considerations before getting a tattoo?

Over the last...possibly three or so years...I have thought I'd really like a tattoo. I am almost twenty-one. I know if I got a tattoo it would have to be a symbol I design and that is really important to me. I'd also not want it somewhere extremley visable, but rather on my stomach, or between my breasts or maybe on my back or foot. However, I'm still not totally sure if I want to get a permanant symbol on me - what if I change my mind later, or it looks bad when I'm older?

Here are some questions for people that have gotten tattoos or have had to think about these things...

1. How do I know that this is right for me?
2. How hard is it to get a tattoo removed if it's not right later on? (I've heard it can be done but it's painful?)
3. Is there anything I should consider that I haven't?

Any stories / ideas / answers welcome!!

 

All of my tattoos have been impulse tattoos. I love them and don't regret them. They didn't hurt and I forget they're there most of the time. They're visible....one on my lower back and one on my shoulder....and people notice them....I've yet to get a bad response from someone under the age of 50. I'm sure they'll sag when I get older....but NO tattoo is going to stay young and spry while gravity takes it's toll on your body, that's wishful thinking. Why think 40 years into the future? Your body is only young once....make it pretty with tattoos if that's your flavor. If you have to think THAT much into it....maybe you're just not ready....

 

1. How do I know that this is right for me?
It all really depends on you. If you feel it is the "one" then it is. Nobody can really help you with this one except to say wait a week or two once you find a design you like. Tattoos are very personal, for myself, tattoos a basically just an art collection, so as long as I think the tattoo is attractive, it is the one. I have my entire back covered and the only thing I told the artist was that I wanted a nature scene. For others, every line must be symbolic.

2. How hard is it to get a tattoo removed if it's not right later on? (I've heard it can be done but it's painful?)
I've been told by people who've had tattoos lasered that it is 10x more painful, exspensive, and time consuming than the tattoo itself. Results are often not perfect. Don't get a tattoo is you are thinking you may want it removed later on.

3. Is there anything I should consider that I haven't?
Everyone stressed about their first tattoo. The thought "it might not be right later on" is very common. The way I see it, it is very possible that my tastes will change and I wouldn't redo a tattoo I have right now. I look at tattoos as a storybook on my life. As long as the tattoo represents a station of my life, was done with thoughtfulness, and is not hate based, I feel I will always be content even if my preferences do change.

Peace

 

I have a friend who got tatoo's on his hands. He has had heaps of laser surgery, and they still haven't gone.