a bad tattoo...

I have a tattoo on my upper right arm/shoulder. And yes, it was done by a friend of a friend, in their apartment. Bad news, I know. Now I had this done like 10 years ago, and I noticed that whenever I am out of the shower, it feels raised. Some of the lines in it feel thick and almost swollen inside. And as an example, if I were to get a pimple, and squueze it too hard, where I break the skin, I can see the ink in the area. So I guess the tattoo is only a layer or two beneath the surface. Is this possible? And am I better off getting it removed, then to cover it up? Since it seems so shallow beneath the skin, I would think that a new tattoo would butcher up the old one since it's so close to the surface or put the new ink beneath it...either way, ending up with slop. Thanks.

that happends with homemades...think of it this way. When you soak in the tub for too long your skin starts to look like a prune. Even if you didn't get it remove, it seams like it would fade considerably, has it faded by the way? Probably would be easier to get it removed, but not laser...look into Rejuvi instead. www.rejuvilab.com or www.finalcutdallas.com

so sorry to hear that. removal is nasty with the wrong doctor..be extra careful if you go that route. I had one removed and it created a horribly raised scar. I was told after that the doctor was no good and had it covered up with another tattoo..It still looks kind of bumpy and weird. Be really careful. Go by word of mouth with the doctors. They all have those before and after picture(don't beleive them!-they are all sharks!) Cover-up tattoos can be really nice. The removal will leave a scar anyhow. I wish you alot of luck. k

Go to a good shop,and ask them what your options are..i had laser work done in N.Carolina,and it lightened the tattoo considerably.i heard www.smoothlaser.com is a good place to go..Manhattan has plenty of good shops..Look at the artists photo albums to see what style they do,and if they do clean,and solid work..www.macdougaltattoo.com www.regnyc.com www.risingdragon.com www.marcoserio.com www.yesithurts.net www.scottcampbelltattoo.com www.kotattoos.com www.flyrite-tattoo.com www.tattoosfortheunloved.com

do yourself a favor and contact the Kern brothers(Tim and James) at No Hope No Fear in Chicago. They are masters of the cover-up. in fact they've written a book on cover-ups that I've seen them sell at conventions. If you can't get there, ask them if they know somebody good in your area. The tattoo world is really quite small, so I'm sure they could reccommend someone.