s:

• Faster. No need to wait for the time between laser removal sessions, which are often spaced several weeks apart, and then the cover-up.
• Cost-effective. Cover-ups cost less than laser removal unless you’re fading the tattoo before the cover-up.
• Known Pain Level. Comparable to getting your original tattoo.
• New Design. The new piece transforms the old tattoo!

However, there are some cons of tattoo cover-ups to consider. Including:

• Color Limitations. Cover-ups require darker colors to conceal the old tattoo.
• Design Limitations. It needs to be larger than the old one.
• Location Regret. If your existing tattoo is in a highly visible spot or you simply don’t like the location, a cover-up will not change that.
• Quality of the Work. You need an experienced tattoo artist who specializes in cover-ups to do the work.
• Fading May Be Required. Black, red, and other bold colors may need to be faded to achieve a successful cover-up.

Schedule Your Tattoo Removal Consultation Today

While cover-ups seem like an easy decision, they oftentimes don’t meet your goals of a new tattoo or complete removal. Whether you choose to fade your tattoo for a meaningful cover-up or remove it completely, we can help.

At Lexington Tattoo Removal, our specialists utilize top-of-the-line laser equipment and have the skill and knowledge to assist you. Schedule a tattoo removal consultation to learn what we can do for you. You can also learn more about our other services, including microblading removal and laser hair removal.

Request a consultation by calling (859) 785-2189, completing our contact form, or visiting our clinic. We serve the greater Lexington, KY area and surrounding states, including Louisville, KY; Cincinnati, OH; Huntington, WV; and Nashville, TN.